By Niko Bulaon

In a packed Guam High gymnasium, the Guam High Panthers edged passed the young Sanchez Sharks in a head-to-head battle, 53-48, Saturday night.

With the fourth quarter underway, the Panthers kept their lead building, but Sharks John Buan had other plans after landing back-to-back two-pointers to bypass their opponents for the first time in the game, 46-43. Behind Austy Hines, the Panthers quickly took back their lead, 51-46.

With less than a minute left to go, Buan tried to rally his team for a miraculous comeback. But multiple turnovers by the Sharks gave the Panthers a chance to let time expire. Panthers Rodney Taitague hit the go-ahead layup to end any chance of a Sanchez comeback, giving Guam High the win.

“It feels good,” said Hines about tonight’s win. “It wasn’t our best game; Sanchez came to play. A lot of our players stepped up when our starters were in foul trouble. Big shout-outs to them; they did really well today.”

The Panthers started the game with a quick 7-0 run behind L.J. Aguon. As the Sharks tried to keep up with their opponents, Aguon hit another three-pointer and two free throws to grow his team’s lead, 12-5. Behind Edmer Aguas, Sanchez caught up to Guam High before time expired, 19-16.

Sharks’ John Buan took the ball between two Panther defenders and attempts for two. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sanchez came into the second quarter with determination, tying with the Panthers, 19-19, after made baskets from Dean Nilo. But the Panthers didn’t seem fazed as they kept their lead intact from multiple free throws to end the half at 28-24.

Going into the second half, the Panthers stayed ahead of their opponents, but made free throws by Kalvin Vitug and an easy lay-in from David Pugay tied the score at 30-30 with five minutes left to go. Guam High put in second-chance shots to build their lead, 37-33, but Buan and Nilo ended the third quarter on a high note, cutting into the Panther’s lead, 39-37.

“I’m always confident in my team,” stated Hines about his team’s progress through the rest of the season. “I don’t want to get complacent, but I think my team will do really well.”

Hines led the Panthers with 10 points and five rebounds. Aguon contributed with nine points and six rebounds. Buan led the Sharks with 18 points, four rebounds, and four steals.

Other Scores

JFK 85, ND 51 – (JFK) Billy Belger 19 pts. (JFK) Chris Connar 17 pts. (ND) Sage Afaisen
St. Paul 60, FD 56 – (SP) Jason Aquino 26 pts. 4 stls. (SP) John San Andres 15 pts. 11 reb. (FD) Bien Carlos 15 pts.
GW 70, Harvest 44
Southern 64, Okkodo 55

PHOTO GALLERY:

Sharks’ Dominic Garcia put the ball up attempting for two with this short jumper. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks’ John Buan attempted to take the ball into the lane and is fouled on his way to the board. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panthers’ Ansty Hines took the ball up the lane and shot for two over Sharks’ Curtis Aranzaso. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panthers’ Michael Stewart drove the ball down the baseline and attacked the hoop from the backside. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Panthers’ Levis Harris out jumps Sharks’ David Pugay and tips the ball out towards teammate LJ Aguon. (photo by Jesse Castro)