By John Baza

With their top spot among the league’s teams and their undefeated 6-0 record at home on the line, the JFK Islanders outlasted the visiting GW Geckos 73-59 Friday night on the Islanders’ home court.

Holding a narrow 25-24 lead heading into the second half, the Islanders were able to gain momentum behind buckets from Ricky Pak and Chris Conner to jump out with a 31-25 lead. Coming up clutch in the quarter was JFK’s Jan Pineda hit a pair of threes to keep the ball rolling for the home team.

The Geckos’ Jacob Frias had a strong outing in the quarter as he scored 10 points, off layups and two triples from beyond the arc. His effort came up short as the Islanders kept calm and closed the 3rd with a 51-39 lead.

Looking to spark his team into an offensive rhythm, GW’s Eric Alegre hit a jumper to cut the lead 51-41, but the home team Islanders exploded for a 9-2 scoring run in the first three minutes courtesy of buckets from Nolan Chamberlain, Pak and Jaron Weilbacher (60-41).

Islanders Ricky Pak cuts through the Gecko defense for two points and the foul. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

The Geckos attempted to cut at the Islanders lead as time winded down behind baskets from Matt Soto and Allen Camacho, but JFK used their pressure man-to-man defense to force steals and convert on the other end, sealing the win.

The Geckos held their own throughout the game, braving through the Islanders’ pestering pressure defense, to keep the game fairly within reach.

“We just stayed calm and played Islander basketball”, replied Conner when asked what made the difference down the stretch.

With this win the Islanders remain the top team in the league sitting at 11-1, however, their winning record doesn’t distract team captain Ricky Pak and his team’s mentality.

“Being undefeated at home doesn’t really mean too much to us right now but show that we’re number one in the post season, overall it doesn’t matter until we get that championship”, said Pak.

“This win was a good confidence booster and were hoping it rides off with us into the playoffs”, added Pak on the hard fought win.

Conner paced the way for JFK with 15 points, followed by Weilbacher with 13. Wayne Jesus and Pak chipped in 10 points apiece. Frias and Alegre led the Geckos with 10 and 8 points respectively.

The Islanders remain atop the rankings at 11-1 while the Geckos fall to 8-3

Other Scores

St. John’s 55, Tiyan 48
Okkodo 77, ND 42
Sanchez 57, Southern 47
Guam High def. Harvest

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Geckos Nathaniel Kyle Gaitan attempts a jump shot in the paint. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Islanders Ricky Pak races down court on the fast break. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Islanders Chris Conner stops and pops a jumper in the lane. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Islanders Chris Conner skies high for a clean layup. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Islanders point guard Aljurell Grape tries to get by Geckos Alan Camacho. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Geckos Jason Frias finishes the acrobatic layup through the JFK defense. (photo by Richard Camcho IV).