
By Brandon Kinsella
For three quarters it looked like the Warriors would cruise to yet another big win over the Okkodo Bulldogs as they led the game as many as 25 points in an action packed IIAAG Boys Basketball Friday. Okkodo refused to go away by putting together one last rally to get within a single possession in the 4th quarter.
Bulldogs Alvin Aromin opened the 4th Quarter with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 16 at 58-42, which would give Okkodo some momentum after a rough three quarters of shooting. Warriors Jahmar White answered on the following possession with a layup in transition. Several plays later, Aroman would have another opportunity from deep and converted, which shrunk the deficit to just 13 with 5:13 left to play.
White would be sent to the line after being fouled, converting on both free throws to put his team back up by 15. But a big mid-range jump shot off an offensive rebound by Bulldogs Kevin Cabral would give the Bulldogs hope with some time to work with on the clock.
Nico Bonita would come up huge in the Bulldogs rally attempt, hitting several huge shots from beyond the arc to claw away at the Warriors lead. The first three by Bonita cut the lead to 10 at 64-54.
A possession later, Bonita took a deep three with two defenders on him, falling away and converting on the attempt, causing the home team’s crowd to erupt with excitement as the lead was cut to seven.
Prior to Bonita’s last three pointer, Warrior Reo Aiken, would have a huge defensive play, blocking a shot in the interior. Bonita’s last three occurred with a minute left and would put the Bulldogs within three at 65-62.
Warriors start strong
The first half was dominated by the Warriors high energy defense and explosive offense. St. Paul’s defense caused so many turnovers in the first half alone, making it very difficult for the Bulldogs to be efficient. Reo Aiken opened the game sinking two three-pointers and would be efficient from deep all game long.
Aiken’s efficient shooting from deep and big efforts on the defensive end in the final minutes earned him Wendy’s Player of the Game.
“I’ve been working on my shot all summer. And my teammates were able to get me the ball when I was open, and I found a rhythm.”
Jahmar White’s transition I.Q. was on display for the game, dishing off plenty of beautiful assists to teammates after drawing defenders in on the fastbreak.
Despite the Bulldog’s big rally, the Warriors kept their composure, their defense made the necessary adjustments to slow down momentum. Bonita would have two more opportunities from deep, but St. Paul’s defense was air-tight, which allowed them to secure possession and put the game out of reach off of efficient shooting at the free throw line.
Aiken explained what went on in the huddle during those final minutes.
“Coach was telling us to stay composed and play our game because we know that we’re the better team out there… We just needed to play our game.”
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
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- Warriors Thelo Orichiro gathers before attacking the rim in the second half. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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- Okkodo’s Dale Bautista tries to get his team back in the game during the 2nd quarter. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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- Bulldog Kobe Santos flips up a shot in the 1st quarter to try and stop the Warriors run. (photo by Robert Balajadia)


GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
12th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2K/5K
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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