
By Robert Balajadia
The FD Friars overcome early adversity, picking up a key win over the visiting JFK Islanders 53-52 in an interleague matchup in the ISA/IIAA Basketball League, the lone basketball game of the evening. The Friars and Islanders varsity game had gotten rescheduled twice already with the teams finally able to meet Friday.
FD’s Kaine Santos scored 22 points to lead his team and guard Jaden Santos added a big 20 points to keep the Friars in the game. Trailing 27-19 at the half, FD got a big 3rd from Kaine were he scored 12 of his 22 points to get FD within 38-36 by the end of the quarter.
“It was the energy that we brought in the 2nd quarter,” said Kaine on what he felt was the turning point of the game. “Our defense was what turned it around mostly.”
FD took their first lead in the 4th off a Jaden Santos put-back 42-40, setting up a nail-biting sequence late in the game.
In the final minute, FD attempted to shave time off the clock, but a steal from JFK’s Hendrix De Fiesta turned into a lead-changing fast break. De Fiesta attempted to hit teammate Karl Vinca on the wing, but a deflected pass found its way to Mark Morales for a layup to put JFK ahead 52-51.
The Friars turned to Kaine on the ensuing play as he got fouled on a drive to the rim. With 12.3 seconds to play, Santos stepped to the line and converted both free throws to give his team the 53-52 lead.
“I was really nervous honestly. I wasn’t too sure I was going to make it,” admitted Santos on his late-game free throws.
With eight seconds left, the Islanders turned to De Fiesta as he drove baseline for a highly contested layup as the ball hit the backboard and rolled around the rim before rolling out as Kaine corralled the rebound. Santos went full sprint with the ball to avoid the Islander defenders from fouling him as time expired.
“We told each other not to foul and if it’s going to be a shot then let’s force a bad one,” said Kaine on the defensive strategy in the final seconds.
JFK was without versatile big-man Kirston Santos, who was out nursing an injury. The Islanders were led by Karl Vinca’s 21 points with De Fiesta and Terreil Zapanta adding nine points each.
FD won’t see action until Monday next week as they host the Guam High Panthers, but JFK gets ready for a quick turn as they play the Southern Dolphins Saturday afternoon.


GPS Sports Calendar
May 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for April
1st
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
2nd
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
2nd
Events for May
4th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
5th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER QUARTERFINALS
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL QUARTERFINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
6th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
UOG BASEBALL CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
7th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 5
Events for May
8th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
TRITON MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Events for May
9th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR MEETING
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for May
9th
Events for May
12th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
13th
HIGH SCHOOL PADDLING FINALS
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL FINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL FINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
13th
Events for May
21st
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 8
Events for May
21st
Events for May
22nd
Events for May
23rd
Events for May
24th
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
Events for May
28th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 6
Events for May
28th
Events for May
29th
Events for May
30th

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Volleyball
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