SHARKS TAKE OFF IN ISA HOOPS DESPITE 31 FROM JFK’S MANDRAZO

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Sanchez Sharks started their 2024 ISA Boys Basketball season with a 76-66 victory over the JFK Islanders Monday night at JFK.

The Sharks got the victory despite a career-high 31 points from JFK’s Jordan Madrazo, who hit eight three-pointers. “I was feeling it coming into the season. I know my role here and that is to step up for my junior season,” said Madrazo.

The Sharks started a bit sluggish but recovered with a deep bench and second chance opportunities. 

“We were a bit slower tonight, but I know our defense will improve over time,” said Sanchez center Ralph Macaldo. “We have an advantage with our size, but we have to get better in pressuring their perimeter shooters.”

The Sharks had four players scoring in double figures with Macaldo, Sthannlie Vitug, MJ Simmy, and Atni Kasuta, all scoring in double digits.

The Islanders started the contest off with a 12-2 lead with Myles Serafico draining two corner three-pointers.

The Sharks slowly chipped away at the lead and relied on their size to get second chance points. The Sharks exploded for 29 points in the second quarter to take a 42-35 lead at halftime.

“We were a bit too over confident coming into the game. Coach (Arvin Domingo) told us to regroup after that timeout, and we eventually played better,” said Macaldo.

Madrazo caught fire in the third quarter, making four three-pointers to trim the Shark lead to just two points. Madrazo’s twin brother, Josiah, dished out five assists in the third quarter.

JFK started the third on fire, and the Sharks ended up standing their ground to end the quarter with a 55-50 lead with Simmy scoring six points.

The Sharks pulled away in the final quarter after Macaldo made an and-1 basket in the paint, followed by a dagger three-pointer from teammate Bless Aisek to go up for good.

“I’m a junior this year, and I worked hard in the off-season to help my team to get a championship this season,” said Madrazo, who added eight rebounds for JFK.

JFK stats:
Jordan Madrazo – 31 points (8-16 3PT FG), eight rebounds, 2 steals
Genesis Babauta – 8 points and 10 rebounds
Josiah Madrazo – 5 points and 13 assists
Myles Serafico – 8 points, 3 rebounds,  2 assists

Sanchez stats:
Ralph Macaldo – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block
Sthannlie Vitug – 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
MJ Simmy – 14 points (6-8 2PT FG), 4 rebounds
Atni Kasuta – 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals

The Sharks will look to get back to the championship game, a game they lost last season to the Okkodo Bulldogs. “There’s much more we can improve on. We have that chemistry already. We just have to get better on communication and playing better defense,” said Macaldo.

The Sharks will play a muc- improved GW Geckos on Friday at JFK. The Islanders look to get their first victory on Thursday at Tiyan High School.

The Islanders won the JV game (score unavailable).

OTHER GAME

The Southern Dolphins came away with a big 91-44 win over the Tiyan Titans.

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