FRIARS HOLD OFF ISLANDERS FOR SPOT IN TITLE GAME

By Charlotte Oh

The Phoenix Center was packed with spectators eager to watch the Father Duenas Friars face the John F. Kennedy Islanders in the ISA/IIAAG boys basketball semifinals on Tuesday evening. While the Islanders kept the game tight in the first half, the Friars showcased their dominance, ending the night 67-54 and a spot in the championship game. 

FD’s Tristan Hahn, just a sophomore, stepped up his game tonight finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Teammate Troy Dirige held a shooting show in the third quarter, hitting multiple three-pointers to contribute nine points and three steals for the Friars.

For the Islanders, Genesis Babauta and Josiah Madrazo led the way, each scoring 18 points.

First Quarter: Early FD Injury

The game began as usual with the FD starters taking the lead for their team from the very beginning. However, barely three minutes after the tip off FD’s Noah Tenorio, recently voted MVP of the league, went in for a layup and landed in a tragic injury. Unable to continue, Tenorio was forced to sit out for the remainder of the game. 

With Tenorio out, Hahn was put on the spot to fill the void. “My coach said, ‘The next man up.’ When he got out, I just filled his role out,” said Hahn.

The game continued as the Friars applied intense defense, making it difficult for the Islanders to score in the first minutes. Dirige shared, “Our main strategy was just to play defense, stay in front, play discipline, and just play together.” 

Islanders Babauta and Josiah Madrazo kept JFK in the game, scoring all of their team’s points in the first quarter, which ended with the Friars holding a 18-14 lead.

Second Quarter: Islanders Keep It Close

To the surprise of many, the second quarter showed a chance for the Islanders to take the lead. Babauta put up a shot in the paint followed by Jordan Madrazo swishing a three to tie the game at 23-23. Neither team could take a definite lead before halftime, exciting the nerves of the many spectators. They both went back and forth in scoring until the end of the quarter, with the Friars leading by a mere point, 29-28.

Final Quarters: Friars Take Control

After halftime, the Friars came out with renewed energy and seized control of the game. Hahn scored early in the quarter, but it was Dirige who took over, draining three 3’s and putting the crowd on their feet. His sharp shooting helped the Friars gain momentum to go on a huge run and end the quarter confidently ahead of the Islanders, 50-36.

The Friars comfortably finished up the game with free throws and hard defense, working together as a team and allowing multiple players to put up points. They secured a 67-54 win, pushing the Friars into the championships.

With the injury of Tenorio, the Friars might have to face their last game without the league MVP. Nonetheless, the Friars are determined to prepare for the championships. “We’re gonna practice, prepare for it, and hopefully Noah heals up for the finals,” noted Dirige.

The championships will be held at the University of Guam Calvo Field House on Friday at 7 pm. The Friars will be up against their rivals, the St. Paul Warriors, for the final game of the season. Just before that, the third place match will take place at 5:30 pm, with the Geckos and Islanders both looking for a spot on the podium.