GECKOS COME AWAY WITH BIG WIN OVER WARRIORS

By Charlotte Oh

The George Washington High School gym was heated with energy as the Geckos and St. Paul Warriors, two top-ranked teams, faced off in a crowd-roaring game. The Geckos, who happen to be the defending ISA boys basketball champions, secured a big win Tuesday night with a final score of 74-62.

Player of the Game, senior co-captain Aiden Uncangco, shares insights into the preparation that went into this season: “We started since summer year round, we’ve been waiting for this moment… Coach prepared us for our strengths this year.” 

From the start, both teams showed high-intensity and energy with the Warriors taking the first points to lead 4-0. However, the Geckos put on the pressure immediately with Uncangco sinking three 3’s right off the bat to seize control of the game at 9-4. Uncangco was the key offensive player of the night, ending the game with 26 points.  

With both teams playing tight defense and players hustling for the ball, the points stayed close throughout the first and second quarters. The Warriors converted steals into layups, keeping the game tight and trailing by just one point at the end of the second half, 31-30. 

The third quarter started off with energy with huge blocks from GW Darnell Camacho to get the crowd roaring.

It was tied at 36-36 when St. Paul’s Mike Bork put up a layup, giving his team the lead for the first time since the beginning of the game, 38-36. He led his team in points, scoring 20 in total. 

However, the Geckos quickly fired back, with Uncangco dishing two more 3’s to help his team go on an 11-0 run. From then on, the Geckos seemed to have the momentum and the upper hand to end the third quarter at 56-41.

It was smooth sailing for the Geckos, who never lost the lead again and ended the game with confidence at 74-62. 

Uncangco said the key to the win was their wide variety of strengths within their team. “The diversity we have, you know, we have a deep team this year. It’s been awhile for the whole team to play… on the court and get something out there.”

Now, the ISA and IIAAG leagues have combined for this season, giving a chance for private and public schools to compete against each other.

“We played good because I’ve never challenged St. Paul. I’m really glad this year is combined, so to get the W over a team I haven’t really gotten before it feels good,” said Uncangco on the change. 

The Geckos now move up to 2-0, while Warriors fall to 1-1.

TUESDAY SCORES

Okkodo 71, Guam High 37

JFK 134, C-TECH 28

Notre Dame 72, St. John’s 44

Sanchez 66, Tiyan 56

FD 95, Harvest 30