ISLANDERS JUMP OVER GECKOS INTO FINALS

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The JFK Islanders secured their spot in the IIAAG/ISA Boys Basketball Championship game after defeating the GW Geckos 60-52 in Tuesday night’s semifinals on their home court.

Collin Rillamas led the Islanders with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. “This victory feels great. We put in a lot of work to get to this point,” said Rillamas.

The Geckos started aggressively, adjusting from their previous matchup to limit the Islanders to just one three-pointer. However, the Islanders responded by winning the battle of the boards.

The Geckos trailed 15-12 after the first quarter following a three-pointer by Kairos Orichiro. By halftime, the Islanders maintained a 36-29 lead.

JFK built a double-digit lead in the third quarter behind point-forward Tristan Hahn, who sparked a 6-0 run. Hahn finished with a complete game, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. “I feel our team is a complete team and everyone stepped up tonight,” said Hahn.

The Geckos mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter led by Jace Cruz, who scored five points during the stretch. The run was halted when JFK’s Kalden Kusto recorded his third steal of the game for a breakaway layup.

GW’s All-Island First Team center Darnell Camacho led his team with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Geckos will now face the FD Friars in the consolation game on Friday.

CHAMPIONSHIP ON FRIDAY

The Islanders’ victory sets up a championship rematch with the St. Paul Warriors, whom they previously defeated on a buzzer-beater by Zachary Yurko. “We need to just play our own game and not let them speed us up,” said Rillamas.

“The job is not finished yet. We need to focus and work hard in that championship game,” Hahn added.

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