RECAP OF 20025/26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

By Shania Oyardo

It was another unforgettable year of Guam high school sports from championship runs, emerging stars, and record-breaking performances for some of the island’s most accomplished high school athletes.

The big takeaway is the end of three Father Duenas championship runs in football, basketball and volleyball.

Meanwhile, the St. John’s Knights stayed on top of girls basketball, took boys volleyball and came within a goal of winning girls soccer.

As the curtain closes on the 2025-26 school year, several programs celebrate championship success while a talented senior class leaves behind lasting legacies.

Football: Geckos Complete Historic Run
A season that sports fans will remember forever, the GW Geckos got their fairytale ending after breaking the FD Friars 85-game winning streak before eventually capturing the ISA 25-26’ football championship in their Season of Destiny.

Leading the Geckos perfect season was graduating senior and defensive MVP Rayn Rios who most recently got his jersey retired alongside his father and head coach Ryan Rios.

Alongside Rios, other graduating names include quarterback Jace Dela Cruz, along with Seth Dumanal, Eduardo Whitman and Nathaniel Mesgon who helped power the team in key moments throughout the season.

XC & Track and Field: Panthers Continue Their Dynasty
If one program defined excellence this year, it was the Guam High Panthers running program. Led by legendary coach Joe Taitano, the Panthers boys once again showcased their dominance in both cross country and track and field.

The Panthers boys cross country team secured its sixth straight all island championship. While the program will graduate several accomplished athletes, the future remains bright with All-Island champion Eldon Egbert expected to return for his senior season.

The Panthers success continued in the 4th quarter as the boys captured their ninth consecutive track and field championship, extending one of the most impressive dynasties in Guam high school sports. The team was powered by standout seniors Caleb Steele, Noah Harris, and Braden Flinn, all of whom played key roles in the program.

Basketball
Girls Basketball
The Knights successfully defended their title this season, capturing back-to-back championships and establishing themselves as one of the league’s premier programs led by head coach Fred Peters.

Leading the charge was 3-time MVP Jia Peters, who delivered another outstanding season for the Knights.
Peters and teammate Amara Del Carmen will be graduating but leave the program in good hands with underclassmen Zahna and Zoe Whitehead.

Boys Basketball
The JFK Islanders found themselves on top of the competition in over a decade after defeating the St. Paul Warriors in the championship match up earlier this year. Led by coach Cy Concepcion in his first year as the head coach for the Islanders.

The Islanders will lose some numbers to their roster as a handful of guys will graduate including Collin Rillamas, Darwin Ecjain, Zion Macapinlac and Zachary Yurko. The Islanders will still have star Tristan Hahn as he suits up for his senior season next year.

Baseball: Friars Secure Back 2 Back
The FD Friars secured their back-to-back championship titles after swiftly beating the ND Royals 12-1. GSPN’s player of the game Cameron Ayuyu led the Friars with 3-3 HR, 4 RBI.

Ayuyu is expected to return next season alongside some of his fellow Friars that made the 2025/26 All-Island listing including Gavin Alcantara, Evan Acosta, Reef Balajadia, Haigen Dirigie, Jace Aguon and Skyler Paulino.

Cougars Remain Softball Queens
The Academy Cougars continue to stay on top of the competition winning their third consecutive softball championship. The Cougars managed to upset the JFK Islanders in the title match to win it 8-5.

While the Cougars were down the majority of the championship match, they managed to pull the inevitable and flip the momentum. Cougars’ Aubrey Manibusan and Kiersten Fernandez stepped up when it mattered the most. Both girls are expected to make a return next season and hopefully defend their title.

The Cougars will be graduating a few girls from their roster including Mylie Butters, Sadie Guerrero, Kaia Chiguina and Beatrice Antonio.

Islanders Dominate Boys and Girls Soccer
It was an impressive year for the JFK Islanders soccer program, as both the boys and girls teams captured ISA championships under the leadership of coaches Eladio Manansala and Patson Haimin.

The Islanders boys reclaimed the title with a 3-1 victory over the ND Royals in the championship match. While JFK will graduate six seniors from this year’s squad, the program is expected to remain a contender with standout players Landen Cruz and Nehemiah Nauta set to return next season.

On the girls side, the Islanders extended their dynasty by capturing a sixth consecutive championship with a 1-0 victory over the St. John’s Knights. League MVP Aubrey Ibanez scored the match’s lone goal to secure the title for the Islanders. Alongside Ibanez, the Islanders will also bid farewell to key seniors Orung Santos, Mylie Navarro, Jaelyn Han, Cadence Guzman and Camille Franco.

Rugby: Friars & Cougars Remain On Top
Boys Rugby
In a classic rivalry between the FD Friars and the GW Geckos, the FD Friars managed to maintain their dominance in boys rugby earning their sixth straight championship title with a 15-5 win. Helping lead the Friars this season were graduating seniors Issac Camacho and Donovan Flores.

Expect the Friars to make a run for the championship title again next season as they field a roster with returning names such as Javin Meno, Mackenzey Sablan and Michael Santos.

Girls Rugby
The Academy Cougars continue to remain on top of the girls rugby podium earning their 3rd straight rugby championship. Defying all the odds against a tough ND Royals squad, the Cougars managed to maintain the championship crown with a 5-7 win.

The Cougars will be losing some key players such as Kylee Reyes, Dari-Ray Guzman, Gabby Hahn and Maya Torre.

Volleyball: New Champs Crowned
Girls Volleyball
The Harvest Eagles made school history winning their first ever girls volleyball title against the GW Geckos in 4 sets. While the Eagles lost to the Geckos earlier in the season, they managed to take the title in dramatic fashion led by league MVP and graduating senior Niesha Chen.

The Eagles roster will still see some familiar faces returning that include Prudence Palisoc, Keisha Chen, Erica Cassidy and Manea Camacho.

Boys Volleyball
The St. John’s Knights win historic championship title with the statement win over the Friars in five sets. The Knights ended an incredible seven-year IIAAG championship streak held by the Friars.

Leading the charge was league MVP Jerrick Palomores alongside fellow senior Harry Vitale. Other graduating seniors from the championship squad include Elijah Dewan, Knathan Davis and Andrew Baker.