Ayuyus, Eagles split games in MISO caging

Grace Christian Academy bested Kagman High School in the junior varsity game, while the Ayuyus redeemed themselves in the varsity division as action in the 2011-2012 Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization Basketball League continued last Friday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

In the varsity match, Kagman routed GCA, 87-57, while the Eagles prevailed in their junior varsity debut, 31-22.

Kagman’s varsity team stretched its streak to three, while GCA is still in search of its first win after three tries.

The Ayuyus managed an early 17-13 edge in the opening 10 minutes off a string of eight points from Joshua Jones. Then the Ayuyus sank eight free throws in the second quarter to maintain a 33-28 lead at the half.

Jonathan Salas led the Eagles with nine markers at midpoint, while Jones added another eight points in the second period to finish the half with 16.

Kagman stepped up its game after the pause and broke open a stout 61-44 margin, heading into the final canto. Jones racked up 16 more points in the third, while his teammates continued to hog virtually all of the boards on both ends of the court.

GCA on the other hand committed costly turnovers, which amounted to a lot of easy transition baskets for the Ayuyus.

Kagman was well in control by the start of the fourth quarter and Francisco Mettao delivered 10 points in the clutch to seal the deal.

Jones finished with a game-high 33 points, while Salas turned in 14 in the loss.

In the junior varsity match, GCA shut out the junior Ayuyus in the first quarter, 7-0, and maintained a 14-7 margin at halftime.

Dong Ha Lee carried the torch for GCA with his eight points in the first half.

The Eagles defense then contained KHS to just four points in the third period to pull ahead by double figures, 21-11, heading into crunch time.

Kagman’s Jesse Santos came alive with nine points in a last- ditch rally effort, but GCA held strong for the win.

Lee led all scorers with 16 points, while Santos finished with 15 on the short end.

The MISO boys basketball season continues today with MHS and Saipan Southern High School colliding both in the junior varsity and varsity games.

[B]Junior Varsity Game[/B] [B] GCA 31[/B] – Lee 16, Reyes 6, Smithee 3, Aldan 2, Sugue 2, Yu 2.
[B] KHS 22[/B] – Santos 15, Ada 3, Halstead 2, Mafnas 2.
[B] Scoring by quarters: [/B]7-0, 14-7, 21-11, 31-22.
[B] Varsity Game

KHS 87[/B] – Jones 33, Mettao 19, Lampkins 16, Delos Reyes 4, Santos 4, Taitano 4, Santiago 3, Bornilla 2, Butters 2.
[B] GCA 57[/B] – J. Salas 14, Kim 12, Lee 8, Libut 8, A. Salas 7, Borja 4, Hong 4.

[B]Scoring by quarters:[/B] 17-13, 33-28, 61-44, 87-57.