Rousing debut for Dolphins

 The Marianas High School Dolphins opened up the 2011-2012 Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization Boys Basketball  League with a booming 94-39 victory over the Grace Christian Academy Eagles yesterday at the MHS Gymnasium.

The Dolphins wasted no time breaking out to a 21-8 lead in the first quarter, riding the coat tails of Ezra Caro. Caro cashed in on eight quick points after the tip and helped keep the Eagles to single digits with solid defense and a truckload of rebounds.

Angelo Salas tried to start the Eagles’ engine with a string of eight markers in the second period, but his teammates continued to struggle under the basket.

Meanwhile, on the other end, MHS found some offense from a handful of players as the Dolphins trudged ahead at the half, 38-18.

Salas carried GCA with 13 points in the opening 20 minutes, but MHS keyed on him as the main focus of its defensive adjustments during the break.

Moreover, the Dolphins were just getting started on offense and mounted a huge 37-point push in the third quarter with Jim Lacsina leading the attack. Lacsina buried two treys for 10 points in the period and racked up a healthy dose of assists in the process.

The demoralized Eagles were contained to single digits for the second time, as they logged only seven points, and the game was pretty well out of reach by the start of the fourth frame.

MHS could have called off the dogs at that point, but elected not to pull out its starters until the last three minutes. The Dolphins flirted with 100 points in the match, but managed only one check after clearing their bench.

Caro led MHS with six points in the final period and finished with a team-high 18 points.

Lacsina raised some eyebrows from the crowd and turned in 16 in support, while Salas managed 15 on the short end for GCA.

Meanwhile, Saipan Southern High School and Mount Carmel School played in the second game in the opening day, but results of the match were unavailable at press time.

The season continues at 4pm tomorrow with MHS taking on MCS.

MHS 94 – Caro 18, Lacsina 16, Vertudez 12, Dela Rosa 9, Francisco 8, Suarez 7, Darag 6, Moran 6, Gut 4, Limes 4, Lapuz 2, Sablan 2.

GCA 39 – A. Salas 15, K. Kim 10, Lee 7, Sugul 3, Libut 2, D. Lee 1, J. Salas 1

Scoring by quarters: 21-8, 38-18, 75-25, 94-39.