By Sophie Forsyth
The Guam High Panthers opened the 2024 IIAAG Boys Basketball League season with a big 64-42 win against the St. John’s Knights Friday night on their home court.
From the moment the first buzzer sounded, the Panthers were focused, determined and aggressive for the ball. Every teammate locked in and aware of their surroundings, the Panthers quickly gained a stark lead against the Knights.
Aaron Johnson, a senior on the GHS team could be seen stealing the ball from the Knights on multiple occasions, passing the ball to his teammates and ultimately giving them the opportunity to score.
Throughout the game, the Panthers lead with an average of 25 point lead. The halftime marked was 45-19.
The Knights showcased a close passing strategy during the third quarter, that at times, left their opposing team confused, however the Panthers remained determined to solidify their first win.
“You practice how you play so when we practice we make sure we stay locked in, we stay conditioned, and we stay focused on the ultimate goal,” said Johnson.
In the final quarter, the Panthers kept hold of the ball, rarely giving the Knights an opportunity to steal and score, and ultimately ending the game with a massive 22 point sweep.
“It felt good tonight. Everyone was clicking on the same level. It seemed like everyone was in the flow state, especially Cam over here,” nodding to his teammate, Cameron Brantley, # 4, on his team. “We just came in and got the job done.”
“This is still our first game, not our last game, and we make sure to make it our best one. Every game is like the championship game and we make sure to make it our best; we practice how we play all the time,” said Brantley
Brantley, a senior as well on the Panther team and the top shooter of the game, scored 13 points alone in the second quarter.
“All of us contributed in the game. Every single player,” said Brantley.
Although this game proved the Panthers to be a standout team in this season, their goals are much bigger then a few wins.
“Championship. That’s the ultimate goal. I mean until then, the job is not finished and you just got to keep working,” said Johnson.
OTHER GAMES
The FD Friars beat the Notre Dame Royals 49-40 while the St. Paul Warriors beat the Harvest Eagles 88-39.
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