The gymnasium was electric last week as the highly anticipated staff versus student battle saw the high school staff go head-to-head against a combined squad of boys and girls varsity basketball stars. In a game defined by laughter, lighthearted fouls, and a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, the students eventually secured a 45–38 victory over their mentors.
The tone was set early when Frank Silvera (#1) drained a deep three-pointer to open the scoring for the students. Not to be outdone, the staff showed they still had some moves left in the tank; Mr. Nocito (#15) answered back with the first bucket for the faculty, establishing a physical presence early on.
The first whistle of the night came shortly after, as Nocito was called for a foul against Natalie Ventura (#5). Despite the pressure, Gwendolyn Barcelos (#22) kept her cool, sinking a clutch shot to tie the game at 5–5. By the end of the first quarter, however, the staff’s height and experience gave them a slight edge, leading 11–7.
The second quarter provided the highlight of the night—though perhaps not for the reasons the coaches intended. Mr. Andam (#34), visibly winded and laughing, kicked the ball, earning a foul and a round of cheers from the student section. Despite the fatigue, the staff held onto a slim lead, heading into halftime up 20–18.
The third quarter remained a defensive grind. Ms. Roman (#15) and Ms. Martinez anchored the staff’s defense, keeping the trio of Joao Palomino (#24), Alex Palomino (#24), and Justin Lopes (#30) at bay. As the buzzer sounded for the final frame, the staff maintained a four-point cushion, leading 31–27.
The fourth quarter began with Mr. Cano (#11) drawing a foul after a tough contested layup, seemingly putting the staff in a position to close out the win. However, the students—led by the fresh legs of Emilio Cabalero (#20), Jayce Catano (#31), and Rodrigo Solorio (#15)—began a full-court press that the faculty couldn't match.
In an amazing turn of events, the students went on a scoring tear in the final minutes. Quick transitions and sharp shooting from Madeline Alves (#1), Jason Corona (#10), and Emanuel Rodrigues (#3) flipped the scoreboard, sealing the 45–38 win for the Varsity squad.
Despite the loss, the staff remained in high spirits. Mr. Cano, who finished hard even after staying in the entire game, reflected on the importance of the event after the game. "It was about getting everyone together and having fun, connecting with the kids," Cano said. "This is a place for the kids, and it was a lot of fun. We’re even planning a soccer match next with the JV players on a Friday night!"
With the students taking the basketball crown this time, the staff will surely be looking for redemption on the soccer field later this semester.
