On Thursday, the GLCPS Royals were edged 44-40 by the King’s Academy JV team. The Royals leaned into fast breaks and scoring from mid-range, while King’s Academy held a preference for deep range.
Despite the loss, the Royals delivered their strongest offensive performance of the season under head coach Jonathan Dyer. The team set new highs in both points (40) and assists (9).
After numerous lead changes, the Royals entered the fourth quarter with a 30-27 advantage. The lively home crowd at the Dennison Memorial Center was in for a climactic finish, as King’s Academy held a two-point lead with less than a minute left in regulation.
Ishmmael Martinez scored a team-high 14 points, along with two rebounds and two assists. Jeremiah Martinez Osorio was another key contributor, totaling eight points and three rebounds.
“This game was very competitive,” Martinez Osorio said. “There was very good sportsmanship, above all. I love this team very much. Let’s move forward. I think we can do it.”
Xavier Echevarria-Mojica recorded six points and eight rebounds. Ezven Cruz Mendez added eight points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jaiden Andrade and Adrian Alves each contributed two points.
Andrade was a defensive specialist, making key stops in clutch time. He reflected on how the Royals’ strategy can be adjusted moving forward.
“It was a good game, but at some points we need to work on calling and communicating with each other to generate more shots,” Parker said. “For the next game, I’m going to make sure I communicate better on the court. It’s not just my team—it’s me too. I want to win the next game, and I think we’ve got it.”
GLCPS’ next game will be announced at a later date.
Mr. Santos teaches GLCPS multilingual learners, is a sports writer for Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, and is an internationally award-winning musician.
