April 3, 2009 marked a sad day in Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School history. The Students defeated the staff in a close 47-41 loss at the local Boys and Girls Club (Barretto’s). The staff were extremely generous sharing the ball as well as time on the court. They saw success from the always consistent Juan “Bo Sox” Rodriguez and the suprisingly quiet Saul “El Huracan” Melendez. Principal Matt, was not hitting his normal shots that day and if it were not for Coach Geoff, the Staff would have lost by more than 6 points.
Geoff was able to ignore his back injury that day to join us. The entire staff team was not without setbacks. Matt, RJ, Saul, and the majority of the staff were getting hit by the Flu Bug going around, but they were able to emulate Michael Jordan (Game 6 Utah Jazz Series).
The students were very well coached and were able to jump out to an early lead. Everything seemed to be dropping for them in the first half. At the time that most teams would use subs and allow for more people from the students to play, the students decided to stick with the players on the court. There were about ten students sitting on the side line (including Jose Lopez, Kelvin Aponte, Joseph Medina, Nico Carrasquillo, and many more), and they did not seem to want to get in the game. What were they scared of? As you look at the pictures, I will let you be the judge. I can only hope that next year, they feel more prepared.
The teachers were blessed with former political prisoner, and graduate of Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, Luis Rosa. Even with the powerful post presence of Luis, the staff could not get anything going. They would pull within six points of the Students but would never hold a lead.
NEXT YEAR WILL BE A DIFFERENT STORY! Congrats students!