By Teresa Martinez - Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Photographer: Teresa Martinez
Belen JV defeats Columbus JV 52-31.
MIAMI | In one of the most anticipated high school basketball games of the season, Belen Jesuit came out the winners in the annual rivalry against fellow all Catholic boys school Christopher Columbus.
The Wolverines JV team and the varsity team defeated the Explorers at the UM BankUnited Center Jan. 15 in front of a crowd estimated at 3,000 spectators.
The JV team took to the hardwood first and ended with a score of 52-31. Before the varsity game got underway, Belen Jesuit’s newly installed school president, Jesuit Father Guillermo García-Tuñón, said the invocation.
“This win was very satisfying. After losing by two points last year the players were committed to do everything possible to win this year,” said Belen Jesuit head coach Jose Roca. “It was a true team effort.”
The varsity team, led by six seniors, never gave up the lead and ended the game with a score of 51-35. The annual series is now tied at 8-8.
"This rivalry is great, and to end it with a win your senior year feels even better,” said senior AJ Consuegra, who scored nine points in the varsity game. “It was a solid team performance all around, from the starters all the way to the 12th man off the bench. We will definitely feed off this momentum going into our final stretch of the season."
Photographer: Teresa Martinez
Belen varsity defeats Columbus varsity 51-35.
