Lugos shine as thriller goes distance
If the NBA is a three-pointer’s league, then you may be forgiven for thinking that the Association came to Bermuda this week.
On an incredible night of hoops, 28 threes rained down at Somersfield Academy on Wednesday night as the Warriors beat the Falcons 110-103 in the Atlantic Vision Care Elite City League. And as well as that, there was a father-son back story that added more intensity, of the friendly kind, on a crazy evening.
The game looked like it was going in the Falcons favour when they led 80-75 with 3.6 seconds remaining in regulation, but a three-pointer from Kobe Imlay, part of his 38 points on the night, followed by a quick steal and basket tied the scores.
Then, in overtime, 16-year-old Jahzyon Lugo connected from downtown for the Falcons to make it 93-92 with 15 seconds left, but the Warriors responded with a free-throw to tie the scores again.
The Falcons’ magic ran out in the second extra period though. Kevin Stephens, who was outstanding to lead all players with 40 points for the Falcons, had fouled out in the first overtime and Imlay and Jonathan Lugo, Jahzyon’s father who was playing against his son, shot the Warriors to victory.
However, it was appropriate that the youngster had the final word, hitting his fifth three for the final points of the evening.
“I started playing two years ago and just kept on practising,” the 5ft 3in Jahzyon said. “I practise every day. I don’t really count how many, I just shoot all day.”
The fearless teenager has ambitions to join his idol, Stephen Curry, in the NBA and is clearly no makeweight on the Falcons’ roster.
“I just keep on playing through it,” he said of taking on much bigger players. “I don’t worry about the size. I play like I’m their size.”
Proud dad Jonathan, 44, was happy with the win.
“It was a hard-earned, hard-fought game,” he said. “Sometimes it happens, it was a good, entertaining game. Sometimes it’s pretty dodgy, but it was upbeat with the overtime and exciting for the fans.
“I’m glad we won because [Jahzyon] was talking a lot of junk before the game! I’m very proud that he scored 17 points, for a young kid.
“He’ll be upset and mad that they lost for a little while, but he’ll be all right.”
The action continues in the ECL this weekend, with the Falcons taking on the Storm at 7pm today followed by the Hornets and Panthers. The Renegades take on Marksmen at 7pm tomorrow with the Storm and Panthers on court afterwards.