The West Boca Bulls recorded their first win of the season, 66-64, on the road against the Spanish River Sharks.

Junior Michael Bonina led the way with 22 points. Senior Luke Rhodes had 18 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, sophomore Brandon Roache had a season-high 13 points. Brandon was terrific for West Boca, whether it was on the defensive end of the ball, recording many rebounds (10 to be specific), or on offense, whether it was setting a screen or putting up a shot in the paint.

The Sharks had the ball down by two points with just under nine seconds remaining. Spanish River got the inbound off, and then sophomore Israel Marion got a great look but his three-pointer did not fall through. Caton Greenfield and the Sharks got an offensive rebound and sent the ball out to junior Ethan Litten, who was guarded tightly by both Michael and Luke. Thanks to the Bulls’ elite defense, Ethan was contested heavily, and air-balled the potential game-winning three to give the Bulls their first win of the season.

That type of defense was seen all game. If West Boca continues applying pressure on the defensive end this season, expect a lot of exciting games down the road.

West Boca is now 1-6, but the Bulls are better than their record shows with close/single-digit losses against Boca High (three points), American Heritage (one point), and Santaluces (one point). To say the least, West Boca has played a brutal schedule thus far, but the boys are competing while playing teams with much bigger players.

The Bulls will host Boynton Beach on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM before traveling to Olympic Heights to take on the rival Lions on Friday night.