Patriots can’t stop quick-striking Barons

By Bill Dickens
Updated: February 26, 2016

2015-16 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (2-26-16) —Christian High ran into a buzzsaw as visiting Bonita Vista sliced and diced the Patriots 83-60 in Thursday’s (Feb. 25) San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinal action.

The lightning quick Barons (18-12) shot 53 percent (30 of 57) from the field, including 11 of 17 from 3-point range (65 percent).

Bonita Vista barged in front 24-8 in the first quarter and led 72-39 early in the fourth before emptying the bench.

“They came out hot and never seemed to cool off,” said Christian High’s 6-foot-4 senior forward TRAVIS BALLARD, who rolled a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Not one to brag about his achievements, Ballard hit 7 of 13 from the floor including a pair of treys, and 10 of 13 from the free throw stripe.

“Two weeks ago,” he said, “I was No. 2 in the nation for double-doubles. I’m pretty proud of that.”

The steady Ballard is on the verge of qualifying to MIT for his grades for an academic scholarship. He also hopes to play basketball for the Engineers of Cambridge, Mass.

“This is a disappointing way for us to end the season,” Ballard said. “I know we could have played a whole lot better than we did.”

Senior point guard KYLE STOWERS turned in a solid performance in his final high school ball game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. He hit 5 of 10 from the floor including a pair of treys, and was 2-for-2 from the free throw line. He also accounted for three of Christian’s six assists.

Christian: Travis Ballard 26 (12 reb, 1 ast), Kyle Stowers 14 (11 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Dominic Bristol 5 (3 reb, 1 stl), David Todd Jeremiah 4 (1 ast), Layne Larsen 3 (1 reb, 1 ast), Daniel Guerrero 3, Grant Taylor 2 (2 reb), Dominic Safarta 2 (1 reb), Garrett Nielsen 1 (1 reb), Will Valley (1 reb), Daniel Welch (1 reb).