Patriots’ duo strikes, Hillers, Scots win

By David Dickens
Updated: December 23, 2017

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com staff report

PHOENIX (12-23-17) – There have been many struggles throughout the NIKE TOC Invitational for the Christian Lady Patriots, but there has definitely been no lack of heart.

However it has been a, shall we say, David versus Goliath concerning the girls from El Cajon and their losses in the tournament.

Though one key ingredient has remained in this young group of lady athletes.

Heart.

This group of youngsters has fought through every game this season and with head coach VICKIE CARRINGTON at the
reins, the eventual outcome will be a stack of wins.

All the hard work finally panned out as the Lady Pats (8-5) knocked off the Basha Bears (5-11), 52-48.

“All of the ladies contributed to this phenomenal win,” said Carrington.

The Lady Patriots were down in the 1st quarter but rallied in the second to lead 28-27 at the half.

One of the biggest keys was the dynamic duo of freshman KRISTIN WILLIAMS and sophomore SIMONE JAMES, who ran the floor together for a combined 40 points.

The Lady Pats were led by James’ 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Williams had 14 points and 6 rebounds.

RAELYN MUECA and HANNAH RICHARDSON kept the defense honest, while on the offensive side, Williams and James played so elusive, the attempted double team by Basha’s defense became ineffective.

“I was extremely proud of the girls as every one of them grew in some facet, which will definitely assist the team as they compete in league,” Carrington continued.

The Christian High Lady Patriots have placed 15th in the Dan Wiley bracket, while Bonita Vista placed 6th.

The game was tied late, but the Patriots got the last two buckets.

The Lady Patriots won for the first time in four outings at the prestigious event.

Basha built a 22-17 lead in the first half.

However Christian outscored Basha from that point 22-7 to take a 12-point lead late in the third quarter at 41-29.

The Bears battled back to close to within 41-40 in the fourth.

At a critical point, James and Williams led a run to extend the lead back to 48-40.

Then the Bears made their own run to tie the game at 48-all.

James, JASMYN CRAWFORD and Williams also made clutch free throws in the waning moments for the deciding points.

The Lady Patriots will be back in action for a conference game at Crawford High School (3-5) on January 5th, 2018, at 6 pm.

GROSSMONT 33, GRANITE HILLS 20 – The Foothillers clamped down on the Eagles to win the all-East matchup in the Crawford Tournament.

Grossmont jumped out to a 6-3 lead, but the Eagles regained the lead early with the help of a basket by AYANG ANGOTH.

The Eagles led the contest 12-10 with under two minutes to play in the first half.

Grossmont scored 15 of the next 16 points into the second half.

A quick 6-0 run in the fourth took the Hiller lead from 27-16 to 33-16.

In a second game for the Eagles on Friday, they knocked off High Tech Chula Vista, 53-4, which including a 37-0 lead at halftime.

KANI KUBARI scored seven of the Eagles first nine points against the Bruins.

PAIGE WELSH, JACEY DANKS and DANECA PEREZ also contributed to the offense in the blowout win.

Granite Hills (3-6) faces Madison (6-2) in the Crawford Tournament on Saturday at 3 p.m. in what figures to be a tough test.

Mar Vista is the next tournament game for Grossmont on Wednesday, December 27 10:30 a.m. in the Gold Crown Tourney.

HELIX 38, MADISON 30 – DIAMOND WHITLEY got a breakaway layup as the Highlanders went out to the lead in the first half at the Lady Colts Tournament.

Helix led 16-9 after one and 26-16 at halftime.

Helix improved to 5-3 overall. The Highlanders have a big game in the Crawford Lady Colt Tournament on Saturday.