Matadors clinch at least share of Valley

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 7, 2018

Mount Miguel and Monte Vista square up on Tuesday evening. / photo by Don De Mars Photography

Mount Miguel senior JUSTICE CHIMA goes up with a shot against Monte Vista on Tuesday evening at the Monarchs’ gym. / photo by Don De Mars Photography

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

SPRING VALLEY – The Mount Miguel Matadors turned away Monte Vista’s challenge for the Grossmont Valley League title with a convincing 78-43 win at the Monarchs’ gym on Tuesday evening.

With the victory, the Matadors clinched no less than a share of the GVL banner. Another win or a loss by Santana gives Mount Miguel the patch outright.

Mount Miguel senior DARON TRAYLOR lets a shot fly against Monte Vista on Tuesday. / photo by Don De Mars Photography

Mount Miguel, which moved into the No. 10 spot in the local media poll on Monday as the Grossmont Conference’s highest-ranked team, came out with a sense of urgency against the rival Monarchs.

Senior DARON TRAYLOR, a transfer from Otay Ranch, led all scorers with 17 points.

The Matadors, known for their team speed, were fast on both ends of the floor in this one, applying a tremendous amount of pressure.

Mount Miguel led 14-8 after one and 31-14 at halftime.

In the second half, JAMES ALLEN fired a no-look entry pass to C.J. JACKSON for a strong bucket.

Jackson had 14 points.

Mount Miguel improved to 23-4 overall and 6-0 in league.

The Matadors are at El Cajon Valley on Friday at 7, while the Monarchs are off until next Tuesday when they travel to face Santana at 6.