Matadors solidify possible two-seed

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 11, 2018

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

CHULA VISTA – The Mount Miguel Lady Matadors picked up a big non-league win over host Mater Dei Catholic at the Presidents’ Day Showcase on Saturday.

It may sound a little tongue-in-cheek when you are talking about a big win for a 25-1 club, but the Matadors are trying to make up ground in the computer’s official rankings and secure at least a No. 2 seed in the section’s Open Division by playing a couple of top-notch opponents this week.

The Matadors found themselves in a battle early with the Crusaders, but the county’s No. 2-ranked team pulled away in the second half for a 62-56 victory.

The Matadors’ CAMARA DOUGLAS came up huge once again, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Also doing damage was Mount Miguel freshman SYLENA PETERSON, who had 24 points, including six three-pointers, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Both teams were hampered by foul trouble in the first half, however, the Matadors managed a 34-30 lead at halftime after battling through a back-and-forth first two frames.

In the third, though, Peterson caught fire to help propel Mount Miguel to a 47-40 edge.

Mount Miguel briefly extended the lead to double digits.

The Matadors led by six at the end of three, but Mater Dei closed to within 54-52 with 5:26 left in regulation.

Peterson scored a basket just 10 seconds later to put the Matadors up by four, but she earned her fifth foul with three minutes left in the game.

Douglas made a pair of free throws to make it 60-56 with under a minute-and-a-half to play.

DEYONNA MCBRIDE, a junior for Mount Miguel, made a critical steal on a tie-up just moments later.

MICHELLE CORELY and TIAJA BENNETT both added six points for the Matadors.

Corley made another late steal with under a minute to go before the Crusaders were forced to play the foul game.

But Cam kept canning the freebies then secured the game’s final board.

Mount Miguel junior LALLI GURROLA was matched up against her previous school in this one.

Mater Dei star CHLOE WEBB had a strong night, as well, with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

The win may have secured the Open Division’s No. 2-seed with the victory, according to Matadors’ head coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

MORSE 66 STEELE CANYON 48 – The Cougars were faced with a difficult assignment just about 15 hours after suffering their toughest loss of the season.

Steele Canyon was matched up against a team directly above them in the section’s Division 3 rankings.

The Cougars’ MAHKAYLAH CLINE continued to rise and shine with 11 points in the first half. She finished with 15 points.

“Last night’s loss (to El Capitan) was tough for us,” said Steele Canyon’s LALA WADLEY, who finished with seven points. “We’re looking to bounce back for our last two league games. We’re hungry for wins.”

After a slow start, trailing the Tigers 12-6 after one, KHYLALA BRANDY had a three-pointer in the second quarter and the Cougars trailed by just one, 24-23, at intermission.

But Steele Canyon could manage just one field goal in the third quarter and went 13-for-28 from the foul line in the contest.

“It was a rough outing,” Steele Canyon coach PETER RUIZ said. “We played tough and hung in as long as we could.”

SCRIPPS RANCH 68, CHRISTIAN 41 – The Patriots fell to the Falcons at the Presidents’ Day Showcase at Mater Dei Catholic High.

ZOE NORDLING hit a floater in the first quarter as Christian High kept the game close early on, but the Falcons led 13-8 after one quarter.

Scripps Ranch led 31-16 at halftime.

The Central League-champion Patriots host Bishop’s in a non-league game on Tuesday at Ryan Center at 6.

CHULA VISTA 41, HELIX 27 – The Spartans upset the Highlanders at the Mater Dei Catholic Presidents’ Day Showcase.

Helix senior KAHLIA KING had an early three-pointer, but Chula Vista led 20-13 at halftime.

Helix travels to face Granite Hills on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.