ROUNDUP: Patriots, Vaqueros get wins

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 13, 2018

The scene at Christian High during a time out on Tuesday night.

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

LAKESIDE – The El Capitan Vaqueros jumped out to a 20-7 lead, but then withstood a furious late flurry by El Cajon Valley in a 61-60 Grossmont Valley League victory.

It was the first league win for the Vaqueros this season.

The Braves trailed 50-33 after three periods but outscored El Cap 27-11 over the final eight minutes.

The Vaqueros have continued to battle with their short roster since losing junior center RANDY TUCKER to a broken foot in a loss at the Braves gym back on Jan. 30.

Senior CHASE LOVATO led the Vaqueros with 22 points, while senior JAKOB LOPEZ added 15 points.

“Chase had a great game and set the tone early scoring off his defense,” El Capitan coach JEFF BICKFORD said.

The Vaqueros are headed to the postseason in Division 4.

Still, Bickford likes his team’s chances despite the Vaqueros’ overall record.

“We have the strongest strength of schedule of any of the D4 teams,” Bickford added.

El Capitan hosts Monte Vista on Friday at 7:30.

CHRISTIAN 64 MIRA MESA 45 – Senior NASHOM CARTER scored 19 points and was particularly sharp at the foul line with a 10-for-12 effort as the county 11th-ranked Patriots wrapped up the Eastern League as champions with an 11-1 record and on a seven-game winning streak.

CHRISTIAN WEST had points and JACKSON LARSEN added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Patriots.

Christian High led 16-11 at the end of one period and 31-22 at halftime.

Carter dished out nine assists.

The Patriots finished the regular season with an 18-8 overall record and is likely headed for the No. 3 seed in the Division 2 playoffs.