No. 3 Patriots topple top-ranked Dons

By Ramon Scott
Updated: January 13, 2019

2019 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

CHRISTIAN 61, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 52

EastCountySports.com staff report

SAN DIEGO – The Christian High Patriots’ tough schedule paid off Friday night against No. 1-ranked Cathedral Catholic.

Christian, ranked third, was prepared and ready in the fourth quarter and knocked off the Dons, 62-51, to move into first place in the Western League.

Christian (12-5, 3-0) trailed 12-4 more than six minutes into the game but stormed to the lead in the second quarter behind buckets from SIMONE JAMES, ALLIE CARREON, AMAYA HOWARD, and YESINIA SMITH.

But the Dons were far from done. Cathedral eventually rallied to tie the game late in the third quarter and the teams were tied, 40-all heading into the fourth.

The teams traded the lead early in the fourth.

And although the Patriots have been known for their teamwork and sharing the ball all season, Christian High put the ball in the hands of Carreon when it counted.

The junior scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer – which gave Christian a four-point lead – and five free throws down the stretch when the Dons had to resort to the foul game.

Carreon finished with 22 points.

Senior guard YESINIA SMITH also contributed a pair of field goals in the fourth.

“The win for us was just all the hard work and effort paying off,” Smith said. “God was definitely with us as we went into that game.

“The whole game, I focused on playing for Him whether a win or loss and that gave me a solid performance. All credit given to Him. I just love my team and coaches and I think as a program we all went out there and tried to leave it all on the court. This win was just extra fuel to our fire for the rest of the season.”

SIMONE JAMES scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds had made three blocks for Christian.

“First and most importantly, all glory to God,” James said. “The tough win made a big statement for us. Especially with Cathedral being one of the top teams that we had to prepare for.

“It was crucial that we executed the game plan as practiced, and it paid off for us. Our team came ready to play and we handled our business.

“Every single player brought energy and heart and that propelled us to play like we did. None of us could have done it alone, and each of my sisters brings something dynamic to the team. I’m so grateful for them.

“We can’t become complacent and there is always room for improvement. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”

Cathedral (14-5, 3-1) and Christian will meet again at Ryan Athletic Center on Jan. 31.

EastCountySports.com