Eagles start 2-0; Monarchs edged

By Ramon Scott
Updated: November 22, 2019

Steele Canyon on offense against visiting Carlsbad on Thursday night.

2019 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

PINE VALLEY – The Granite Hills Eagles equaled their season win total from last season in just the first two games of the season, winning for the second straight game by taking a 49-37 Division IV Showcase game over Mountain Empire on Thursday.

The Eagles won two games all of last season but led 14-2 after one period to provide the eventual winning margin.

“We had a rough night ball handling,” Granite Hills coach Jermani Stewart said. ” We didn’t really play our game which threw us off mentally. In the beginning, our press really got us going but we made some bad decisions with Gould which ended in me taking some starters out. But we still pulled off the ‘W’.

Junior Sarah Ladu led Granite Hills with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while teammate Blanca Hernandez had eight points.

Eagle senior captain Achella Agoth had six points, seven boards, three steals, and two assists.

Junior Levandra Eblahed helped the Granite Hills cause with six points and nine boards.

Granite Hills will host El Cajon Valley next Wednesday at 7 p.m. in a game in the Monte Vista Showcase.

“The team has been pretty good sharing the load in leadership,” Stewart said. “‘The keys to (playing) our next opponent will be playing our game and our tempo, under control.”

MADISON 54, MONTE VISTA 52 – At Madison High, the Warhawks led 13-0 during the first quarter before sophomore MEADOW DELINO gradually led a go-ahead rally with 20 of her 26 points in the second half, including a late three to put the Monarchs ahead, 52-50.

Monte Vista still trailed, 47-43, entering the fourth quarter until Delino scored 12 straight points, including the trey that put her team in the lead.

Delino made five three-pointers in the second half.

“Delino was on fire tonight,” Monte Vista head coach Sabrina Jimenez said. “She took no plays off and was a threat offensively and defensively.”

The Warhawks scored the final four points of the game, including the game-tying bucket by Imani Moore late in the game.

“The girls showed composure and heart tonight,” Jimenez said. “Anyone who was at that game didn’t see my girls give up, even with a rough first quarter start.

Samantha Gonzalez had six points for the Monarchs, including a three-pointer in the second quarter.

“My girls impressed me defensively,” Jimenez said. “They stuck with the plan and were able to force turnovers, making Madison play our style.”

After scoring 34 points in the first half, Monte Vista (1-1) limited Madison (2-0) to just 20 points in the second half

“Sam, Maya (Garcia) and Destiny Smith) were menaces on defense,” Jimenez said. “We all learned something tonight, even me, whether its executing, making adjustments, or keeping our composure. If we keep playing with the energy and composure as we have in the last two games, we will be able to compete with anyone we play.”

Garcia and Smith both had a three-pointer in the contest.

“My girls and I talk a lot about roles on our team,” Jimenez said “I believe it’s what makes us competitive because 1-through-10 know their role and embrace it. I know we have the components to compete for another league title, but I also know it wont be handed to us. My girls are ready.”

LIBERTY CHARTER 50, GOMPERS PREP 8 – The Lions evened their record at 1-1 by routing the Eagles.

CARLSBAD 75, STEELE CANYON 40 – The Lancers led 21-4 after one quarter as the Cougars lost the season-opener for both teams

WEST HILLS at RAMONA – no report.

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