GIRLS: Patriots get busy; Braves win

By Ramon Scott
Updated: May 2, 2021

Christian High's Serene Weckback (30) battles LJCD on Saturday. / SD County Hoops Report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA4z0634riI&t=30s

2021 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

SPRING VALLEY – The Christian High Patriots Lady Patriots had a busy week, playing four varsity girls basketball games over six days.

The girls’ team didn’t get the most pleasant of surprises when a team had to drop out at the last minute at the Public vs. Private basketball event on Saturday, so organizers had to shuffle the matchups.

The 16th-ranked Patriots, originally scheduled to face fourth-ranked Mount Miguel, a tough opponent in its own right, were assigned to play top-ranked La Jolla Country Day instead.

Christian High fell to the Torreys, 88-48, on Saturday. LJCD was the preseason No. 1 team in the country.

Patriot head coach Vickie Carrington said she would’ve preferred her team face the Matadors since Christian High was already scheduled to face La Jolla Country on May 22.

Christian High limped through the week, nursing three players through injuries.

On Friday, the Patriots defeated Serra, 66-60 in overtime, despite 31 points from Serra High’s Charisa Thomas.

Christian High scored 13 points in the extra session.

Mont importantly, however, is that the Patriots earned a league win with the victory over Serra.

Kristin Williams and Jaya Little both scored 13 points apiece in the win over Serra.

“I went out prepared and confident in this game,” Little said. “I was able to look for my shot. On defense, I was stronger than in some of our previous games and I think I can improve. I use my communication as an advantage to our team. I tried to be more encouraging tonight in hopes of boosting our energy so we could get this win.”

Little also grabbed eight rebounds, while Williams had six assists. Both players had four steals.

“Jaya is our most consistent player and I am really proud of the growth I see in her,” Carrington said. “She’s really a player that deserves more recognition in San Diego.”

Tiffany Bickford added nine points and eight rebounds for CHS against Serra.

“Serra had more energy and intensity than we did,” Carrington said. “One of their coaches told me that they were playing with a chip on their shoulder because of how badly they were beaten by Cathedral. They outplayed us in all aspects of the game. We have a lot of work to do.”

With the injuries having an effect on the depth of the Pats’ lineup, head coach Vickie Carrington expressed her pleasure about the play of reserves Alyssa Speers and Noelle Sanchez.

“I want them to believe in themselves more because they are both extremely vital to the success of this program.,” Carrington said.

Speers had two three-pointers against Serra in the fourth quarter for a big moment to her season. She was also assigned to the free-throw line for a pair of technical foul shots in overtime.

“Coach Vickie has confidence in me and is always encouraging,” Speers said. “We feed off her energy. I am very thankful that she trusted me to shoot and contribute, as well as, shoot the technical free throws.”

Sanchez, meanwhile, knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the first quarter and had a bucket in the extra session.

“I was able to look for my shot and had a few good looks,” Sanchez said. “I was really prepared for this game and went out there confident that I could help the team. I also think I improved on defense and can continue to get better.”

Against the Torreys, Williams had a team-high 14 points, while Bickford finished with 13, including three three-pointers.

“Kristin’s presence on the floor is solid but I just want her to get more help from her teammates and not feel like she has to do it by herself because that is a lot of pressure,” Carrington said. “She does have some great pieces surrounding her.”

The Patriots may have been overmatched in this one, but they proved their consistency, scoring 12 points in each quarter.

Little helped the Patriots with eight rebounds. Serene Weckback grabbed eight boards, as well.

EL CAJON VALLEY 35, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 21 – The Braves got 17 points and 10 rebounds from sophomore Ruth Taulanga as El Cajon Valley led 10-2 after the first quarter and continued on for the win in the non-league game on Saturday.

Fineita Taulanga had eight points and 15 rebounds for the Lady Braves. Included in her total was a three-pointer.

Sophomore Nancy Luna was everywhere for the Braves with five rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Senior Caroline Burke led Foothills Christian with 12 points, including three three-pointers, while Christie Sarkis finished with nine points, but that was it for the Knights’ scoring.