Patriots have rough start to season

By Ramon Scott
Updated: December 6, 2021

EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

LA JOLLA – (12-2-2021) – Following a huge loss versus Grossmont, 63-30, the Christian High Patriots didn’t exactly have a patsy schedule, no pun intended.

Poway, coming in at 0-2, opponents prior to Christian, also top tier talent in Cathedral Catholic, and Mater Dei, in which the Titans played pretty tough against.

Christian knew what they had to do like the whole schedule to start would be as always, a huge test, and let us not forget they also play in one of the toughest leagues in San Diego County.

The entire first half was tough for the Patriots, scoring 13 in the first and second quarter, the Titans scored a combined 40 points. Not only did the Titans hit their shots, but the defense was also pretty swift, as well.

David Angulo for Poway led the first half in scoring with 15 points total, including 3 three-pointers, two field goals, and 2-for-2 at the line, leaving the Pats defense with quite a headache.

Ben Felice had quite a first half, three successful three-pointers, and two free throws for the Patriots.

The score at the half was not favorable to head coach Tim Brown and company, down 40-26.

Christian did come out of the half limiting Poway to one point less in both the third and fourth quarter.

Offensively for the Patriots, the Patriots missed a few shots that should have dropped, losing the third and fourth quarter, in a tough loss, 70-50.

Poway’s Angulo added another 10 points to his team-leading 25, really a tough one to guard.

Felice had a heck of a game offensively, hit five three-pointers, a field goal, and 2-for-2 at the line for a team-leading 19 points.

Minab Mesghenna had a heck of a game on both sides of the ball with a three-pointer, four field goals, 1-for-1 at the line, five rebounds, one assist, and five steals.

“Our improvements this year are our effort, toughness, chemistry,and leadership. Last year we Didn’t have a strong bond between the team, but his year we’ve got a much more bonded team,” said Felice.

Next up was on the road again was off to the coast to battle Bishop’s (4-1), played more games and looking tough as always, with Christian coming in as the visitor at 0-2 .

The Patriots came in with the right mindset, and also a great spark physically.

Christian kept it close, even won the first quarter, 11-9, however, the Knights doubled up in the second quarter up 18-9, and taking over on top of the visitors, but in a close 27-20 Bishop’s narrow lead at the half.

Felice once again led the offense and into the half with three three-pointers for nine total points.

Bishop’s gave the Patriots quite the run, however, Christian was getting better in each quarter, each game.

Patriot Patrick Perez, playing a phenomenal game with the boards, with six rebounds and two steals.

Christian would lose the third quarter to the Knights, 13-7, however, the Patriots battled back, winning the fourth quarter, 12-10, but ultimately as the Patriots played some spectacular basketball, but took another narrow loss, 50-39.

Felice once again played his heart out, leading the team with 13 points, three three-pointers, which seems to be a trend, a field goal, 2-of-3 free throws, along with four rebounds.

Felice is going be a key component, especially offensively.

Perez had 13 total points, four field goals, six rebound and two steals.

“As each game goes by we learn from them, and we go over the film and work on our weaknesses. Between the Poway and Bishop’s game, we improved our defense and toughness. After today we’ll find another weakness and work on it next week at practice. Our game today was a success, but we all believe it could have been much better. Each player can make personal improvements and the team can make improvements, as well. We came out energized and hot, but then got way too comfortable with our lead and started playing down to their level. “ Said Christian’s Ben Felice.

Christian has a winnable game up next against Brawley (2-3) at Santana High School, on Saturday, December 4. Christian will be looking to grab its first win of the season.