Patriots stung, come close to escape

By David Dickens
Updated: January 22, 2022

2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (1-21-2022) — The Lincoln Hornets (8-9, 4-2 Eastern League) came to the Ryan Center to battle against the host Christian Patriots (7-12, 3-1 Eastern).

Believe it or not, it appeared from the very beginning that Christian would have a chance, they already had a slightly better record in league play.

The Patriots were keeping it a close one in the first half as the visiting Hornets only led 34-26.

Patrick Perez led the scoring attack in the first half with nine points as Hunter Provience was right behind with eight.

Lincoln really shut down the Patriots’ offensive attack in the third quarter, holding them to a lowly three points as even Perez only came up with one point at the free-throw line.

The Hornets on the other hand put up 18 points led by Sebastian Flores, who put up a three-pointer and a bucket for five points of the 18-3 run to win the third quarter.

It was just a tad too late as the Patriots had a decent run in the fourth, 17-12, as Perez had a heck of a battle on both sides of the ball as he finished the evening with 14 points, two assists, a steal, three blocks, and eight rebounds.

Provience ended up with 12 total points, 3 steals, a block, and six rebounds.

Both Provience and Perez had to be pretty crafty as buckets were hard to come by, especially in the third quarter.

Patriots went on to lose due to being held to three points in the third as Lincoln won it, 65-46.