Vaqueros storm over reigning CIF champs

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: November 18, 2023

2023-24 EAST COUNTY PREP GORLS BASKETBALL

ECS staff report

LAKESIDE — One day after thunder and lighting basked over the area, the voltage in the air carried over to one of the most important girls basketball games in the opening week of the season.

With reigning CIF San Diego Section Open Division titlist Torrey Pines in town, the El Capitan Vaqueros utilized a resounding 27-8 scoring run to close Friday’s (Nov. 17) contest, taking down the Falcons, 57-45, at historic Foster Gymnasium.

“The atmosphere was electric,” said El Capitan head coach Dylan Curtis. “It was a great effort for this early in the season.”

Few were surprised when Torrey Pines took the early lead, but they never could shake the Vaqueros, which took off after trailing 37-30 before their powerful comeback.

Fueling the rally was sophomore point guard v, who tallied 18 of her game-best 22 points in the second half. Included were four 3-point baskets in the final period,, when the Vaq Attack went wild with 27 points.

Meanwhile, small forward Lilly Williams added nine of her 19 points in the final stanza, while the defense limited the Falcons to just four short-range buckets down the stretch.

Triggering the comeback may have been a deep 3-ball by guard Sammy Willis near the close of the third period. Suddenly with more than one backcourt player to defend, Torrey Pines (1-1 overall) couldn’t completely match-up before the roof caved in.

Torrey Pines held a 25-22 halftime advantage behing 9 early points by Lily Oliva. However, when El Cap blanked her in the second half, the door opened a touch wider to rally.

For El Cap, the other scoring leaders were Willis (6 points), Paige Worthem (4), Emily Sample (4) and Amaya Tone (2).

El Capitan (2-0) looks to extend its winning streak with a rare afternoon contest on Tuesday (Nov. 20), meeting The Bishop’s School before starting a 3-game road swing.

Elsewhere

Grossmont 42, San Dimas 41

UPLAND – The Grossmont Foothillers captured the Upland Highlanders Classic tournament by nipping San Dimas, 42-41. The Hillers are 3-0. No details were available since the ballclub was traveling.

Other Scores

Fri., Nov. 17
El Capitan 57, Torrey Pines 45
Grossmont 42, San Dimas 41
West Hills 47, at Patrick Henry 34
Morse 48, at Steele Canyon 41
El Camino 74, at Ramona 14 – Alana Hoskins (EC) 30 points
Anza-Hamilton 49, at Borrego Springs 7
Warner at Mountain Empire, late