Las Matadores hoops: The Next Generation; Watch on FOX 5 News

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: December 15, 2023

The replay is now aAvailable on KSWB-5 website HERE

2023-24 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

Jaylene Hughes, during her Fox 5 interview

SPRING VALLEY — Is there truly life after death?

In terms of sports theology, one could definitively argue it does in respect to the Mount Miguel High girs basketball team.

Despite an extremely rtough start following the dismissal of long-time head coach Robbie Sandoval, who captured league titles in the Grossmont Conference in all of his 23 seasons in East County, the Matadors continue to establish records.

Case-in-point: Las Matadores point guard Jaylene Hughes is already rewriting the record book.

Hughes, a freshman, after scroing 49 points in her second career game — the sixth-highest total in East County history — followed up with counts of 41 and 52 points. The latter equally the all-time record in the region for individual scoring.

Facing Canyon Hills on Wednesday (Dec. 6), Hughes accounted for all 52 Mount Miguel points in a 64-52 loss to the Rattlers.

Officials with CalHiSports have been contacted to check whether the 100 percent of a team total could also be a state record.

Hughes’ 52 points is the highest by an East County player in the 21st Century.

The previous mark was 47, established by Jaclyn Goldbard of Grossmont (vs. El Centro-Central, Jan. 27, 2004) and Leanna Watson of El Cajon Valley (vs. Julian, Jan. 1, 2016).

More noteworthy, Hughes tied the mark of 52 established by Grossmont’s Christina Adams, the most prolific scorer in East County history.

“In the game, I scored my career high wityh 52 points, but I was more focused on winning the game,” said Hughes. “For my team, I am required to contribute more until my teammates gain more experience.”

“With the hard work and dedication put in by my father (head coach Jason Hughes), into my game, is the reason I was able to do what I did.”

“I really would like to thank my father for preparing me for moments like this.”

Since Hughes is only a freshman with a mere half-dozen ballgames under her belt, the conference record should fall shortly.

Adams set the mark against West Hills on Jan. 23, 1990. Adams also twice finished with game totals of 50 points, owning three of the top five contests prior to Hughes’ effort.

The other 50-point performances were by Vicki Teter of Julian (51 vs. Vincent Memorial, Jan. 12, 1989; the East County record before Adams overtook the figure a season later), and Reco Edwards of ECVHS (vs. West Hills, Feb. 17, 1994).

Along with Hughes huge scoring displays, there are also some negivtive footnotes.

In her debut contests, Hughes fouled out early after scorng nine points, as Mount Miguel was whipped by Steele Canyon by a margin of a margin of 101 points, 113-12.

However, with improved defense, Hughes remaied in all of her ensuing ballgames, piling up the points with four teammates with virtually no basketball experience, especially after all potential returning players either graduated or enrolled elsewhere after Sandoval left; he now serves as head coach at Lincoln.

Through four outings, Hughes has scored 151 points (37.8 ppg).

Other father-daughter combinations in the region include in recent yhears the Curtis Family, while the Holm Family of El Cajon Valley ruled East County in the late 1970s

Meanwhile, older sister, Jade, serves as an assistant coach.

The previous Mount Miguel school record was 40 points by Danielle Miller, the former East County player of the year in 2010-11, in a game against powerful Pacific Palisades on Dec. 20, 2010.

Recent 40+ performances

Mackenzioe Curtis, El Capitan
42 vs. Madison, May 13, 2021
42 vs. Foothills Christian, Jan. 11, 2020
42 vs. University City, Nov. 27, 2018

Others
50 – Janet Franey, Helix, 1997-98
48 – Jordan Franey, Santana, 2005-06
45 – Jordan Franey, Santanam 2004-05
44 – Chelsea Ball, ECVHS, 2011-12

Coach’s comments

Mount Miguel head coach Jason Hughes:

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work with these young, hard-working ladies. Being able to coach my daughter and watch her attempt to make history is just a plus.”

“My goal as a coach and a father has always been to bring the spotlight to girls basketball, nring them more attention and support.”

Las Matadores, as coined by former Matadors head coach Robbie Sandoval, return to action Thurs., Dec. 21, hosting Chula Vista (I4-3) at 7 p.m. in the opening round of the 4th annual El Cajon Valley Tournament. Holtville is the defending champion.

Looking ahead

The Top 12 individual scoring effortsin CIF San Diego Section history:

Most Points Scored (Game)

Pts Player Game Date

76 Shyla Latone Bonita Vista vs Hilltop (01/19/18)
71 Charde Houston San Diego vs. Castle Park (12/09/02)
68 Destiny Littleton Bishop’s vs. Mira Mesa (12/13/2016)

67 Charde Houston San Diego vs. Morse (2/12/02)
65 Terri Mann Point Loma vs. Chula Vista (12/31/86)
65 Destiny Littleton Bishop’s vs. University City (12/14/16)

61 Charde Houston San Diego vs.West Hills (at Mission Bay (12/21/2002)
60 Shyla Latone Bonita Vista vs Hilltop (02/13/1
60 Linda Neilson Hilltop vs. Southwest (4/08/76)

60 Sharon Turner El Camino vs. Ramona (1/17/85)
58 Charde Houston San Diego vs. Scr Ranch (2004)
57 Shyla Latone Bonita Vista vs Montgomery (01/10/18)