Tandems triumph for Christian, Granite

2024-25 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

RYAN CENTER – Three weeks ago, the Christian Patriots were trailing Eastern League rival Patrick Henry by `8 points entering the fourth quarter, yet out-scoring the hosts by a 21-2 margin in the final period to pull off a miraculous victory.

In Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) re-match, things did take a turn-about.

Christian shutout Patrick Henry in the opening eight minutes, once taking a lead by the repeat margin of 21-2, to easily drop Patrick Henry, 59-32, on Seniors Night at Ryan Athleltic Center.

Patriots standout Julian “JuJu” Lebel tallied 19 points over the opening three periods before head coach Will Cunningham clearned the bench.

That allowed Robbie Scott to slide ahead to become the game’s leading scorer with 21 points.

Christian 18-5 (overall) remains tied at the top of the Eastern with San Diego at 5-1 after the Cavers stopped Lincoln, 63-47.

With Patrick Henry getting shutout until there was only 6:09 left in the first half, it was easuer to county the misses since there were no baskets: 5 air balls, four clunks off the side of the rim, and a baseline jump shot that hit the side of the backboard/

The sc.reboard read 32-112 at the half

Christian has now captured seven straight and 11-of-12. Patrick Henry fell to 9-17 (2-4 league).

Notes: Christian needs one addition win to match last season’s total of 19; two more triumphs to capture 20 games or the first time since 2019-20 under the Patriots previous coach Yim Brown (who was in attendance).

Granite Hills 69, West Hills 57
EL CAJON – If the top scoring tandem in East County are the two players from Christian (Lebel and scott; see above), the second-best might be the pair at Granite Hills.

Jasen Hughes, the brother of defending girls basketball state scoreing champion Jaylene Hiughes, tallied a game-best 31 popints, while teammate Andre Dankha added 19, lifting the Eagles over the West hills Wolf Pack, 69-57.

Granite Hills (13-10 overall) moved to 7-0 on top of the Grossmont Valley League. all-but-mathematically elimination West Hills (10-14, 3-3 GVL) from title considerstion with three ballgaes remaining.

Only secnd-standing Valhalla can catch Granite Hills.

The Eagles controlled the paint throughout, lef by the 14 rebounds and 3 blocked shots by four-year varsity performer Lathan Fry.

Mony Visya 68, El Capitan 64
SPRING VALLEY – The Monte Vista Monarchs held a difficult yet simple strategy: keep El Capitan scoreing leader Jason Wilson and don’t worry about the rest of the Vaqueros.

The game plan mostly worked.

Despite a season-best 30 points from El Cap’s Kale Curo, Monte Vista maintained a slight lead nearly throughout the second half to claim a 68-64 GVL triumph.

Wilson was held to galf of his 16.0 scoring average, yet the points were key. Included was his first bucket mideay through the third period to grab a 40-39 lead, eventually taking a 44-40 advantage.

However, the Monarchs out-scored El Cap by right points the rest of the way to win after going on a 15-4 scoring run for a 55-49 cushion. All five players for Monte Vista scored during the stretch, including four straight by Gabe Alcantar (16 points) to ignite the streak.

In the final minute, the Vaqueors drew even ona final bucket by Curo at 65-all. However, the Monarchs

However, the Monarchs clinched the win on consecutive baskets by Daesean Jenkins (the go-ahead score for his 14 points) and Garrett Tully.

Elsewhere

Steele Canyon 48, at Mount Miguel 45
SPRING VALLEY – Steele Canyon moved to 5-0 in the Grossmomnt Hills League, but they only reportefd the score. The Matadors returned to dead-even at 11-11 (3-3 GHL).

Santana at El Cajon Valley, not reported
BYE – Helix

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