East County Sports

Griffins secure easy road playoff upset

ECS file photo

2024-25 COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

 

ecs staff report

SAN JACINTO – Thr Grossmont College women’s basketball team pulled off one of the few shockers in Saturday’s (Mar. 1) second round of the 4C2A South regional, taking down host Mt. San Jacinto College, 67-59. BOXSCORE

The contest wasd played at the school’s old gymnasium, located two miles north of Hemet in southwest Riverside County.

The Eagles posted a 27-2 conference record, but it came in the Inland Empire Conference, considered to be among the softest in California. Thus, the Griffins felt they were more battle-tested, and it turned out to be true.

Grossmont (24-5 overall) raced to a 23-16 leqd after the first period, then extended the nmargin to 38-25 at halftime.

And tghe Eagles (also 24-5) never made a significant challenge in the second half.

Anayla Anderson tallied seven of her 22 points in the opening minutes. Meanwhile, Kyla Palpallatoc gained 9 of her game-best 24 points in the second period, as the Eagles were able to slow down one guard, but not both members of the Grossmont baccourt.

Meanwhile, the defense of the Griffins held Mt. San Jacinto to less than 26 percent shooting — the best by GC against an opponent with a winning record all season. The 7th-seeded Eagles made a mere 20-of-82 shots (24.4 percent).

Other top Grossmont performers were Chaya Scott (7 points, 11 rebounds), Kiya Waters (10 boards), while ndia Pines came off the bench to add 7 points.

The No. 10-seeded Griffins advance to the South Region third round with a berth to the state quarterfinals on the line. They eill trsvrl to face second-seeded Mt. San Antonio on Saturday (Mar. 8).

The winner will return to Mt. SAC, whcih hosts the state Fianl 8 on Mar. 13-15.

History

The first time Grossmont reached the state quarterfinals came in 1983 under legendary head coach Joyce Sake.

That same year, in the final game prior to the Final 8, Long Beach needed a home-court win to gain a berth in the state quarterfinals l its own court. However, the Vikings lost to San Diego Mesa, so a Grossmont victory is possible.

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