Scotties take battle of Conference best

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

HELIX 58, MOUNT MIGUEL 56

 

By Dave Dickens 

EastCountySports.com

 

LA MESA (1-4- 2018) – The computers failed in predicting the outcome of this barn burner.

Don’t get us wrong, Helix (10-6), ranked 19th in SDSCIF Division 1, is a very talented group and could quite easily win the Grossmont Hills League.

On the other hand, the losing squad this evening lost by only 2 points, as Mount Miguel (14-3), coming into this evening’s contest, was ranked number 1 in the SDSCIF Division 3.

The Matadors could also take the Grossmont Valley League crown.

However, we have not even started league play yet, but tonight saw a packed, energetic, and loud gymnasium at Helix High treated to a postseason-style contest, as the players on each team, along with their respective coaching staffs, gave the crowd a show.

The visiting Matadors would get on the board first leading 2-0, however, Helix returned the favor with a 3-pointer, to go up 3-2 in the early 1st quarter of what was already an extremely physical game.

Both defenses were playing fantastic. It’s no wonder the total points combined was only 114.

“I definitely have the highest respect for these officials here tonight,” said Helix High head coach BRENNAN CASSADY. “As physical as both of us were playing, the officials did a great job and definitely did not affect the outcome of this contest.”

Helix was up 16-12 at the end of the 1st quarter, but this game felt much closer than what the scoreboard displayed.

If you were a fan at this game and turned around for even a second, you might miss a highlight-worthy shot, block, steal, 3-pointer, you name it.

Both Mount Miguel and Helix had multiple fouls attached to their starting 5 by the end of the 1st half.

By the end of the 1st half of play, Mount Miguel in the last 60 seconds was down 28-25, playing from behind the entire half.

However the Matadors went on a went on a 5-0 run to take their first lead of the half, only to have it spoiled as Helix tied it at 30-30 at the buzzer.

As the second half began, you just knew both the Matadors and the Scotties both wanted this game more than anything, in almost a playoff-like atmosphere.

Once again in the 4th quarter, Mount Miguel tied it at 52-52 with about 90 seconds left to play.

Helix came roaring back 56-54 with 1;15 left to play, but the Matadors, once again hitting 2- and 3-pointers at the most opportunistic times, tied it for the last time at 56-56.

Helix would be fouled a few times and ultimately made free throws and played great defense, as both squads did, really.

Ultimately, the Scotties ended up with the ball and the points when it needed them, nipping the visiting Matadors 58-56 for
the win.

Once again, the leading scorer for the Scotties was AMARI GREEN with 15 total points and a 3-pointer.

“Amari has been told he is gonna be the guy,” Cassidy said. “I’m proud of the whole team.”

MAURICE HOLMES had 14 total points for Helix.

Helix’s JAYLEN HINSON had 9 total points and was great at the FT line, going 6-for-9.

JAVON DAVIS, of Helix, was able to grab several rebounds and score 5 points for the evening.

“We showed our toughness tonight and that we can finish games like these against tough opponents
like Mount Miguel,” said Cassady. “Mount Miguel is a great team but we were able to be patient at the end to win.”

Mount Miguel also had their share, as DERON TRAYLOR had 16 total points, including 3 3-pointers.

C.J. JACKSON had 15 total points for the Matadors and has also been fantastic with offensive and defensive rebounds.

MARQUISE EDWARDS had 12 total points for Mount Miguel, including 4-for-4 at the FT line.

Up next for Helix, they will be at tough Monte Vista (13-3) on Saturday at 6 pm.

Up next on the docket for Mount Miguel is facing El Capitan (5-8) a week from tomorrow on January 12 at 7 pm.

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