Vaqueros, Norsemen work for wins

By Ramon Scott
Updated: January 6, 2018

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

UNIVERSITY CITY – The El Capitan Vaqueros got a sweet taste of revenge already this season against the University City Centurions on UC’s home floor Saturday night, winning 57-53, in a non-league contest.

JAKE PFITZNER scored 20 points, including four three-pointers, and CHASE LOVATO added 13 as the Vaqueros upped their season mark to 6-8.

Pfitzner was also 6-for-6 at the charity stripe.

The Vaqueros lost to the Centurions at Grossmont High back on Dec. 9 decisively, 69-41, but came in with an adjusted game plan this time around.

El Cap led 15-11 after one period, but trailed 28-25 at halftime.

“Our focus defensively was to stop (No.) 13, who had 24 last time versus us,” said El Capitan coach JEFF BICKFORD.

The Vaqueros regained command in the third, and led 41-36 heading into the fourth.

Junior center RANDY TUCKER grabbed 11 rebounds, including eight defensive boards.

El Capitan will face West Hills on Mon., Jan 8 at 7:30 in a non-league contest in west Santee.

VALHALLA 74, PALO VERDE VALLEY 71 (3 OT) – Norseman TY SCHIMKE scored 28 points, including key baskets in both the second and third overtimes, lifting the Valhalla to the win at the Santana New Year’s Classic.

Palo Verde forced OT with a three-pointer with 2 seconds left while also forcing a second OT, as well.Schimke forced a third OT where the Norseman finally won to take third in the tourney.

Then Schimke forced a third OT where the Norseman finally won to take third in the tourney.

Valhalla next faces Madison on Wed., Jan. 10 at 5:30 on the road.