Knights can’t close against deserving Torrey Pines

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 23, 2019

2019 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

TORREY PINES 51, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 47

EastCountySports.com staff report

SAN DIEGO – The Foothills Christian Knights nearly made the comeback of comebacks against Torrey Pines in the San Diego CIF Open Division championship game at RIMAC Arena.

Ultimately, the No 1-ranked Knights spotted the No. 3-ranked Falcons too big of a lead and coach Brad Leaf’s bid for another section title fell just short in a 51-47 loss to the Falcons, which ended Foothills’ 13-game winning streak.

Tip-off of the San Diego CIF Open Division championship game on Saturday at RIMAC Arena.

The Pope brothers – Michael and Bryce – combined for 25 points for the Falcons. Noah Viera made three clutch three-point shots for Torrey.

Torrey Pines (25-6) led 15-4 after one period, eventually building a 16-point lead, and were ahead 28-15 at halftime.

Foothills Christian (24-6) closed to within one point in the fourth quarter with 5:38 to play, 39-38.

D.J. Carter-Hollinger, a senior, led the Knights with 19 points and three blocked shots. He had to leave the game momentarily for a cut on his arm which was the only thing that slowed his momentum in the second half.

Yassine Gharram added 13 points and six steals for the Knights.

The Falcons out-rebounded the Knights 39-24. Foothills Christian was 0-for-16 from three-point range.

Jalai O’Keith added nine points for the Knights.

Both teams qualified for the state tournament with their Open Division status.

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