Pack takes Victory; Eagle Spear debuts

By Ramon Scott
Updated: January 2, 2020

2019 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

EastCountySports.com staff report

SANTEE – Following 10 days off, the West Hills Wolf Pack will play four games in four days this week at the Santana New Year’s Classic.

Check the first game off in the win column, as West Hills defeated Victory Christian Academy, 76-59, on Wednesday.

Kyle Dobyns scored 20 points, 16 of which came in the second half, as the Wolf Pack dominated after halftime.

Dobyns had a three-pointer in the third quarter and also finished the game with nine rebounds.

“The first half was rough for us,” Dobyns said. “We came out with lots of energy in the second half and started to gain a big lead. We definitely started to move around better in the second half which got many guys points.”

Nine Wolf Pack players scored in the game.

Ashton Avestro, who has made his return the lineup, scored 18 points, including a pair of three-pointers in the second half. He also dished out five assists.

“Ashton Avestro played his most solid game since returning from injury mid-December,” West Hills head coach Tim Barry said.

Senior Jayden Moreno scored 13 points, including a three-pointer in the fourth quarter. He also grabbed six boards.

“It’s great to have Ashton back,” Moreno said. “He has an amazing shot and can also get to the basket at any time. Having a week off definitely affected us but in the second half we picked the effort up.”

Senior Ayden McClure added eight points for West Hills

West Hills junior Ryan Mailloux had a three-pointer in the first quarter but West Hills trailed 15-13.

The West Hills defense did a terrific job in the second quarter, holding Victory Christian to just six points to take a 24-21 lead into halftime.

“We came out a little cold in the first half but a good energy level took us into halftime with the lead,” Barry said. “All 13 players played and contributed in the first half after a two-week break from games.”

Next up for West Hills is Pacific Ridge in Round 2 of the tournament on Thursday.

ADELANTO 66, GRANITE HILLS 57 – The Eagles lost to a good Adelanto team from the Victorville area in a tournament game on Wednesday.

The Saints improved to 12-2 win the win over Granite Hills, who gave them a hard battle.

Junior Deon Spear, a transfer from Christian High, had a good game in his Granite Hills varsity debut, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

All 17 of Spear’s points came in the second half.

“We came out to slow from start and didn’t take care of the ball well enough,” Spear said. “It took us the whole first half to relax and play our style of basketball. If we come out with intensity from jump ball and take care of the ball better, we’ll be able to compete with anybody.

Despite a 3-7 start for the Eagles, the addition of Spear should allow extra space for Granite Hills’ other top players.

“I needed a change in scenery,” Spear said. “Christian wasn’t the right fit for me. Everybody from the staff, to the coaching staff, players and students are all (still) family to me. The crowd was excited to see what I bring to the table (for Granite Hills).”

The Eagles will play Central Union on Thursday at 6.

CENTRAL 65, SANTANA 41 – Santana (2-12) fell at the Santana New Year’s Classic but not before giving the Spartans a tough time in the first half

Central (8-8) led 22-15 after the first quarter but Santana eventually rallied to take a 28-26 lead in the second quarter.

The score was tied at 30-all at halftime.

PACIFIC RIDGE vs. MOUNT MIGUEL – The Matadors, who were coming off a 79-31 defeat at the hands of Central Union on Tuesday, were scheduled to play Pacific Ridge at the Santana New Year’s Classic on Wednesday.

No score was reported.

EastCountySports.com