Monarchs rebound to defeat Bulldogs

By David Dickens
Updated: December 13, 2021

2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

MONTE VISTA 43, RAMONA 37

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

RAMONA (12-11-21) – The Monte Vista Lady Monarchs (6-2) are a Division III team in the San Diego CIF playoff alignment this season.

The Monarchs entered the season as one of the favorites to win a San Diego CIF division championship, as well, as the likely top contender for the Grossmont Valley League championship.

Monte Vista (6-2) was on a very impressive run after winning four straight minus senior Sami Gonzalez, as she would add three-pointers if healthy,

The Lady Monarchs ran into the Oceanside Pirates, and although a D-3 competitor also, Oceanside is 8-1.

Monte Vista was unfortunately just physically outplayed, however, these are the type of games a team like the Lady Monarchs will build off off, although it was 71-46.

On to the next one, keep a short memory? Those sound about right, and this is a team full of optimism, and “Heart over Height,“ a little something head coach Sabrina Jimenez came up with last season, along with her great schemes.

Fast forward, already having practiced hard, the Monarchs did their homework, and after a short, well not that short of a ride up to play the Lady Bulldogs of Ramona (3-3). Once again, on the road and to play a supposedly superior team, as they are also a step up, as a D-2 squad.

The Lady Monarchs were up for the challenge, and these higher division games will prove very useful when it comes time for league play.

So both squads were ready to play, in particular on offense.

At the end of the first quarter, it was tied up at 14-al, more of a football score, a the Lady Monarchs’ Meadow Delina, had two field goals and was 2-for-2 at the line, and right along side her was teammate Micyaah Flournoy, who had a beauty of a three-pointer and a bucket for five points.

Monte Vista started to play its defense, which is always successful as it does well and get inside the opponent’s head to create mental mistakes, leading to turnovers.

Along with great defense, the Lady Monarchs would win the second quarter as well, 10-7, and we had a 24-21 halftime thriller.

After a great halftime chat from coach Jimenez, the girls came out with stellar defense, holding the lady Bulldogs to a meager four points in the third quarter, meanwhile the Lady Monarchs, put up just enough offense, as Lina Deleon had a two-point field goal, and was 2-of-2 at the free-throw line.

The final quarter of play showed everyone that the Lady Monarchs are a tightly knit squad, looking for that league title again, but this time as a solo act.

Monte Vista had quite the battle offensively and defensively, as they did lose the fourth quarter, but played tough enough when needed early, as the scoreboard cleared triple zeros, and the horn blew loudly, the Monarchs lost the fourth quarter, 12-10, but ultimately won this thriller, 43-37.

“Our defense created our offense. We were able to put a lot of pressure, slowing down their offense. We have learned to play better as a team, even without our best players, I knew I needed to step up. Everyone contributed their fair share to the team. Saniya (Raley) locked up at the top of our press, Lina Deleon grabbing boards, our bigs doing their jobs down low, Keilani (Polite) helping lock up, and Meadow hitting her shots, Coach Sabz just had a great game plan for us,” said Flournoy.

Now that the Lady Monarchs are back on track, and will once again be the road warriors as they travel on Thursday, Dec. 16 to face the Marantha Christian Eagles (1-0).