EL CAJON (12-17-2021) — The dynamite defense of the high flying Eagles was tested Friday at home, as the Ramona Bulldogs from the northeast took the floor.
The opposite took place on Friday night, for starters, the Bulldogs won the first quarter of play, 20-7.
This a typical reverse of how an Eagle hoop game would start, being at the single digit scoring status. The second quarter after a small conference on the sidelines, pumped up the Eagleso n both sides of the ball.
Granite was still having a hard time positioning their shots to fall, quite the rebound kings, visiting Ramona would be, however.
Both squads had quite the speedsters, like something out of DC Comics, literally looking for smoke billowing from their shoes, just so many talented athletes on the floor.
Derek Edmond had a few airborne layups that were a thing of beauty, particularly in the paint, a true athlete.
As always, sophomore Isaiah Hasten playing some defense late in the second quarter also adding a follow-up two points at the end of the first half, but the score at the half however, 30-19, in favor of the visiting Bulldogs.
This Granite group full of great veterans and spectacular sophomores put together an action-packed third quarter, not surprisingly. The Eagles, on their game in particular with that stellar defense, at the end of the best played quarter, holding a high powered offensive attack from the Bulldogs, 15-4, win in the third quarter for the host Eagles. Granite back in striking distance as the fourth quarter begins all tied up at 34-all.
Playing focused and looking like the Eagles might pull out a beauty, and with a four point lead now, with two minutes to go, missed free throws cannot happen at crunch time.
After being down as many as 18 points to Ramona, even playing a much improved second half, still came up a little shy, key missed free throws being one of the key factors.
Granite battled back, losing, 19-12 in the final quarter, and the game, 53-46, to Ramona.
“You can’t blow it at the line. You cannot beat good teams when you don’t come out with intensity, and cannot miss half of your free throws. However, I was very proud of how hard we fought after going down 18 in the first half,” said Granite Hills head coach Dan Duffy.
Up next , Granite Hills (8-2) will host the Victory Christian Academy Knights (4-6) on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Derek Edmond had 17 total points, seven rebounds, four steals, and a block, Brother Tre Edmond had 15 total points, seven rebounds, and a steal. Hasten finished with six points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
