Friday’s Boys Hoops: Matadors hang on

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: January 17, 2025

2024-25 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

ECS staff report

Mount Miguel 68, Monte Vista 6

SPRING VALLEY – Mount Miguel allowed a 37-25 haldtime lead to escape, yet came through in the final minutes to nip cross-town rival Monte Vista, 68-66, in Friday’s (Jan. 17) Grossmont Hills League basketball contest.

Monte Vista crawled back to within 63-52 on a 3-point buket by No.44. However, with the clock winding down, the Monarchs were forced to foul, but the Matadorsd’ Jamell Willey and Braylon Cardwell combined to go 3-for-4 at the foul line to hang on.

Willet fueled the Matadors with 22 points, while Cardwell added 11.

Hamad Elhamad scored six of his 10 points in the opening minutes, giving Mount Miguel, turning 20-18 advantage into a 12-point cushion.

Monte Vista fought back to move evn on an Alex “3K” Villanueva bucket to make it 48-all, then grabbed a brief lead on Jaren Wright’s basket late in the third period.

However, Laidyn Landers got loose for a layin by beating the buzzer for a 51-50 lead, starting an 8-0 Matadors run to held the rest of the way.

Villanueva finished with 18 points for the Monarchs (12-9 overall, 1-1 GHL).Mount Miguel moved to 7-9, 1-1 GHL) in defeating the Monarchs by just two points for the second syraight outing.

West Hills 79, at ECVHS 47

EL CAJON – West Hills freshman Malekai Dillon registered a game-best 19 points, leading the Wolf Pack past host El Cajon Valley, 79-47.

Joining Malekai in the West Jills scoring parage were a pair of juniors — Dalex Morris with 14 points, and Ethan Shaw with 12.

West Hills (8-11 overall, 1-1 GVL) led at the half,43-21 in downing the Braves for the fifth straight encounter (8-of-9.

El Cajon Valley slipped to o5-11 (0-2 GVL).

Christian 67, Lincoln 37

EL CAJON – The Christian Patriots whipped Lincoln for their first victory over the Hornets this century in a romp Friday (Jan. 17) in a City League ballgame held at Ryan Center.

Compiled by Nick Pellegrino

Scoreboard

Fri., Jan. 17
Helix 71, El Capitan 31
Mount Miguel 68, Monte Vista 66
West Hills 79, at ECVHS 47
Granite Hills at Grossmont
Valhalla at Santana

Christian 67, Lincoln 37
Foothills Christian 58, at The Rock 34
Mountain Empire at NC-High Tech
Valley Center at Ramona
West Shores at Borrego Springs