Scotties nip Hillers in double-overtime

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-18-12) — Two teams without a championship in reach put on a pretty good show in front of a full house Friday (Feb. 17) in the Grossmont Hills League finale.

Rarely have two girls teams played in front of an overflow crowd that filtered into Grossmont High’s gym to honor the memory of Foothillers head football coach RON MURPHY, whose life was claimed by cancer earlier this week.

A celebration of Murphy’s life will be held in the Foothillers football stadium on Saturday (Feb. 18) from 9 a.m. to 11.

Even though the Highlanders escaped with a 58-51 victory to close the GHL season, the victory did not come easy, which is evident by the two overtimes required to decide the outcome.

Leading 37-35 with 5 minutes to go in the third quarter, the Highlanders (7-20, 5-5 GHL) stormed in front 46-37 with 1:20 remaining.

The Foothillers went on a 12-point run to lead 49-46.

It appeared the victory was in hand for the Foothillers although they only led 46-43 after KATERINA SCHWEITZER hit two free throws for Grossmont (7-19, 4-6 GHL).

Although Grossmont was ready to celebrate a victory, they were denied when FAITH LEAUPEPETELE hit a 3-pointer for Helix with 2 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.

Leaupepetele finished with 20 points, while SHIRAH HANCOCK scored 17 with 9 rebounds and SARAH MEREDITH pitched in 13 and snagged 12 rebounds.

HAYLEY SINGER pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds for Helix.

For Grossmont DANIELLE DAHLE scored 18 points before fouling out. DANIELLE DAVIS contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while KATARINA SCHWEITZER popped in 12 points.

“It was unfortunate that we had 27 fouls called on us and 16 on Helix during this game,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “In the fourth quarter and overtime Helix went to the line 27 times and scored on 11 of them. Our girls played really hard tonight and we fell short of beating them in two overtimes. Losing Dahle with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter after scoring 18 points hurt, but we still played well until the final OT.”

“BRIA MILLER hit a key free throw that tied the game at 50 to send us into the 2nd overtime,” Bickford added. “It was big for her confidence and our team. She has been out for a few weeks and it was a clutch free throw. I’ve never heard a high school gym so loud when she hit that.”

“It's been a tough season for us in my first year and we will be starting spring league in about a month. We return eight players next year and I can promise we will be in contention for league!”

“I’m so proud of my girls,” commented Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “They ended the season with fire and intensity. They have come so far. Tonight was a really good win for us.”

Helix: Faith Leaupepetele 20 (6 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Shirah Hancock 17 (9 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Sarah Meredith 13 (12 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Hayley Singer 6 (14 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 5 blk), Ashley Smith 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Lisabella Lemusu 1 (3 reb), Tenae Johnson (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Fuafiva Pulu (reb, 1 stl), Debbi Cardenas (1 reb, 1 ast), Dominique Jones (1 reb).

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 18 (7 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 4 blk), Danielle Davis 10 (11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Katarina Schweitzer 12 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Carly Lopez 6 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Megan Reddecliff 2 (3 reb), Bria Miller 1 (7 reb, 1 stl), Rae’Chelle Ransaw (2 reb), Larissa Foggiano (3 reb).

WEST HILLS 49, STEELE CANYON 23 — Wolf Pack guard KYLIE CRISTINI posted one of her best single quarters of the season, passing for four quick assists to mount an early 18-2 lead to quell the host Cougars in Friday's (Feb. 17) regular season finale.

With the triumph, West Hills clinched second place in the Grossmont Hills League.

Cristini finished with six assists along with a pair of first-half baskets to propel the Pack to a 30-12 cushion at the intermission.

"Coach told me to push the ball and I listened to him," said Cristini. "We just look for each other, then look for our shots."

Apparently, they did. Eight different players scored for West Hills in the first quarter alone. Meanwhile, the Cougars only suited six players, with their top performer, center ALI MERLINO, fouling out early in the fourth quarter.

Merlino was defended by Wolf Pack center JILLIAN BROWN. While their battle on the boards finished dead even at eight rebounds each, West Hills had too many extra weapons.

"Jillian gets offensive boards for us," added Cristini. "While EMILY COLE made some clutch shots."

Cole paced the Pack with 11 points, while TAYLOR INGRAHAM added 10. On defense ARIELLE BOWERS registered three steals and a pair of blocked shots.

For Steele Canyon , MONIQUE VAN led the way with a game-high 12 points. JESSICA THOMPSON and RACHEL BEASLEY were the game leaders with nine rebounds each.

West Hills: Emily Cole 11 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Taylor Ingraham 10 (7 reb), Jillian Brown 9 (8 reb, 4 stl, 2 blk, 1 ast), Jenesis Hayes 4 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kylie Cristini 4 (6 ast, 4 reb), Jessica Scott 4 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Arielle Bowers 3 (3 stl, 2 ast, 2 blk, 2 reb), Taylor Aguirre 3 (1 reb), Daniana Ghandour 1 (1 reb), Bailey Albers (2 stl, 1 ast, 1 reb), Fordyce (1 reb), Byrd (1 stl).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 12 (4 ast, 3 stl, 2 reb), Ali Merlino 5 (8 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Thompson 4 (9 reb, 1 stl), Tiana Teo 2 (3 reb, 2 stl), Rachel Beasley (9 reb), Mercedes Dupre-Rogers (3 reb).

— Nick Pellegrino

MOUNT MIGUEL 78, SANTANA 32 – Mount Miguel scored as many points in the first quarter as Santana scored in the whole game in Friday’s (Feb. 17) Grossmont Valley League finale.

Mount Miguel senior SHAY YOUNG, who finished with 30 points, scored half of those in the first quarter as the Matadors took a 32-13 lead.

“We took the press off at halftime,” said coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL after the Matadors built a 54-24 lead.

Freshman KAMREE HARRISON scored 13 points, dished 6 assists and made 3 steals.

“That was one of her best games ever,” Sandoval said of Harrison .

ZARIA BRANCH scored 11 points, while DEIJAH BLANKS scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Mount Miguel .

The Matadors (21-5, 8-0 GVL) gained a 34-13 scoring advantage in the middle two quarters.

Senior HALEY BURTON turned in a strong performance for Santana with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 30 (6 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Kamree Harrison 13 (2 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 11 (1 ast, 1 stl), Deijah Blanks 9 (9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk), Breahna Jones 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Dejanay Pope 3 (9 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Chantel Yell 3 (1 reb, 5 ast, 7 stl, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller 3 (4 reb, 1 blk).

Santana: Haley Burton 23 (7 reb, 2 blk), Savannah Garcia 3 (1 reb), Sydney Blackburn 2 (6 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Ariel Rassmussen 2, Kayti Grable 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Savanah Fenn (3 reb, 1 ast), Veronica Martinez (1 reb), Emily Kloss (1 reb), Becca Ramirez (1 reb, 1 ast), Taylor Estes (1 ast, 1 blk), Kylie Brees 4 reb).

So they picked up a non-league game with High Tech High of San Diego on Friday (Feb. 17) to end their season.

Silva, returning from missing the last two games with an injury, scored a team-high 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

KANDICE KALASHO finished with 17 points for the Norsemen, while SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP pitched in 10 points and hauled down 12 rebounds.

“It’s been a long season and it was nice to end on a win,” said Norsemen coach AL SILVA. “We have been up and down with one player or another missing. It’s tough when you don’t have all your players playing.

“We doubled our win total in one day,” Silva pointed out with glee.

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 17 (2 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Melanie Jirjis (1 ast), Jessica May 2 (3 reb), Alexis Silva 19 (10 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Sarah Federico 4 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Hayley Swanger 4 (8 reb, 1 ast, 8 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 10 (12 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Mackenzie Castro (5 reb).

MONTE VISTA 50, EL CAPITAN 31 – The Monarchs finished the season with a Grossmont Valley League victory over the Vaqueros to secure a second place finish in the league.

“We brought five girls up from JV and they played,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “These are girls that we hope to make varsity next year. The varsity played well today and the JV played well, too.”

Monte Vista: Abigail Vargas 14 (only score reported).

El Capitan: DeAnna Reed 13 (only score reported).

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
POINT LOMA (2-17-12) — Half full. Half empty. It all depends on how you want to review the Christian High girls basketball season.

Despite a sub-.500 record as the ballclub enters next week's San Diego CIF Division IV playoffs, the Patriots (12-14) have to be pleased with their victory total – matching the sum of their previous three seasons combined – and a third-place finish in the Central League following Thursday's (Feb. 16) 30-18 verdict over host Point Loma.

ALESIA LOWERY paced Christian with 15 points, but it was the defense which shined by carrying a shutout until the final three minutes of the first half at 15-0. Included were 24 rebounds and six blocked shots by sophomore center CHAYAN LOWERY.

"It got physical, so you’ve got to be strong, play your hardest and go for it," said Chayan Lowery, who will run track this spring. "It was a team effort – that's all that counts."

The contest got so rough in the closing minutes, a quick pushing incident saw Christian's MIA JOHNSON, the school's head varsity cheerleader, nearly get tangled with a frustrated Point Loma player who fouled her on a layin attempt.

"It was intense out there, but overall, our team played really well," said JILLIAN SEXTON, who paced the defense with six steals to go along with her seven points. "It was a little dirty at the end, but we overcame it."

Earlier, Johnson was heavily bumped, which sent her reeling to the floor.

"Mia tried to kick me," joked Sexton about her teammate flying past her while falling.

Defense has been the team's strength all season, so improvement on the other end of the court will determine the ballclub's future fortunes.

"We just need a lot of training from our shooters over the summer," added Sexton, who also swims for the Patriots. "If we work on our ballhandlng, too, we'll be very good."

Christian jumped to a 15-0 cushion as Alesia Lowery connected at a point-per-minute rate, hitting her third trey in the opening minute of the second quarter. In between her bombs, Sexton connected on a driving layin off a nice assist from ANAYA TOBIASON.

Meanwhile, the defense did not allow a point until there was 2:42 left in the half; the Pointers missed their first 15 shots from the floor.

Pairings for the SDCIF playoffs are slated to be released late Saturday morning.

Christian: Alesia Lowery 15 (3 reb), Jillian Sexton 7 (6 stl, 6 reb), Anaya Tobiason 4 (4 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast), Chayan Lowery 2 (24 reb, 6 blk, 2 stl, 1 ast), Mia Johnson 2 (5 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast, 1 blk).

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (2-15-12) — Mount Miguel High senior SHAY YOUNG scored an East County high 36 points to help the Matadors down host Monte Vista, 61-49, and capture its 12th consecutive Grossmont League championship on Tuesday (Feb. 14).

Coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL’s Matadors are 108-1 during those championship seasons.

Young landed 15 buckets and 6 of 8 free throws as the Matadors took a 28-19 halftime lead.

“Shay had one of her better games,” Sandoval said of his senior starter.

Monte Vista was paced by DIONNA MERCER who tallied 16 points, including 10 of 16 free throw shooting.

JAZMINE BRADLEY added 13 and ABIGAIL VARGAS chipped in 10 for the Monarchs (21-8, 5-2 GVL).

“We played a great game,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “We attacked the basket and got to the foul line (hitting 20 of 34).

“I like the effort of our team,” he added. “Our girls competed, didn’t play scared. We went to work to make it close.”

ZARIA BRANCH had 12 points and 7 assists to lead the supporting cast for Mount Miguel (20-5, 7-0 GVL).

It’s no secret that Mount Miguel has a strong half-court game. In an effort to take the Matadors out of their comfort zone, the Monarchs tried to turn it into a fast break game.

“We wanted to make them run, make it a back-and-forth game,” Skibbe said. “We were pretty successful at that, especially in the first half.

“Even though we lost, this is a huge game for our pre-playoff season.”

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 36 (8 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 3 blk), Zaria Branch 12 (5 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Deijah Blanks 6 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Chantel Yell 4 (4 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Kamree Harrison 3 (1 ast), Dejanay Pope (4 reb, 1 stl, 4 blk), Breahna Jones (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl).

Monte Vista: Dionna Mercer 16 (3 reb, 5 stl), Jazmine Bradley 13 (4 reb, 1 stl), Abigail Vargas 10 (6 reb, 4 stl), Kayla Harrell 8, Stefanie Banks 2 (4 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Felicia Porter (2 reb, 2 blk), Monica Williams (4 reb).

GROSSMONT 55, STEELE CANYON 47 – DANIELLE DAHLE tallied 14 of her game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s (Feb. 14) Grossmont Hills League victory giving the Foothillers their second straight win and third in five starts.

In the pivotal final period when the Foothillers registered a 20-5 scoring advantage Dahle nailed four buckets and was 6-for-6 at the free throw line.

“It was awesome to see our defense in the fourth quarter again shut down our opponent,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “Both of our games this year against Steele Canyon we outscored them 38-10 in the 4th quarter.”

CARLY LOPEZ led the supporting cast for Grossmont (7-18, 4-5 GHL) with 11 points.

“It was nice to see Carly step up on defense, locking down her girl and not get in early foul trouble,” Bickford added. “We have had to do a WADE VICKERY approach by doing offense/defense subbing.”

Steele Canyon came out fast, taking a 10-3 lead late in the first quarter with ALI MERLINO scoring 8 points to pace the Cougars.

Grossmont cut the lead to one, heading into the second quarter, with Dahle taking charge on several strong drives to the basket. The teams deadlocked in a 27-27 tie heading into halftime.

Steele Canyon (11-13, 3-6 GHL) came out strong in the third period on the strength of MONIQUE VAN, who scored 10 of her team-high 18 points in this quarter. The Cougars also lost two of their players to injury during this quarter, with JESSICA THOMPSON (possible concussion) and MALICIA JORDAN (leg injury).

After the injured players went out, the tide seemed to turn in the Hillers’ favor, as they dominated the final eight minutes to secure the victory.

Merlino finished with 18 points to tie for the team lead.

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 31 (17 reb, 1 stl, 2 ast, 2 blk), Carly Lopez 11 (2 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast), Danielle Davis 8 (6 reb), Rae’Chelle Ransaw 2 (1 reb, 4 ast), Lauren Weigel 2 (1 ast), Megan Reddecliff 1 (4 reb), Katarina Schweitzer (2 reb, 1 stl, 3 ast), Christina Valdez (1 reb).

Steele Canyon: Ali Merlino 18 (5 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Monique Van 18 (7 reb, 1 blk, 5 stl, 5 ast), Tiana Teo 9 (1 reb, 1 stl), Rachel Beasley 2 (2 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl, 1 ast), Alexis Ramos (4 reb, 3 blk, 1 stl, 1 ast), Malicia Jordan (1 reb, 1 ast),

Jessica Thompson (1 stl), Mercedes Dupre-Rogers (1 reb).

SANTANA 61, EL CAJON VALLEY 60 – Trailing by 10 points with less than two minutes to play in Tuesday’s (Feb. 14) Grossmont Valley League encounter against visiting El Cajon Valley, the Sultans put on a scoring rush.

A basket by HALEY BURTON tied it 60-60 with 14 seconds remaining, and then nine seconds later Burton made the second of two free throw chances to provide the Sultans (12-13, 4-3 GVL) with the winning margin.

Burton finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots. SYDNEY BLACKBURN added 16 points and 8 steals, while KAYTI GRABLE chipped in 15 points and 7 assists.

Santana: Haley Burton 17 (11 reb, 4 ast, 6 blk), Sydney Blackburn 15 (2 reb, 7 ast, 8 stl, 2 blk), Kayti Grable 15 (6 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl), Veronica Martinez 7 (1 reb, 2 stl), Savanah Fenn 4 (4 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Emily Kloss 3 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Taylor Estes (1 reb, 1 blk), Ariel Rassmussen (1 reb).

El Cajon Valley: Chelsea Ball 15 (19 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Micia Lopez 15 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Joanna Delacruz 15 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Natasha Fernandez 11 (4 reb, 2 stl), Ormoni Norris-Greer 2 (4 reb, 5 ast), Miranda Mullens 2 (4 reb).

HELIX 51, VALHALLA 35 – Helix used an 18-4 run in the second quarter to erase an early Valhalla advantage to lift the Highlanders to the Grossmont Hills League victory.

KANDICE KALASHO paced Valhalla (2-24, 0-9 GHL) with 22 points.

“We took an early lead in the first quarter but couldn’t hold up,” said Norseman coach AL SILVA. “We didn’t have ALEXIS SILVA (out with a nagging injury) and we can’t count on just one or two people. Kandice gets tired and her shots start to miss the mark.”

“SARAH FEDERICO had her best game,” the coach continued. “She went to the basket and had a good rebounding game (with 7 boards). She was hustling and diving on the floor with 30 seconds left to play. I give her props.”

Helix: No statistics reported.

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 22 (1 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 8 (4 reb, 3 blk, 2 stl), Sarah Federico 4 (7 reb, 2 stl), Melanie Jirjis 1 (4 reb), Hayley Swanger (5 reb, 1 stl), Jessica May (3 reb), Mackenzie Castro (2 reb).

CHRISTIAN 38, CRAWFORD 18 – No information reported for this Tuesday (Feb. 14) Central League game, which clinched no worse than a third-place finish for the Patriots.>

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-12) — El Cajon Valley High trailed by just one point at the end of the first quarter of Friday (Feb. 10) night’s Grossmont Valley League game, but the Monarchs stretched the lead to 19-15 by intermission.

Monte Vista prevailed in the third quarter but the Braves staged a mighty comeback attempt in the fourth, scoring 10 points to the Monarchs’ 6. It was too little, too late as the Monarchs held on to defeat El Cajon Valley, 44-36.

“We did a lot of positive things tonight, even though we have some people with injuries,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE

“Sophomore HEATHER BELL was our leading scorer with 13 points. We made 22 steals as a team and 6 blocks. Like I tell the girls, to fill our stats just do a little more. STEFANIE BANKS played a great game.”

Banks grabbed 9 rebounds for the Monarchs as did FELICIA PORTER, and MONICA WILLIAMS recorded 8 boards.

“We only lose two girls to graduation next year; we’ll have 8 returning players,” Skibbe said. “Our four sophomores (Monica and MONIQUE WILLIAMS, Bell and KAYLA HARRELL) are among the Top 10 academically on our campus.”

CHELSEA BALL led El Cajon Valley with 14 points and crashed the boards for 22 rebounds, while NATASHA FERNANDEZ made 6 steals.

“I am just proud of my seniors Chelsea Ball, Natasha Fernandez, MIRANDA MULLENS and ALESCIA DEAN for leading the Lady Braves,” said El Cajon Valley coach MARC BOYKINS. “Now we are just hoping to do something different and make the playoffs.”

Monte Vista : Heather Bell 13 (1 reb, 1 stl), Dionna Mercer 10 (1 reb, 4 stl, 3 ast), Abigail Vargas 6 (2 reb, 2 blk, 4 stl), Monica Williams 5 (8 reb, 1 blk, 3 stl, 1 ast), Stefanie Banks 4 (9 reb, 3 stl, 2 ast), Jazmine Bradley 4 (1 reb, 4 stl, 1 ast), Kayla Harrell 2 (1 blk, 1 stl), Felicia Porter (9 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl, 1 ast), Alexis Wittmann (1 reb, 1 blk), Monique Williams (1 reb).

El Cajon Valley: Chelsea Ball 14 (22 reb, 3 stl, 4 ast), Micia Lopez 6 (1 ast, 7 reb), Joanna Delacruz 5 (1 ast, 2 reb), Ormani Norris-Green 5 (1 reb, 1 stl), Natasha Fernandez 2 (1 reb, 6 stl), Toni England 2 (1 blk, 1 stl), Miranda Mullens 2 (1 reb).

GROSSMONT 48, VALHALLA 21 – Grossmont jumped out to a 12-6 start of Friday’s (Feb. 10) Grossmont Hills League against visiting Valhalla and maintained the lead throughout the game.

“We played much better this time at home versus Valhalla, winning by only 2 points last time we played on January 20th,” said Foothillers coach JEFF BICKFORD.

“It was ROTC night and Senior KAT SCHWEITZER is involved in that program,” Bickford added. “She had a lot of fans cheering for her and witnessing her career (and team) high 16 points.

“I spoke to her last night and told her to be more aggressive offensively. She has played great defense since we switched to man defense primarily 3 weeks ago.”

Valhalla was paced by KANDICE KALASHO who recorded 13 points and four steals, while SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP hauled down a team best 12 rebounds.

“Our twin towers DANIELLE DAHLE had 15 points and 18 rebounds and DANIELLE DAVIS had 8 points and 19 rebounds,” said Bickford.

“In addition, we crashed the boards grabbing 62 rebounds in the game,” he added. “We missed a lot of layups tonight, but I was proud of our efforts going after the ball. It was nice to get some balance on the scoring end for a change.”

Grossmont: Katarina Schweitzer 16 (5 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Danielle Dahle 15 (18 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl, 7 blk), Danielle Davis 8 (19 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Megan Reddecliff 6 (8 reb, 1 stl), Carly Lopez 3 (3 reb, 3 ast), Rae’Chelle Ransaw (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Christina Valdez (1 reb).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 13 (2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 5 (12 reb, 5 stl, 2 blk), Hayley Swanger 3, Mackenzie Castro (3 reb), Sarah Federico (2 reb), Melanie Jirjis (1 reb).

WEST HILLS 49, HELIX 18 – West Hills (19-5, 7-1 GHL) got off to a strong start and never relinquished the lead in Friday’s (Feb. 10) Grossmont Hills League game in Santee.

“It was Senior Night at West Hills, and all 5 seniors started and played well, got us off to a good start and we finished the opening quarter 14-0,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

The Pack’s defense was solid all night, never giving up more than 8 points in any quarter.

“We were able to take advantage down low with TAYLOR INGRAHAM and JILLIAN BROWN combining for 23 points,” Kinser said. “TAYLOR AGUIRRE played well and hit two 3's. We are hoping she keeps it going, she can be an x-factor down the stretch. EMILY COLE shot well also, going 4-6 from the 3-point line.”

“These seniors have had good careers and have helped this program accomplish many things. It was great for them to go out with a win and play well tonight,” Kinser noted.

The Highlanders (5-20, 3-5 GHL) were led by SHIRAH HANCOCK with 8 points, while SARAH MEREDITH contributed 6 along with 12 rebounds. HAYLEY SINGER crashed the boards for 8 rebounds and made 3 blocks.

West Hills: Emily Cole 14, Jillian Brown 14, Taylor Ingraham 9, Taylor Aguirre 6, Jenesis Hayes 2, Bailey Albers 2, Daniana Ghandour 1, Jessica Scott 1.

Helix: Shirah Hancock 8 (3 reb, 4 stl, 1 blk), Sarah Meredith 6 (12 reb, 4 stl), Hayley Singer 4 (8 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk), Faith Leaupepetele (3 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Fuafive Pulu (3 reb, 1 stl 1 blk), Rubine D’Jemba (2 reb, 2 stl), Sabrina Reid (1 ast, 2 stl), Dominique Jones (1 reb, 1 stl), Lisabella Lemusu (3 reb), Ashley Smith (2 reb), Tenae Johnson (1 reb), Debbi Cardenas (1 stl).

MOUNT MIGUEL 65, EL CAPITAN 16 – SHAY YOUNG rolled a double-double to dismiss host El Capitan in a Grossmont Valley League game in Lakeside Friday (Feb. 10) night.

Young finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Matadors poised themselves for a potential GVL championship on Tuesday (Feb. 14) against Monte Vista.

Young, who had a consecutive free throw shooting streak to 24, missed the mark on her second toss of the contest to end the streak.

ZARIA BRANCH contributed 13 points and KAMREE HARRISON added 12 as coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL substituted freely.

DEIJAH BLANKS crashed the boards for 13 rebounds.

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 19 (10 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk, 5 stl), Zaria Branch 13 (7 reb, 3 stl), Kamree Harrison 12 (4 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl), Deijah Blanks 6 (13 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk, 6 stl), Chantel Yell 5 (1 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Breahna Jones 5 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Brooklyn Miller 4 (2 reb), Dejanay Pope 1 (3 reb, 5 stl, 2 blk), Cierra Conwright (1 ast).

El Capitan: No scoring or stats provided by El Capitan.

CHRISTIAN 31, CLAIREMONT 24 – On Senior Night, 12th-grader ALESIA LOWERY led the Patriots to a Central League victory over Clairemont Friday (Feb. 10) at the Ryan Athletic Center with 15 points.

Her younger sister, CHAYAN LOWERY was a defensive force with 15 rebounds and 8 blocks as the Patriots continue their quest for a third place finish.

Christian: Alesia Lowery 15 (4 reb, 3 ast), Chayan Lowery 7 (15 reb, 8 blk), Jillian Sexton 3 (5 reb, 2 blk), Amelia Johnson 2, Hayley Cruz 2, Shannon Palmer 2, Audrey Taylor (2 reb).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-8-12/Rev. 2-10-12) — Mount Miguel High senior SHAY YOUNG doesn’t even know what the record is for consecutive free throws made, but she has to know she’s doing pretty well considering she’s made 23 in a row, including a 4-for-4 effort in Tuesday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Valley League ballgame at El Cajon Valley.

Visiting Mount Miguel beat the Braves 72-30 in a game that was never in doubt.

ZARIA BRANCH chipped in with 19 points for the Matadors, while DEIJAH BLANKS added 12 points.

CHELSEA BALL led El Cajon Valley with 14 points.

Young's streak is currently the fourth-longest in East County history; tied for 10th place in the SDCIF logs.

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 22 (6 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 19 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 3 stl), Deijah Blanks 12 (2 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl), Kamree Harrison 9 (4 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Dejanay Pope 4 (7 reb, 2 stl), Chantel Yell 2 (5 ast, 7 stl), Brooklyn Miller 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Breahna Jones 2 (1 ast, 4 stl).

El Cajon Valley: Chelsea Ball 14, Natasha Fernandez 8, Joanna Dela Cruz 4, Micia Lopez 2, Miranda Mullens 1, Toni England 1.

WEST HILLS 60, GROSSMONT 28 – EMILY COLE paced the Wolf Pack in Tuesday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Hills League victory over the visiting Grossmont Foothillers with 13 points.

“We came out very flat, struggled running a clean offense,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “It was very disappointing because that is our new focus, coming out with high energy and intensity.”

“We came out in the second half and played much better, attacked the basket, made shots and got some offensive rebounds,” Kinser said. “I like the offensive effort in the second half.”

“We played good defense but gave up too many good looks to DANIELLE DAHLE, who ended up with 16 points. Overall it was a much better performance than last week’s game versus Grossmont.”

“We definitely did not compete tonight like we did last game versus them,” said Foothillers’ coach JEFF BICKFORD. “It did not matter what defense we played tonight, West Hills was able to score on us at ease.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 13, Arielle Bowers 8, Daniana Ghandour 8, Jillian Brown 7, Jenesis Hayes 7, Taylor Ingraham 7, Bailey Albers 5, Kylie Cristini 5.

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 16 (8 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Katarina Schweitzer 4 (3 reb, 1 ast), Megan Reddecliff 4 (9 reb), Rae’Chelle Ransaw 2 (4 reb, 1 stl), Danielle Davis (2 reb), Carly Lopez (1 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 67, HELIX 26 – JESSICA HARRIS led the Eagles with 29 points and SKYLAR WILLIAMS punched in 19 in Tuesday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Hills League action at Granite Hills.

ANNA VIETTRY grabbed a team-best 11 assists for the Eagles.

FAITH LEAUPEPETELE led the Highlanders with 9 points.

“We just didn’t play with any toughness,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “Their pressure got to us.”

Granite Hills: Jessica Harris 29 (4 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Skylar Williams 19 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk), Leena Alyashaa 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Anna Viettry 3 (11 ast, 5 stl),

Hailey Garner 3 (1 reb, 3 stl), Madison Lumb 2 (1 reb, 1 ast), Kayla Kemp (2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Mariah Vanlandingham (4 reb), Tilea Armstrong (1 reb).

Helix: Faith Leaupepetele 9, Shirah Hancock 5 (2 ast), Sarah Meredith 4 (7 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 2 (3 reb), Ashley Smith 2, Hayley Singer 1 (3 reb, 2 blk).

STEELE CANYON 57, VALHALLA 18 – The visiting Cougars raced to a 19-3 first quarter lead, taking a 30-7 lead into halftime of Tuesday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Hills League contest.

Valhalla mounted a comeback attempt in the third quarter, outscoring Steele Canyon 9-8. The Cougars regained their composure in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Norsemen 19-2.

ALI MERLINO was back in the lineup after a two-game absence and scored a game high 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made 4 blocks.

MONIQUE VAN turned in an impressive performance with her first triple-double of 18 points, 10 steals, 10 assists and added 7 rebounds to complete her day’s work.

Steele Canyon had 37 steals on the night.

Steele Canyon: Ali Merlino 19 (10 reb, 4 blk, 2 ast, 3 stl), Monique Van 18 (7 reb, 10 ast, 10 stl), Tiana Teo 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Alexis Ramos 4 (5 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Malicia Jordan 3 (6 reb), Rachel Beasley 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 6 stl), Jessica Thompson 2 (1 reb, 8 stl), Mercedes Dupre-Rogers 2 (2 reb, 1 stl).

Valhalla: No scoring or stats reported by Valhalla.

SANTANA 47, EL CAPITAN 26 – Senior HALEY BURTON produced a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Sultans mowed down the host Vaqueros in Tuesday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Valley League contest.

Santana led 27-10 at halftime and 32-18 by the close of the third quarter.

Santana: Haley Burton 13 (11 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl, 3 blk), Savanah Fenn 8 (9 reb, 5 stl), Sydney Blackburn 7 (2 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Veronica Martinez 6 (2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Becca Ramirez 4 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kylie Brees 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kayti Grable 2 (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Taylor Estes 2 (5 reb, 2 stl), Ariel Rassmusson (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Emily Kloss 2 (1 stl).

El Capitan: No scoring or stats reported by El Capitan.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (2-5-12) — Mount Miguel High coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL is not a bean counter. That is to say, he just counts one game at a time.

The Mighty Matador

Mount Miguel High head coach Robbie Sandoval collected his 300th career victory Saturday.

After the Matadors tamed the Wildcats, 62-37, Sandoval would celebrate his 300th coaching win, yet there was no party planned, no cakes, no fireworks, no whistles.

“I didn’t even have that on my radar,” he said. “I didn’t know how many wins I have.”

Surprise, surprise, surprise.

Never winning fewer than 21 games, but twice claiming 31 victories in a season, Sandoval’s record stands at 300 wins and 70 losses – a winning percentage of .811.

“This is a credit to the kids we’ve had in our program and to the support we get from the school,” Sandoval said.

“I know my kids don’t even know (about the milestone),” he added, “because we’ve never talked about it. I guess you could say we hope to keep it going.”

Probably the most impressive numbers Young posted were 14-for-14 from the free throw line – matching the fourth-best single-game effort in SDCIF history. Former La Jolla Country Day All-America center Candice Wiggins went 18-for-18 in 2003, while two others went 16-for-16 at the line, including former Helix standout JANET FRANEY in 1996.

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 28 (18 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Zaria Branch 10 (4 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl, 1 blk), Chantel Yell 9 (7 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Dejanay Pope 5 (7 reb, 1 stl), Deijah Blanks 4 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Breahna Jones 4 (1 reb, 3 stl), Kamree Harrison 2 (6 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Brooklyn Miller (1 reb).

PATRICK HENRY 52, GROSSMONT 47 – Senior DANIELLE DAHLE scored a career-high 32 points but it wasn’t’ enough as Grossmont saw victory slide through their fingers to Patrick Henry in Saturday’s (Feb. 4) Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Serra High.

Dahle did most of her damage from the free throw line where she netted 18 of 25 chances. She also drilled in a pair of treys, grabbed 8 rebounds, blocked 5 slots and made 2 steals.

“Offensively I was very pleased the first half,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD, whose Foothillers led 30-26 at the break.

Only two other Grossmont players scored as Patrick Henry snapped a 37-37 deadlock with a 15-10 scoring spread in the final period.

We struggled defensively making key stops and did not communicate very well today in our man defense,” Bickford said. “The whistles were blowing throughout this contest with 50 fouls combined between both teams.

“We work on free throws every day in practice and we need to convert these at a higher percentage than the 22-of -37 we made against Patrick Henry.”

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 32 (8 reb, 2 stl, 5 blk), Christina Lopez 5 (1 reb, 3 ast), Danielle Davis 4 (7 reb, 1 ast), Katarina Schweitzer 2 (5 reb, 2 stl), Larissa Foggiano 2 (1 reb),, Christiana Lopez (1 reb, 3 ast), Rae’Chelle Ransaw (1 ast, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff (2 reb), Julia Naranjo (1 stl).

Ready to go in case of a missed foul shot are Emily Cole of West Hills (left) and Melanie Jurjis of Valhalla. The Wolf Pack won the GHL contest. (Photo by Ruth Mims)

Have You Seen Our Updated PHOTO GALLERY?

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-4-12) — Any doubt that Granite Hills is the premier girls basketball team in East County continues to be a myth as the Eagles grilled Grossmont 66-36 in Friday’s (Feb. 3) Grossmont Hills League action at Granite Hills.

The Eagles (24-3, 6-0 GHL) are a fast-breaking, hard-nosed defensive team that doesn’t figure to allow anybody in East County to catch them.

“We just don’t match up well with Granite Hills athletically,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD said.

He’s not alone. None of the teams in the East County can match up with these Eagles, who received 18 points apiece from SKYLAR WILLIAMS and JESSICA HARRIS, and 14 from ANNA VIETTRY.

On the flip side DANIELLE DAHLE led Grossmont with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while KATARINA SCHWEITZER added 11 points.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 18 (3 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Jessica Harris 18 (3 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Anna Viettry 14 (4 reb, 6 ast, 7 stl), Hailey Garner 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kayla Kemp 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Keji Kubari 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Erica Phillips 2 (4 reb), Nae Harvey (4 reb, 2 stl), Leena Alyashaa (2 reb).

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 16 (11 reb, 1 ast, 7 blk), Katarina Schweitzer 11, Carly Lopez 8 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Danielle Davis 2 (7 reb), Julia Naranjo (2 reb), Rae’Chelle Ransaw (2 reb), Larissa Foggiano (1 reb), Christina Valdez (1 reb).

HELIX 38, STEELE CANYON 35 – Down 3 points with 10 seconds left, Steele Canyon tried to tie it twice. However, Highlanders center HAYLEY SINGER registered 2 of her 5 blocks to preserve the Scotties' fourth victory of the season.

“I’m so proud of these girls,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR of his Highlanders, who improved their record to 5-18, 3-3 GHL. “They have come a long way – they’ve learned to fight all the way up to the end.”

SARAH MEREDITH led the Highlanders with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Singer added 13 rebounds for Helix.

Leading scorer ALI MERLINO was again missing from the Cougars’ lineup, presumably for the same undisclosed reason.

Helix took advantage of the missing Merlino in the paint.

TIANA TEO led the Cougars in scoring with 10 points. MONIQUE VAN was held to just 9 points but did log 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

ALEXIS RAMOS pulled down 9 rebounds and RACHEL BEASLEY chipped in 6 points for the Cougars.

Helix: Sarah Meredith 18 (17 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Hayley Singer 5 (13 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 5 blk), Faith Leaupepetele 5 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl),Shirah Hancock 3 (10 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Fuafiva Pulu (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Lisabella Lemusu 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brittany Jones 5 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Rubine D’Jembe (1 stl), Dominique Jones (2 stl),

Steele Canyon (Late report): Tiana Teo 10 (1 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Monique Van 9 (5 reb, 3 stl, 4 ast), Jordan Malicia 9 (5 reb, 1 ast), Rachel Beasley 8 (4 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast), Jessica Thompson 6 (2 reb), Alexis Ramos 2 (9 reb, 2 stl).

West Hills senior center Jillian Brown (with ball). (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

“Our goal from here on out is to treat every game like it's a championship game and I think we did that tonight,” head coach RYAN KINSER stated. “We came out with a lot of energy and all the girls really wanted to play well and make a point.”

ARIELLE BOWERS put in some extra time after practice the day before and it definitely paid off as she hit her first six 3-point attempts of the game and finished the game with 23 points to lead the Pack to a rather simple 79-14 triumph.

“I shot around with Coach Kinsey yesterday and he was giving me tips so it turned out to really help,” she said.

EMILY COLE also had a good game posting 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

“We just wanted to come out and play strong on offense because our defensive effort was there. Against Granite we just struggled on offense so that is our main focus right now moving forward,” Cole said.

Things were going so good for the girls’ squad that after DANIANA GHANDOUR scored 12 points she was invited to a dance-off against a Valhalla male student at halftime and used her go-to move “the pin-drop” to perfection and the Pack won another title for the night.

“When it's all said and done they are going to be around the top of Division II,” Valhalla 's coach AL SILVA admitted. “Seeing them win it wouldn't be a surprise to me at all.”

Valhalla was out-rebounded by a 45-17 margin and while the Pack registered assists on 20 of their 29 made field goals, the Norsemen failed to even register a made field goal until the 2:49 mark of the third quarter.

West Hills: Arielle Bowers 23 (1 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Emily Cole 19 (5 reb, 5 ast, 2stl), Daniana Ghandour 12 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Jessica Scott 7 (7 reb, 2 ast), Bailey Albers 7 (2 reb, 1 stl), Jillian Brown 6 (10 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Taylor Ingraham 5 (14 reb, 1 stl), Taylor Aguirre (3 reb, 4 ast), Jenesis Hayes (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl).

Valhalla: Alexis Silva 10 (4 reb), Kandice Kalasho 3 (1 ast, 3 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 1 (4 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Hayley Swanger (4 reb), Sarah Federico (2 reb), Melanie Jirjis (1 reb, 1 stl), Jessica May (1 reb), Mackenzie Castro (1 reb).

— Andrew Smith

MONTE VISTA 39, SANTANA 33 – In a game that some might have believed would by closer, second-place Monte Vista held off upset minded Santana in Friday’s (Feb. 3) Grossmont Valley League game.

JAZMINE BRADLEY banged in 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to help the Monarchs maintain their 20-4, 3-1 standing in the GVL.

Monte Vista broke an 18-18 halftime tie with a 15-10 third quarter surge.

SYDNEY BLACBURN led the Sultans with 11 points and 8 rebounds, while HALEY BURTON contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds and KAYTI GRABLE grabbed 11 rebounds.

Monte Vista: Jazmine Bradley 18 (8 reb, 4 stl, 1 ast), Dionna Mercer 8 (7 reb, 4 stl, 3 ast), Heather Bell 3 (1 blk, 1 stl), Abigail Vargas 4 (2 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast), Kayla Harrell 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Monica Williams 2 (7 reb, 1 stl), Stefanie Banks (4 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Monique Williams (1 reb, 1 stl), Alexis Wittmann (1 reb).

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 11 (8 reb, 2 ast, 7 stl, 2 blk), Haley Burton 9 (7 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk), Kayti Grable 5 (11 reb, 1 blk), Emily Kloss 4 (4 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Savanah Fenn 2 (1 stl, 1 blk), Becca Ramirez 2 (1 blk), Veronica Martinez (1 reb, 1 stl, 1 ast), Ariel Rasmussen (1 stl).

KEARNY 77, CHRISTIAN 35 — The Kearny Komets officially made it a 2-team race with Coronado in the Central League after downing the third-place Patriots by a near-identical margin at the teams' initial meeting.

Komets center Kianna Lee led the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while guard Sage Brown collected 17 points and four assists.

At least the improving Patriots (9-14 overall, 5-4 CL) stayed with the hosts much deeper into the contest than in the previous meeting.

Early in the second quarter, center CHAYAN LOWERY, facing a collapsing Kearny defense inside the paint and twice made nice passes to find open guards for wide open shots, as MIA JOHNSON and JILLIAN SEXTON drained consecutive mid-range jumpers to move Christian to within 20-17.

However, the Komets (17-5, 7-2 CL) closed the period on a 9-0 run, then posted 26 points in the third period to pull away

Sexton paced Christian with 11 points (3 treys) and took a charge on defense, while Lowery added 9 points, 10 boards and blocked three shots. In addition, ALESIA LOWERY matched her sister with a team-best three assists.

Christian: Jillian Sexton 11 (1 ast, 1 charge), Chayan Lowery 9 (10 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), Hayley Cruz 4 (3 reb, 2 stl), Lily Rodriguez 4 (1 stl), Alesia Lowery 3 (3 ast, 1 reb, 1 blk), Mia Johnson 2 (3 reb), Audrey Taylor 1 (1 reb, 1 stl), Anaya Tobiason 1 (3 reb, 1 blk), Shannon Palmer (1 reb).

— Nick Pellegrino

EL CAJON VALLEY 60, EL CAPITAN 17 – Late report for this Friday (Feb. 3) Grossmont Valley League game.

El Cajon Valley: Chelsea Ball 20 (16 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Natasha Fernandez 20 (1 ast, 5 reab, 1 blk, 3 stl), Micia Lopez 10 (7 reb, 2 blk, 1 stl), Joanna Dela Cruz 6 (1 reb), Toni England 2 (1 reb), Ormani Norris-Green (1 ast, 2 reb, 2 stl).

El Capitan: No report or statistics.

The battle for the Grossmont Hills League lead featured a match-up between Jessica Harris (11) of Granite Hills and West Hills' Emily Cole. The visiting Eagles won, 46-36, to claim undisputed possession of first place following the first round of the league schedule. (Photos by Jonathan Fudge)

Skylar Williams of Granite Hills flies inside for two of her 19 points to top West Hills for the GHL lead. (Photo by Jonathan Fudge)

Hills League showdown goes to Granite

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-2-12) — Granite Hills High has been flying high this season. So far the Eagles had soared above their first four Grossmont Hills League opponents to a tune of 4-0 with the average margin of victory a staggering 41.5 points.

Facing off against West Hills on the road Wednesday (Feb. 1) was going to be anything but an another walk in the park though as the Wolf Pack was also undefeated and held a share of the first-place lead.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS made sure any memories of the past weren't going to haunt her as she poured in 19 points and led the Eagles to sole possession of first place through the first circuit of league play, leading Granite Hills to a 46-36 victory.

“We could have won league last year but we didn't when we lost our very last game,” Williams remembered. “It's great this year because we have a lot of seniors on this team so we want to win for them.”

Willams got the Eagles (23-3 overall, 5-0 GHL) going in the first quarter with 8 quick points, but the Eagles offensive wings were spread out evenly behind her.

JESSICA HARRIS had a pair of treys. KAYLA KEMP, HAILEY GARNER and even center KEJI KUBARI got into the act as five different players made shots from deep.

“It's good that we made a lot of shots from outside because we've been working on it a lot in practice,” Kemp said. “We've been going through a lot of scenarios based on how the other teams are gonna play us so it was nice to see some results tonight.”

The Eagles used a 10-3 run to start the second quarter and push their lead to 10 with three minutes left before half, but JILLIAN BROWN made consecutive shots in the paint for the Pack and KYLIE CRISTINI nailed a triple that made it a 25-21 halftime score.

“It was exactly how I thought it was gonna go as far as grinding it out,” Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER admitted. “They're a very well coached team and I knew it would back-and-forth both ways all night. I'm proud of Kayla and freshman NAE HARVEY who came off the bench to give us quality minutes.”

Any momentum the Pack took with them into the locker room at halftime completely vanished as they came out in the third quarter to shoot 2-of-17 from the field and at that point the game was essentially all but over and head coach RYAN KINSER knew it.

“If we're gonna have any shot of beating them next time we have to make more shots. Tonight their guards made shots and ours didn't,” Kinser said.

Not to be completely negative he did find a silver lining in the cloud, pointing out what his girls accomplished against a team averaging 68 points a contest in league.

“I'm extremely happy with our defensive effort tonight,” he said. “Only giving up 46 points to an offense like this isn't bad at all.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 19 (8 reb, 2 ast,1 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Harris 8 (3 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Hailey Garner 7 (9 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Kemp 7, Keji Kubari 3 (7 reb, 4 blk), Anna Viettry 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Kaylla Hawkins (1 reb, 1 ast), Leena Alyashaa (1 reb), Nae Harvey (1 reb, 1 blk).

West Hills: Jillian Brown 14 (7 reb, 2 blk), Kylie Cristini 7 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Emily Cole 5 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Taylor Ingraham 3 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jenesis Hayes 2 (4 reb, 1 ast), Arielle Bowers 2 (2 reb, 4 ast), Bailey Albers 2 (2 reb), Taylor Aguirre 1 (1 reb), Jessica Scott (3 reb), Daniana Ghandour (2 reb).

Sultans rally to nip El Cajon Valley

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-2-12) — It’s not very often that you find Santana High coach MARK TIPTON as giddy as he was after Wednesday’s (Feb. 1) 45-43 Grossmont Valley League victory over El Cajon Valley.

Given that victories are scarce in Tipton’s mind, any time he comes out on top is special.

The Sultans overcame a 17-11 first-quarter deficit and 26-19 deficit at the break.

“We threw a series of defenses at El Cajon Valley, trying to stop CHELSEA BALL,” Tipton said.

But when JOANNA DELA CRUZ hit three consecutive 3-pointers for the Braves and finished with 14 points, Tipton had to re-vamp his defense.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Tipton said. “We did a good job of stopping Chelsea Ball but then the Dela Cruz girl was killing us so we had to change our defense.”

Bell finished with 10 points but 8 of her points came from the free throw line as she hit only one field goal.

Dela Cruz led the Braves with 14 points.

Santana (10-12, 2-2 GVL) used a balanced attack as HALEY BURTON banged in 11 points and 9 rebounds, KAYTI GRABLE hit 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while ARIEL RASSMUSSON popped in 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and recorded 3 steals.

“SYDNEY BLACKBURN did a great job of handling their press,” said Tipton.

“We came out shooting great and playing great basketball,” said El Cajon Valley coach MARC BOYKINS. “Coach Tipton did a great job defending us in the third quarter – we only scored 3 points. I told our girls they work hard and if you don't work harder we won't win.

“We came up short but the girls worked and showed a lot of heart.”

Santana: Ariel Rassmusson 11 (4 reb, 3 stl), Haley Burton 11 (9 reb), Kayti Grable 11 (6 reb), Sydney Blackburn 9 (4 reb, 6 ast, 6 stl), Emily Kloss 3

El Cajon Valley: Joanna Dela Cruz 11 (3 stl), Chelsea Ball 10 (13 reb, 5 stl), Natasha Fernandez 9 (4 stl), Micia Lopez 8 (5 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Miranda Mullens 5 (5 reb, 1 stl), Ormani Norris-Green (1 reb, 1 ast).

HELIX 52, VALHALLA 40 – The Highlanders used a balanced stack of nine players to overcome the 25-point effort of Valhalla’s KANDICE KALASHO in Wednesday’s (Feb. 1) Grossmont Hills League contest.

Helix finished on top, thanks to its balance which also featured 7 blocks and 7 rebounds by HAYLEY SINGER.

Three Highlanders scored 9 points apiece – SHIRAH HANCOCK, FUAFIVA PULU and SARAH MEREDITH, who also gobbled up 8 rebounds.

“Meredith has become our go-to girl,” said Highlanders’ coach PATRICK TABOR.

“It was neck-and-neck in the first quarter then we let them get away in the second quarter,” said Norsemen coach AL SILVA. “We played much better, with more heart than we did in the last game. Today was a new day.”

Helix: Sarah Meredith 9 (8 reb), Shirah Hancock 9 (4 ast), Fuafiva Pulu 9, Lisabella Lemusu 6 (5 reb), Faith Leaupepetele 6, Hayley Singer 5 (7 reb, 7 blk), Sabrina Reid 4, Tenae Johnson 2, Brittany Jones 2, Rubine D’Jemba (2 reb).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 25 (2 ast, 4 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 6 (6 reb), Alexis Silva 3 (5 reb, 1 stl), Sarah Federico 3 (4 reb, 1 stl), Melanie Jirjis 3 (1 reb), Hayley Swanger (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Jessica May (2 reb, 1 stl), MacKenzie Castro (2 reb).

GROSSMONT 42, STEELE CANYON 35 – The Cougars faced a big challenge early in the first quarter of Wednesday’s (Feb. 1) Grossmont Hills League contest, when center ALI MERLINO was pulled from the game for an undisclosed reason. Without Merlino in the game, the taller Foothillers took advantage of the Cougars inside.

The Hillers outscored the Cougars 9-11 behind DANIELLE DAHLE, who scored a game high 27 points.

The Cougars buckled down on defense and MONIQUE VAN started hitting some baskets to help the Cougars to a 21-17 half-time lead. The Cougars continued their strong performance in the third quarter, taking a 30-24 lead into the fourth quarter.

Van scored 10 of her team leading 17 points in this quarter and TIANA TEO (10 points) and RACHAEL BEASLEY (5 points) scored critical points as well to keep the Cougars in the lead.

However, there are four quarters in basketball, and the Hillers owned the fourth quarter. The Hillers outscored the Cougars 18-5 in this quarter behind the inside play of Dahle, taking an impressive victory over the Cougars.

“I feel the girls are starting to buy into our system and playing together,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “Our girls are understanding their roles on the team and buying into playing team defense.”

“I had a chat earlier this year with the Poway coach (Jay Trousdale) and he told me the main reason for his success is his team defense. I will continue to stress this and work on this every day with our girls. The last two games have been the best we've played all year.”

Grossmont: Danielle Dahle 27 (10 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Danielle Davis 8 (8 reb, 1 stl), Rae’Chelle Ransaw 6 (4 reb), Katarina Schweitzer 1 (2 reb, 1 ast), Christina Valdez (2 reb, 3 ast), Carly Lopez (1 reb, 3 ast), Larissa Foggiano (1 reb, 1 ast), Megan Reddecliff (2 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 17 (6 reb, 2 blk, 5 stl, 4 ast), Tiano Teo 10 (3 reb, 1 stl, 1 ast), Rachel Beasley 5 (4 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl, 1 ast), Malicia Jordan 2 (4 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl, 2 ast), Alexis Ramos 1 (7 reb, 2 blk, 4 stl, 2 ast).

MOUNT MIGUEL 67, MONTE VISTA 33 – SHAY YOUNG scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Mount Miguel to Wednesday’s (Feb. 1) Grossmont Valley League win over Monte Vista.

“We pressured them the whole game and they didn’t really like it that much,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

ZARIA BRANCH had 12 points and 5 steals for the Matadors (17-5, 4-0 GVL).

“They played hard and we played hard,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “We made some mistakes that we’ll have to fix.”

DIONNA MERCER led Monte Vista with12 points, including hitting 9 of 18 free throws.

Mount Miguel: Shay Young 24 (10 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk, 7 stl), Zaria Branch 12 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 5 stl), Deijah Blanks 6 (8 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 4 stl), Kamree Harrison 6 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Dejanay Pope 6 (3 reb, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller 2 (4 stl), Chantel Yell 1 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Breahna Jones (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl).

Monte Vista: Dionna Mercer 12 (2 reb, 4 stl, 1 ast), Abigail Vargas 7 (5 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Felicia Porter 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Stefanie Banks 6 (1 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Harrell 2 (2 reb, 1 ast), Jazmine Bradley (6 reb, 1 stl), Monica Williams (4 reb), Monique Williams (2 reb, 1 stl), Heather Bell (2 reb, 1 blk)