© East County Sports.com
OTAY MESA (12-30-12) — A 23-13 fourth-quarter spurt by Monte Vista High helped the Monarchs land a 62-51 victory over Otay Ranch in the championship game of the Aztec Invitational on Saturday (Dec. 29) at Montgomery.

ABIGAIL VARGAS popped in 18 points and made 9 steals as she earned the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament.

FELICIA PORTER added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Monarchs (12-2). Porter was named to the second team all-tournament team, while KAYLA HARRELL was named to the first team all-tournament team.

JAZMINE BRADLEY contributed 12 points and 6 steals to the Monarchs totals.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 18 (13 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Abigail Vargas 18 (3 reb, 4 ast, 9 stl), Jazmine Bradley 12 (3 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Monica Williams 8 (6 reb), Kayla Kulhanek 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Harrell 2 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl).

MOUNT MIGUEL 66, MISSION BAY 40 – The Matadors overcame a 10 point first quarter deficit with a 28-6 fourth-quarter rush to blow out Mission Bay and claim third place in the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division on Saturday (Dec. 29).

ZARIA BRANCH tallied 22 points and dished 5 assists, while DEIJAH BLANKS had 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished 4 assists and made 4 steals for Mount Miguel as the Matadors equaled their season high.

“Blanks held Briteesha Solomon to 10 points and got 20 for herself,” noted Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

KAMREE HARRISON scored 18 points for the Matadors, while DEJANAY POPE yanked down 9 rebounds.

“I know the kids were very pumped up because of last year in the CIF championship game where they beat us by 35 (64-29),” Sandoval said. “We started off a little slow but the kids picked it up.

“It was a good win to end 2012. We just have to build on this and go forward.”

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 22 (2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Deijah Blanks 20 (13 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Kamree Harrison 18 (3 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl), Breahna Jones 2 (2 reb), Brooklyn Miller 2 (1 ast, 2 stl), Dejanay Pope 1 (9 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Cierra Conwright 1 (1 reb), Rozlyn Pierce (2 reb).

WEST HILLS 43, MT. CARMEL 33 – West Hills rebounded from a stunning upset loss to Mission Bay a day earlier as EMILY COLE scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) SoCal Prep Classic TOC 2 Division encounter.

HALEY FORSBERG grabbed 9 rebounds and JESSICA SCOTT added 9 points and 6 rebounds to push the Pack’s record to 9-4.

“The girls played great defense for four quarters tonight,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We took Mt. Carmel out of what they wanted to do. Forsberg and ARIELLE BOWERS did a great job defending their two talented players.

“We struggled a little shooting tonight (23 percent) but as we've told the girls from day one, if you play good defense you can still win even if you have an off night shooting.”

“I’m very proud of the girls,” Kinser added. “We had a rough stretch and they responded with a great effort today.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 13 (6 reb, 1 stl), Jessica Scott 9 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), Bailey Albers 6 (5 reb, 1 stl), Haley Forsberg 5 (9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Arielle Bowers 5 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), J’Ana Diamond 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Kayti Grable 1 (3 reb), Brandi McCrystal (1 reb), Justine Fordyce (1 reb), Megan Scott (1 reb).

LIBERTY (Henderson, Nev.) 39, GRANITE HILLS 32 – SKYLAR WILLIAMS landed 16 points to lead Granite Hills in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) loss to Liberty, the No. 3 ranked team in Nevada, in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic.

The slow pace allowed in Nevada was due to the fact that no shot clock is used, which did not work in the favor of Granite Hills, a fast breaking team.

The game was tied 20-20 at halftime but the slow paced game finally took a toll against Granite Hills (13-3).

For the fourth time in her career Williams was named to the all-tournament team in this tournament. So was ANNA VIETTRY.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 16 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Anna Viettry 7 (1 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Deajanae Harvey 5 (2 reb, 3 stl), Raelleah Leceur 2 (7 reb, 1 stl), Mariah Vanlandingham 2 (3 reb), Micayela Hernandez (1 reb, 1 ast).

GROSSMONT 46, CANYON CREST 33 – BRIA MILLER led the Foothillers with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals as Grossmont snapped an 8-game losing streak in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division contest.

Miller hit 7 of 13 shots from the field.

CARLY LOPEZ added 12 points, including a pair of treys.

With the game on the line the Foothillers outscored the Ravens 16-4 in the final period. Lopez led the way with 5 points and DANIELLE DAVIS added 4.

Grossmont: Bria Miller 18 (8 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Carly Lopez 12 (4 reb, 1 stl), Danielle Davis 8 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 4 blk), Christina Valdez 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Keanna Lovelace 2 (4 reb), Theresa Mapp 2 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff 1 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Lauren Weigel (3 reb).

HELIX 56, CALVIN CHRISTIAN 45 – SHIRAH HANCOCK paced the Highlanders with 12 points, while LAYLA CUNNINGHAM poured in 11 points to go with 10 assists in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

KRISTA POUMELE added 10 points for Helix.

“We still have a long way to go,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “We need better decision making.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 12 (4 reb, 3 ast), Layla Cunningham 11 (10 ast), Krista Poumele 10, Lisabella Lemusu 9 (3 reb), Dana Anderson 8 (3 reb), Fuafiva Pulu 2, Chanelle Ward 2, Raeshondra Dike’ 2.

ESCONDIDO 58, STEELE CANYON 48 – In a hard fought third place game of the SoCal Prep Classic FIBA Division against Escondido, Steele Canyon came up short when the North County Cougars came up with a 17-11 fourth quarter scoring spread.

MONIQUE VAN paced Steele Canyon (8-2) with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals, while ALEXIS RAMOS added 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 21 (7 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl), Alexis Ramos 13 (8 reb), Isabella Welch 7 (1 reb, 3 stl), Jule Loibl 5 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Tiana Teo 2 (3 reb, 2 stl), Sydney Williams (2 reb, Shelby Johnson (1 reb),

UNIVERSITY CITY 54, STEELE CANYON 46 – The Cougars fell behind 20-8 in the first quarter and never recovered in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic semifinals.

MONIQUE VAN poured in 22 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 3 assists and made 3 steals for Steele Canyon , while TIANA TEO punched in 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 22 (8 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Tiana Teo 10 (1 reb, 1 ast), Alexis Ramos 7 (7 reb), Jule Loibl 7 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Isabella Welch 3 (2 reb, 1 stl), Sydney Williams (2 reb), Shelby Johnson (1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (1 reb, 1 blk).

CASTLE PARK 43, EL CAPITAN 23 – Take away the first quarter when Castle Park led El Capitan 23-3.

After that the Vaqueros made a decent game of it but in what has been the case of their whole season, it’s been too little, too late as they fell to the Trojans in Saturday’s (Dec. 29) final round of the Aztec Invitational.

CIERRA CUTLER scored 12 points for the Vaqueros (3-7) in the losing cause.

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 12, Kassidy Kygar 4, Valeria Garay 3, Tali Letoi 2, Rebecca Leonard 2.

KEARNY 44, CHRISTIAN 37 – JILLIAN SEXTON scored 17 points as did CHAYAN LOWERY as the Patriots fell to Kearny in Saturday’s (Dec. 29)

Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic contest.

Christian collapsed in the fourth quarter as the Komets gained a 16-5 scoring edge to pull out the victory.

Lowery finished with 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 9 blocks. Sexton added 7 rebounds and 2 assists.

Christian: Jillian Sexton 17 (7 reb, 2 ast), Chayan Lowery 17 (12 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, 9 blk), Anaya Tobiason 2 (2 reb, 3 stl), Melina Jones 1.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (12-29-12) — Granite Hills picked up two victories for the price of one in Friday’s (Dec. 28) Las Vegas Holiday Classic.

After accepting a forfeit from Spring Creek (Nev.) due to that team being snowbound in the northern part of the state, the Eagles made it a sweep later in the evening as they slipped past L.A. Fairfax, 54-48, leaving their record at 12-3.

The Eagles used a balanced attack led by SKYLAR WILLIAMS’ 14 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.

ANNA VIETTRY added 11 points with 5 assists as the Eagles shot 67 percent (22 of 33) from the floor.

A major contributor to that lofty shooting percentage was MARIAH VANLANDINGHAM, who was 5-for-5 for 10 points.

“Over here you play without a shot clock,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “ Fairfax is the toughest team we’ve played. We actually had to grind it out, it wasn’t our usual up and down game. We were able to handle their three-quarter trap and they sat in a 2-3 zone.

“My girls showed a lot of patience against a Fairfax team that was determined to slow the game down.”

Granite Hills vs. Fairfax: Skylar Willliams 14 (5 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Anna Viettry 11 (1 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Mariah Vanlandingham 10 (5 reb, 3 stl), Micayela Hernandez 8 (2 reb, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Lumb 3 (2 reb), Deajanae Harvey 2 (3 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Leena Alyashaa 2 (2 reb, 1 stl).

SANTANA 54, CALVIN CHRISTIAN 34 – Santana built a 41-19 lead after three quarters against Calvin Christian as 10 Sultans scored in Friday’s (Dec. 28) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic contest.

“It was very nice to get a little win,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “The girls played with a lot of energy. VERONICA MARTINEZ stood out defensively and rebounding-wise. For the position she played she did well, was aggressive on the boards.

“ARIEL RASMUSSON also had a solid game defensively and did a good job rebounding,” Clark noted.

Santana: Kayti Grable 11, Sydney Blackburn 8, Taylor Estes 8, Ariel Rasmusson 7, Emily Kloss 7, Veronica Martinez 4, Gretchen Hudson 4, Savanah Fenn 2, Kylie Brase 2, Bridgette Fries 2.

MONTE VISTA 65, CASTLE PARK 36 – Senior guard ABIGAIL VARGAS pulled off a nifty double-double of 19 points and 12 steals for Monte Vista in Friday’s (Dec. 28) Aztec Invitational.

Vargas nailed 8 of 11 shots from the field, including a trio of treys.

“She is showing exceptional leadership and stepping into her new role with maturity beyond her years,” said Monarchs coach MICHAEL SKIBBE.

JAZMINE BRADLEY added 14 points and 5 steals for Monte Vista (11-2).

Monte Vista: Abigail Vargas 19 (12 stl, 2 ast, 1 blk), Jazmine Bradley 14 (3 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Heather Bell 7 (3 reb, 3 stl, 2 blk), Kayla Kulhanek 6 (8 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Monica Williams 6 (7 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Harrell 5 (5 reb, 3 stl, 6 ast), Deborah Saltzen 4, Alexis Wittmann 2 (2 stl, 1 blk), Emma Pitoua 2 (2 ast, 1 stl).

MONTE VISTA 52, EL CENTRO CENTRAL 35 – No further information provided for this Friday (Dec. 28) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic contest.

MISSION BAY 64, WEST HILLS 56 – Surrendering a 15-5 first quarter deficit kept West Hills ((8-4) playing chase in Friday’s (Dec. 28) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division in Santee.

“We played a very poor first quarter,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “ Mission Bay (2-10) played a soft zone and let us shoot and we didn't make anything.”

The fact that West Hills had only one assist in the game certainly didn’t help matters.

EMILY COLE had 20 points and JESSICA SCOTT added 9 points and 11 rebounds. BAILEY ALBERS contributed 14 points, the majority coming on her three long-range baskets.

“We played much better offense in the second half but couldn't stop Briteesha Solomon (26 points),” said Kinser. “At one point in the fourth we cut it to six but we ran out of gas.

“We simply can't defend anyone, we need practice time to fix our defensive problems.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 20 (4 reb, 2 stl), Bailey Albers 14, Jessica Scott 9 (11 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Haley Forsberg 8 (7 reb, 1 blk), J’Ana Diamond 3 (4 reb), Arielle Bowers 2 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl).

Anaheim CANYON 38, MOUNT MIGUEL 24 – In a sloppy game of poor shooting, Mount Miguel saw its record drop to.500 (6-6) in Friday’s (Dec. 28) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division contest.

It’s almost unheard of for the Matadors to score in single digits in three of the four quarters, which they did in this game.

“It was one of the worst offensive games we’ve ever played in our gym,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 10 (1 reb, 2 stl), Deijah Blanks 6 (9 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 5 blk), Dejanay Pope 6 (6 reb, 2 stl), Kamree Harrison 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller (2 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Breahna Jones (4 reb).

EL CAMINO 49, CHRISTIAN 35 – CHAYAN LOWERY turned in a powerful triple-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 blocks, but it wasn’t enough for the Patriots to knock off El Camino in Friday’s (Dec. 28) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

“It was the holiday blues for us today,” said Patriots coach THOMAS LOWERY. “We were tired. We didn’t do well against their pressure, although for the most part our defense stayed solid.”

Chrisitian: Chayan Lowery 16 (15 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl, 12 blk), Hayley Cruz 5 (3 reb, 1 stl), Jillian Sexton 9 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Kayla Kruel 2 (2 stl), Lily Rodriguez 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Anaya Tobiason (4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl).

CAMP VERDE 72, STEELE CANYON 35 – For one quarter Steele Canyon managed to match strides with visiting Camp Verde , Arizona as the score was 19-19 after eight minutes of Friday’s (Dec. 28) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division.

After that it was all about the Cowboys (13-2), who claimed a 53-16 scoring advantage over the last three quarters.

“At the start the second quarter the girls started breaking down with their pressure,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “This team was by far the toughest opponent we have faced. We just weren’t used to that kind of pressure. Know we know what level of competition to expect.”

MONIQUE VAN led Steele Canyon with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals, hitting 8 of 11 shots from the field and 4 of 7 free throws.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 20 (9 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Rachel Beasley 8 (2 reb, 2 ast), Alexis Ramos 7 (6 reb), Tiano Teo (2 reb), Jule Loibl (2 reb), Isabella Welch (3 reb, 1 ast), Sabrina Stocker (3 reb).

VALHALLA 49, EL CAPITAN 29 – Valhalla jumped out to a 24-9 halftime lead and then cruised to its fourth win in 12 decisions by whipping El Capitan in Friday’s (Dec. 28) Aztec Invitational contest at Castle Park.

El Capitan: Rebecca Leonard 11, Valeria Garay 9, Jessica Deprima 5, Mariel Vega 2, Kassidy Kygar 2.

Valhalla: No stats reported.

DEL NORTE 51, GROSSMONT 25 – No further information was provided for this Friday (Dec. 28) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division game.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (12-28-12) — Granite Hills High's opening round of the Las Vegas Holiday Classic produced two victories for the Eagles over hometown team, knocking off Arbor View 49-41 and Las Vegas Valley 67-37 on Thursday (Dec. 27) to raise their record to an East County best 10-3.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS scored 51 points in the sweep, nailing five 3-pointers and 10 of 14 free throws.

Granite Hills vs. Arbor View: Skylar Williams 20 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Deajanae Harvey 11 (2 reb, 1 stl), Anna Viettry 5 (2 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Raelleah Leceur 5 (4 reb, 1 stl), Micayela Hernandez 4, Leena Alyashaa 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Lumb (3 reb), Emma Kubari (2 reb, 2 stl).

Granite Hills vs. Valley: Skylar Williams 31 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Anna Viettry 9 (3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Deajanae Harvey 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 7 stl), Micayela Hernandez 6 (2 reb, 1 stl), Leena Alyashaa 4 (1 reb), Raelleah Leceur 4 (4 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Valerie Renfrow 3 (2 reb), Emma Kubari 2 (3 reb).

MONTE VISTA 40, BRAWLEY 37 – Monte Vista (9-2) followed suit by pulling off a double dip over Brawley in the Aztec Invitational and 68-5 over Health Sciences in the nightcap’s Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

HEATHER BELL scored a career high 30 points against Health Sciences, nailing 10 of 19 shots from the field including 6 three-pointers.

Monte Vista vs. Brawley: Jazmine Bradley 11 (4 reb, 3 stl), Abigail Vargas 7 (4 ast, 5 stl), Felicia Porter 6 (7 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Harrell 6 (4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Monica Williams 4 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Sirena Arvizu 4 (2 reb), Kayla Kulhanek 2 (7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Heather Bell (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Alexis Wittmann (1 reb).

Monte Vista vs. Health Sciences: Heather Bell 30 (7 reb, 2 stl), Alexis Wittmann 8 (8 reb), Deborah Saltzen 8 (7 ast, 9 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 8 (4 reb, 2 stl), Emma Pitoua 6 (2 ast, 11 stl), Sirena Arvizu 4 (8 reb, 5 stl), Monica Williams 4 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl).

MOUNT MIGUEL 52, MT. CARMEL 39 – The Matadors pushed their record to 6-5 with a balanced attack in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division victory over Mt. Carmel.

ZARIA BRANCH led the way with 15 points while KAMREE HARRISON added 13 points, 6 steals and 4 assists.

“We finally buckled down and played defense in the fourth quarter, and that made the difference for us,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 15 (3 reb, 2 blk), Kamree Harrison 13 (5 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Deijah Blanks 12 (7 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 6 (7 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Brooklyn Miller 4 (4 ast), Breahna Jones (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl).

STEELE CANYON 65, MAR VISTA 31 – MONIQUE VAN scored 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 5 assists and made 10 steals in probably one of the best game of her career in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic victory over Mar Vista.

Steele Canyon vs. Mar Vista: Monique Van 28 (8 reb, 5 ast, 10 stl), Rachel Beasley 9 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Tiana Teo 8 (1 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 6 (4 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Alexis Ramos 4 (5 reb, 1 stl), Sydney Williams 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson 4 (2 stl), Sabrina Stocker 2 (3 reb), Malicia Jordan 2 (1 reb), Isabella Welch (5 reb).

STEELE CANYON 40, JASPER PLACE (Edmonton) 18 – MONIQUE VAN continued her hot hand as she scored 23 points and had now hit 19 of her last 34 shots as the Cougars prevailed in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division game.

Steele Canyon vs. Jasper Place: Monique Van 23 (6 reb, 3 ast, 8 stl), Rachel Beasley 9 (3 reb, 4 stl), Tiano Teo 8 (1 ast, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos (6 reb, 3 stl), Jule Loibl (1 stl), Isabella Welch (2 reb, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (3 reb), Sydney Williams (2 reb), Shelby Johnson (1 reb), Malicia Jordan (1 reb).

HELIX 51, SANTANA 40 – In a battle of East County combatants, Helix squeezed out a victory over the host Sultans in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic contest.

LAYLA CUNNINGHAM was the cornerstone for the Highlanders ((4-3), pouring in 19 points and dishing 8 assists. SHIRAH HANCOCK added 14 points and KRISTA POUMELE contributed 10.

“Cunningham is the real deal at point guard,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “She and Shirah are a pretty good tag team and work well together. Shirah is my shooter.”

For Santana TAYLOR ESTES enjoyed a career high 15 points.

“She did exactly what I asked her do to do,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “She played the point guard and did a nice job of going to the basket and getting offensive rebounds.”

Helix: Layla Cunningham 19 (8 ast), Shirah Hancock 14, Krista Poumele 10, Chanelle Ward 4, Raeshondra Dike’ 2, Lisabella Lemusu 1, Dominique Jones 1.

Santana: Taylor Estes 15, Veronica Martinez 7, Kayti Grable 5, Bridgette Fries 5, Sydney Blackburn 4, Savanah Fenn 2, Ariel Rasmusson 2,

LOS ALAMITOS 62, WEST HILLS 58 – No question that West Hills plays a quality preseason schedule, which included the Los Alamitos Griffins (10-3) in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division.

“We played well the first quarter, got out to a 12 point lead playing great defense and running good offense,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “We struggled scoring in the second. We didn't take care of the ball in the second quarter.”

Even in defeat HALEY FORSBERG came up big, turning in a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds, while EMILY COLE scored 15 points for the Pack (8-3).

“We had the lead most of the second half,” said Kinser. “With 45 seconds left Los Alamitos hit a 3 to go up by 3. Emily came down to hit a 3 to tie it. With 5 seconds left we got beat off the dribble and gave up a lay-up.

“Our defensive effort and execution was very poor in the second half.”

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 18 (15 reb, 2 stl), Emily Cole 15 (7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Kyle Cristini 8, Jessica Scott 6 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), J’Ana Diamond 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Bailey Albers 4 (1 reb), Arielle Bowers 3 (1 reb, 3 blk, 4 stl).

BELL 55, GROSSMONT 44 – Turnovers continue to plague the Foothillers, who have given away the ball 69 times in their last two games.

“It’s pretty hard to score when you don’t have the ball,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD, who saw his team blow a 19-7 first quarter lead in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division contest.

The high point for the Foothillers was the return of BRIA MILLER coming off an injury and scoring 13 points.

“We were only down by one point in the third quarter then we had three players foul out, and you know we’re not very deep,” Bickford said.

Grossmont: Bria Miller 13 (1 ast, 2 stl), Danielle Davis 8 (5 reb), Carly Lopez 7 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Christina Valdez 6 (1 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Keanna Lovelace 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff 3 (7 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Theresa Mapp 3 (1 reb).

MORSE 37, EL CAPITAN 25 – The El Capitan Vaqueros pumped up their offense in Thursday’s (Dec. 27) Aztec Invitational contest and led by 2 points in the third quarter but then saw their offense stall.

“KATIE DAVIDSON had a slew of rebounds,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “She did a great job on the boards for us. She played real hard. JESSICA DIPRIMA is our ball handler.”

“We were actually ahead by two points in the third quarter but we didn’t handle their pressure very well,” Wilkerson said. “We executed our offense better.”

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 9, Cierra Cutler 7, Rebecca Leonard 2, Kim Galvan 4, Valeria Garay 2, Katie Davidson 1.

VALHALLA 52, CALEXICO 36 – No further information was provided for this Thursday (Dec. 27) Aztec Invitational contest.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (12-27-12) — Steele Canyon High senior MONIQUE VAN, who certainly will be in the running for East County Player of the Year laurels, scored 28 points, snagged 7 rebounds, recorded 5 steals and dished 4 assists as the Cougars clipped Canyon Crest, 59-38, in Wednesday’s (Dec. 26) opening round of the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division.

The speedy 5-foot-5 Van nailed 10 of 15 shots from the field, including two 3-pointers as the Cougars balanced their season record at 6-6.

TIANA TEO scored a career-high 17 points, including 4-for-6 three-point shooting for Steele Canyon.

“We weren’t very focused in the first quarter,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “In the second quarter we played the type of basketball we knew we could play. It ended up in a 21-9 run.”

Van led the second quarter charge with 15 points.

ALEXIS RAMOS continued to pound the boards as she came up with 10 caroms.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 28 (7 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl), Tiana Teo 17 (1 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Isabella Welch 9 (5 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Alexis Ramos 2 (10 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jule Loibl 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Rachel Beasley 1 (4 reb, 3 stl), Shelby Johnson (2 reb, 2 stl), Sabrina Stocker (3 reb, 3 blk).Malicia Jordan (2 reb), Sydney Williams (2 reb).

WEST HILLS 60, Irvine-BECKMAN 53 – A powerful inside presence led by 6-foot-1 HALEY FORSBERG, who knocked down 12 points and collected 16 rebounds, the Wolf Pack opened play in Wednesday’s (Dec. 26) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division with a come from behind victory over Irvine Beckman.

“We played very poor defense and were down by 2 after the first half,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We made too many mental mistakes and gave them easy shots. We were able to take advantage of post play and scored 28.”

EMILY COLE paced the Pack (8-2) with 17 points – more than half coming on a trio of 3-balls.

BAILEY ALBERS pitched in with 10 points and JESSICA SCOTT added 9 points and crashed the boards for 7 caroms.

“Scott and Forsberg played well down low,” Kinser noted.

West Hills claimed a 32-23 second half scoring advantage. Much of the West Hills’ firepower came from the free throw line where the Pack converted 23 of 29 chances.

ARIELLE BOWERS was 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

“We played much better defense in the 3rd quarter and held them to only 7 total points,” Kinser said. “We played very good offense in the 4th and went to line and converted on most free throws to put it away. Beckman is a very quick, scrappy team and they shot well. I was very happy to pull out the win.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 17 (6 reb, 1 blk), Haley Forsberg 12 (16 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Bailey Albers 10 (2 reb), Jessica Scott 9 (7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Arielle Bowers 6 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), J’ana Diamond 6 (4 reb, 1 stl), Kylie Cristini (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Katie Byrd (1 reb, 2 stl).

MONTE VISTA 56, MADISON 27 – A fast start and a balanced attack propelled Monte Vista to a lop-sided victory over Madison in Wednesday’s (Dec. 26) opening round of the Aztec Invitational at Montgomery.

FELICIA PORTER set the pace for the Monarchs (6-2) with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while JAZMINE BRADLEY added 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

ABIGAIL VARGAS clicked on 10 points but more importantly had 9 steals for the Monarchs who led 13-4 after one quarter, and 47-21 after three periods.

KAYLA HULHANEK pounded the boards for Monte Vista, plucking 11 rebounds off the glass.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 16 (9 reb, 2 stl), Jazmine Bradley 12 (5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Abigail Vargas 10 (2 reb, 5 ast, 9 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Harrell 7 (6 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Kulhanek 6 (11 reb, 1 stl), Deborah Saltzen 3 (3 reb, 1 stl), Alexis Wittmann 2 (3 reb), Monica Williams (3 reb), Emma Pitoua (1 ast, 1 stl), Heather Bell (3 reb, 1 blk).

MOUNT MIGUEL 61, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 51 – After averaging only 30 points per game in their last three starts in Arizona , the Matadors enjoyed a triumphant return to their home court Wednesday (Dec. 26) as they knocked off Rancho Buena Vista in a SoCal Holiday Prep Classic TOC 2 Division game.

ZARIA BRANCH, who was plagued by foul trouble, still managed to score 26 points as the Matadors (5-5) finished with their third highest output of the season.

Branch nailed a trio of 3-pointers on her way to her game-high total.

BROOKLYN MILLER played one of her better games, scoring 13 points while holding UC Irvine-bound Jenny Dee to 14 points.

KAMREE HARRISON contributed 11 points, including 7 of 8 free throws as well as 8 assists.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 26 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller 13 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Kamree Harrison 11 (1 reb, 8 ast, 3 stl), Dejanay Pope 2 (6 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Deijah Blanks 8 (6 reb, 1 stl), Cierra Conwright 1 (1 stl), Breahna Jones (1 reb).

MORSE 47, VALHALLA 43 – Freshman MARY CHARLES scored a career-high 19 points in Wednesday’s (Dec. 26) Aztec Invitational but the Norsemen came up short against Morse in a game played at Castle Park.

KANDICE KALASHO chipped in with 15 points including a pair of 3-pointers for Valhalla (2-8).

Valhalla: Mary Charles 19, Kandice Kalasho 15, Shyla Criger-Philipp 7, Bianca Gorges 2.

MONTGOMERY 37, EL CAPITAN 7 – The Vaqueros of El Capitan had a new set of coaches for Wednesday’s (Dec. 26) Aztec Invitational.

Familiar faces indeed as veteran mentors ROSS FURROW and RICK WILKERSON have come out of retirement in hopes of rebuilding the El Capitan girls basketball program.

“We missed a lot of layups, but our defense was pretty good,” said Wilkerson.

The Vaqueros (3-4) made only 3 of 12 free throws and were shut out in the fourth quarter.

El Capitan: Kira Lopez 3, Rebecca Leonard 2, Jessica Deprima 2.

ESCONDIDO 52, GROSSMONT 24 – No further information provided for this Wednesday (Dec. 26) SoCal Holiday Prep Classic FIBA Division game.

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BURBANK (12-23-12) — Head coach RYAN KINSER was not overly excited about his West Hills Wolf Pack having to play a San Diego team for third place in the Burroughs Optimist Tournament.

But the Wolf Pack (7-2), which held a 24-23 halftime lead over Westview, eventually succumbed to the Wolverines, 56-40.

“We got off to a decent start, played well at the end of the second quarter to gain a one point lead,” Kinser said. “We just didn’t execute the game plan in the second half – had a very poor defensive effort and poor offensive execution. Once again we shot very poor from the field, 13-66 (20 percent).”

None of the Wolf Pack reached double scoring digits although HALEY FORSBERG had 9 points and 15 rebounds.

“At this point of the season we are very inconsistent, play a good game then come out and play with little effort and no desire,” Kinser note. “We have a long way to go to get to where we want to be.”

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 9 (15 reb, 1 stl), Bailey Albers 9 (2 reb, 1 stl), Arielle Bowers 5 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 5 (6 reb, 1 stl), Kylie Cristini 5 (1 reb, 1 stl), Emily Cole 3 (7 reb, 1 stl), J’ana Diamond 2 (7 reb), Katie Byrd 2 (1 reb).

CHAPARRAL (Parker, Colo.) 37, MOUNT MIGUEL 28 – It was a disappointing trip for the Matadors, who dropped all three contests at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix.

What made things even harder to swallow is the Matadors (4-5) averaged 30 points a game in the three losses.

Mount Miguel made a late run against Colorado-Chaparral when ZARIA BRANCH hit the team’s only 3-point bucket, cutting the deficit to 5 points with 4 minutes to play.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 13, Brooklyn Miller 6, Deijah Blanks 5, Dejanay Pope 4.

CASTLE PARK 47, VALHALLA 31 – No details reported for this Saturday (Dec. 22) non-league game.

EL CAPITAN at CORONA – No report was received for this Saturday (Dec. 22) non-league game.

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BURBANK (12-22-12) — For the first time in eight games, the West Hills Wolf Pack came out flat and paid the price in Friday’s (Dec. 21) lop-sided semifinal loss to state-ranked Valencia, 60-28, in the Burroughs Optimist Tournement.

The Wolf Pack fell behind 24-3 in the first quarter, then rebounded for a 14-7 second quarter spread.

“We competed in only one of three quarter,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “And you can’t expect to win the game when you do that.”

The Pack is seeking a third place finish on Saturday (Dec. 22) against the loser of the Westview-Mark Keppel game at 6:30. Valencia (7-1) is rated 40th in the state.

“One things for sure, is we have a chance to pull off a victory against a quality team,” Kinser noted.

HALEY FORSBERG paced the Pack with 14 points and 5 rebounds.

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 14 (5 reb, 1 stl), Jessica Scott 6 (8 reb, 1 stl), Emily Cole 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Kylie Cristini 3, Arielle Bowers 2 (1 reb), Bailey Albers (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal (2 reb, 1 stl), J’ana Diamond (2 reb, 1 stl), Katie Byrd (1 reb), Megan Scott (1 reb, 2 stl), Justine Fordyce (1 reb).

CHRISTIAN 40, POINT LOMA 22 – Following a lethargic second quarter which saw the Patriots turn back an early 8-0 lead, Christian moved back in front by 10 points by the end of the third quarter, then scored the first 11 points of the fourth quarter to down visiting Point Loma in Friday's (Dec. 21) Central League affair at Ryan Center.

The slumbering offense was still a touch drowzy when the second half started, but then the outside shooting started to connect. Center CHAYAN LOWERY surprised the Pointers by draining a mid-range jumper instead of driving to the basket, gaining a share of game scoring honors with 12 points.

JILLIAN SEXTON followed with a 3-ball, part of her 9 points, then TAYLOR MILLER sunk a jumper, as the Patriots offense never looked back.

And when ANAYA TOBIASON nailed a deep 3-ball to open the final period, a 2-point, coin-flip contest would see Christian expand its advantage to as many as 21 points.

Tobiason also was credited for her defensive effort.

"I told my girls we need to put more pressure on the Point Loma guards," said head coach THOMAS LOWERY. “Anaya Tobiason was able to apply pressure in the second half, which kept them from setting up. She was our catalyst.”

HAYLEY CRUZ connected for one bucket in each quarter, also scoring a game-best 12 points.

For Point Loma, Lea Martin was top scorer with 10 points.

Christian: Hayley Cruz 12 (2 reb, 1 stl), Chayan Lowery 12 (14 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 5 blk), Jillian Sexton 9 (4 reb, 2 stl), Taylor Miller 3 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1blk), Anaya Tobiason 3 (4 reb, 4 stl), Lily Rodriguez 1.

DESERT VISTA (Ariz.) 49, MOUNT MIGUEL 32 – “I know the score might not look like it but we played a lot better than we did the day before,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL of his Matadors, as they succumbed to Desert Vista in the Phoenix Nike Tournament of Champions on Friday (Dec. 21).

The high point of the game for the Matadors was ZARIA BRANCH’s 11 points and DEJANAY POPE’s 9 points and 10 rebounds.

“Our effort was a lot better than it was in the first game of this tournament,” Sandoval said.

It was a 7 point game with 5 minutes to go and then they scored 8 straight points to put it away.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 11 (5 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Dejanay Pope 9 (10 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Deijah Blanks 7 (9 reb, 4 stl, 1 blk), Kamree Harrison 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Brooklyn Miller 2 (3 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Breahna Jones (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl).

BONITA VISTA 58, SANTANA 33 – Santana shot 17 of 53 (32 percent) and trailed in all four quarters in Friday’s (Dec. 21) non-league contest at Bonita Vista.

EMILY KLOSS was the only Sultan who reached double figures with 11 points.

“We practiced one time this week,” noted Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “It was a tough week. I have to get them prepared. Every team has a little bit different defense. We didn’t shoot very well at all but that had to do with their defense.

“The effort and energy was there – it was just one of those games. We actually were up by 4 or 5 points in the second quarter. They picked up the pressure. It was a pretty big turnaround in the third quarter.”

Santana: Emily Kloss 11, Kayti Grable 5, Savanah Fenn 5, Kylie Brase 4, Sydney Blackburn 4, Ariel Rasmusson 2, Gretchen Hudson 2.

IMPERIAL df. VALHALLA – SLIDESHOW – No report was received of this non-league game on Friday (Dec. 21).

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BURBANK (12-21-12) — In a showdown of two of Southern California’s top girls basketball teams West Hills knocked off Burroughs, 66-48, in the second round of the Burroughs Optimist Tournament on Thursday’s (Dec. 20).

The Wolf Pack (7-0) took a lead of 17-8 in the first quarter and stretched its advantage to 31-18 by halftime.

“We got off to a big lead early because we were able to break their press,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER.

After scoring only one point the previous night, West Hills senior EMILY COLE nailed four 3-pointers to spearhead the Wolf Pack attack.

“Emily was on her game tonight,” Kinser noted.

West Hills also played strong inside.

“HALEY FORSBERG and JESSICA SCOTT played really well,” Kinser added. “We really executed defensively. I’m happy with our effort.”

West Hills will play Valencia on Friday (Dec. 21) at 7:30 in the tournament semifinals.

West Hills: Emily Cole 18 (9 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 14 ( reb, 1 stl), Kylie Cristini 8 (2 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Bailey Albert 5 (4 reb), Arielle Bowers 2 (2 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), J’ana Diamond 2 (3 reb), Justine Fordyce 2 Megan Scott (1 stl), Haley Forsberg (13 reb, 1 stl 3 blk), Katie Byrd 1 (4 reb), Brandi McCrystal (1 reb).

AMADOR VALLEY (Ariz.) 55, MOUNT MIGUEL 30 – The Mount Miguel Matadors might as well have stayed at their Phoenix hotel as their effort in Thursday’s (Dec. 20) first round of the Nike Tournament of Champions was listless.

Facing the undefeated Dons of Amador Valley (6-0), Pleasanton, the Matadors (4-3) fell behind 29-10 by halftime and never recovered.

“I’m extremely disappointed with our effort to start the game,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “We picked it up in the second half but it was a little too late.”

Mount Miguel will face Desert Vista at 11:15 a.m. Friday (Dec. 21) in the second round.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 12 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Deijah Blanks 9 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller 4 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Kamree Harrison 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Dejanay Pope 2 (8 reb, 3 stl, 2 blk), Rozlyn Pierce (4 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Breahna Jones (3 reb, 2 stl), Cierra Conwright (1 reb, 1 stl).

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BURBANK (12-20-12) — Team scoring leader EMILY COLE was limited to one point in Wednesday’s (Dec. 19) opening round of the Burroughs Optimist Tournament, but it came with 4 seconds left and pulled the visiting West Hills Wolf Pack to within one point of Arroyo Grande.

BAILEY ALBERS then hit 2 free throws with 1.2 seconds left, giving undefeated West Hills (6-0) a 40-39 victory over the Eagles (5-5).

“If we had to identify a star, it would be Albers tonight,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

JESSICA SCOTT paced West Hills with 15 points, while HALEY FORSBERG led the board brigade by collecting 5 caroms.

“We played very poorly – very, very sluggish,” added Kinser. “We shot horrible (12 for 48 – 25 percent). We were very fortunate to pull this one out. It was a tough game. We were never behind more than two points at any time, and it never went like we were not in control. Down the stretch we had a 4-point lead.”

As a rule, West Hills is a sound 3-point shooting team. But the Pack was only 1 for 14 on this night.

On the bright side, Scott was 7 for 9 from the free throw line and Albers went 4 for 4.

West Hills: Jessica Scott 15 (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Bailey Albers 6 (1 ast, 3 stl), Arielle Bowers 5 (3 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Haley Forsberg 5 (5 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Kylie Cristini 5 (2 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), J’Ana Diamond 3 (3 reb, 2 stl), Emily Cole 1 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk).

Christian center Chayan Lowery with the perfect shooting form en route to a 29-point effort. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

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EL CAJON (12-19-12) — Christian High center CHAYAN LOWERY fell just a single point shy of a career high, pouring home 29 points as the Patriots whipped Clairemont, 57-13, in Tuesday's (Dec. 18) Central League opener at Ryan Center.

Lowery collected 10 of her points in the first quarter, kick-starting the Pats to a 20-2 lead en route to their first triumph in six starts. Clairemont is winless in three outings.

Meanwhile, JILLIAN SEXTON collected 11 points, including a pair on a nice ball fake against a Chieftains defender, resulting in a wide-open baseline jumper to mount a 40-point lead and invoke a running clock with 5:58 remaining.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 29, Jillian Sexton 11, Hayley Cruz 7, Anaya Tobiason 6, Taylor Miller 4.

MOUNT MIGUEL 66, SHAWNIGAN LAKE (B.C., Canada) 22 – ZARIA BRANCH scored 24 points to lead host Mount Miguel past the Canadians in Tuesday’s (Dec. 18) non-league action.

Mount Miguel (4-2) led 38-9 by halftime and the game ended with a running clock.

BROOKLYN MILLER was 6-for-6 from the free throw line as she finished with 14 points, while KAMREE HARRISON added 13 points.

Branch and Miller each had a pair of 3s.

“It was good to get a game in before we go to Arizona,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL, whose team left this morning for the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix.

The Matadors open up against Amador Valley on Thursday (Dec. 20) at 12:30.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 24, Brooklyn Miller 14, Kamree Harrison 13, Deijah Blanks 8, Dejanay Pope 4, Breahna Jones 3.

EL CENTRO-CENTRAL 47, STEELE CANYON 35 – Steele Canyon looked like a team that hadn’t played for almost two weeks in Tuesday’s (Dec. 18) non-league game against visiting El Centro-Central.

The Cougars trailed 37-24 after three quarters.

“We started off flat then started coming back,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “We’re just rusty. We started out playing without precision. As the game went on the girls started getting back into high intensity defense.”

But it was too little, too late despite 17 points, 11 rebounds and 6 steals by senior MONIQUE VAN.

ALEXIS RAMOS also had 11 rebounds for the Cougars (5-6).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 17 (11 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Alexis Ramos 6 (11 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Rachel Beasley 7 (2 reb, 1 stl), Tiana Teo 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Isabella Welch 1 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 1 (1 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl).

El Capitan captain Cierra Cutler (right) dribbles past a defender from Calexico in Imperial Valley Invitational action from Friday (Nov. 30). (Photo by Joselito Villero, courtesy IV Press) GALLERY

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SAN DIEGO (12-18-12) — Those expecting to write off the Santana Sultans this season better take a second look.

Head coach LARRY CLARK’s squad may not be world beaters but they won’t be pushovers, either. Just ask the Morse Tigers.

Clinging to a 34-33 lead entering the final quarter, the Sultans erupted for a 21-9 spread to put away their third win in eight decisions with a 55-42 taming of the Tigers in Monday’s (Dec. 17) non-league action.

“It went great! Everything went very well for us tonight,” said Clark. “KYLIE BRASE, ARIEL RASMUSSON and KAYTI GRABLE did a really good job on their big girl (Angelica Wilson).”

Santana led 19-17 at halftime as SYDNEY BLACKBURN nailed 3 treys on her way to a team-high 14 points. EMILY KLOSS added 12 points.

“We had a good start,” Clark noted. “Kloss ran the point the entire game. She had a breakout game. I was impressed with the way she ran the team from the point.

“Sydney and Kayti are pretty consistent. Emily in the 4th quarter shut down their leading scorer.

“Energy, effort and efficiency – that was the Sultans tonight.”

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 14, Emily Kloss 12, Ariel Rasmusson 10, Kayti Grable 9, Kylie Brase 6, Gretchen Hudson 4.

OLYMPIAN 48, MONTE VISTA 47 – Monte Vista staged two rallies after falling behind visiting Olympian 27-17 at halftime of Monday’s (Dec. 17) non-league game against the Eagles.

Monte Vista turned on the heat for a 19-5 run in the 3rd quarter to take a 4 point advantage. But Olympian had the last word with an 18-11 run in the final period.

“We didn’t play very well but we rallied back,” said Monarchs’ coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “We had a good 3rd quarter. Olympian shot 14-27 on free throws; we shot 8-11. They made 7 of 10 free throws in the 4th quarter. We didn’t attack the basket, didn’t play very good defense.”

ABIGAIL VARGAS led the Monarchs in scoring with 15 points, including three 3-balls. FELICIA PORTER added 14 points and 6 rebounds for Monte Vista (5-2).

“It’s choices, choices, choices,” Skibbe added. “If we do things right, we’re successful. If you own it you can fix it. If we don’t own our mistakes we can’t fix them. At this point we’re going to mainly fine tune things. You’re going to see baby steps. I thought we were deeper than we are.”

Monte Vista: Abigail Vargas 15 (1 ast, 4 stl), Felicia Porter 14 (6 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Heather Bell 6 (2 reb, 2 blk), Monica Williams 5 (5 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 4 (2 reb), Jazmine Bradley 2 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Kayla Harrell 1 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk).

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SKYLINE (12-16-12) — KRISTA POUMELE scored a career-high 23 points, but it wasn’t enough as the visiting Helix Highlanders dropped a hard-fought, non-league decision 64-59 at Morse on Saturday (Dec. 15).

Poumele nailed a pair of 3-balls and was 3-for-3 from the free throw line.

Helix took a 20-13 first-quarter lead, but the game was tied 49-all entering the final period.

LAYLA CUNNINGHAM added 14 points for the Highlanders (3-3).

“They had a real dominant girl in the middle – Angelica Wilson – and she scored 30 on us,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “We didn’t have an answer for her – nobody to match up with her. I used to coach over there for four years. They just wanted it more than my girls did. That’s the part we still have to grow from.”

Helix: Krista Poumele 23, Layla Cunningham 14, Chanelle Ward 8, Shirah Hancock 8, Lisabella Lemusu 5, Hayley Singer 1.

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RAMONA (12-15-12) — JAZMINE BRADLEY scored a career-high 29 points to lead Monte Vista High (5-1) over host Ramona, 70-65, in a non-league contest Friday (Dec. 14).

The 5-foot-8 senior guard nailed 9 of 19 shots from the field and 10 of 16 free throws to pace the Monarchs, who led 62-39 after three quarters. Bradley also made 5 steals and dished 3 assists.

FELICIA PORTER punched in 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting while gobbling up 10 rebounds and recording 3 steals for Monte Vista.

HEATHER BELL pitched in 9 points while MONICA WILLIAMS corralled 10 rebounds for the Monarchs.

Monte Vista: Jazmine Bradley 29 (3 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Felicia Porter 13 (10 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Heather Bell 9 (1 ast, 1 stl), Abigail Vargas 7 (2 reb, 4 ast, 7 stl), Kayla Harrell 4 (7 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Monica Williams 4 (10 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 2 (4 reb), Emma Pitoua 2 (1 ast, 1 stl), Deborah Saltzen (1 stl), Alex Whittmann (3 reb, 1 blk).

SAN PASQUAL 57, VALHALLA 14 – It was a record breaking Friday (Dec. 14) night, but not for the host Norsemen.

Golden Eagles junior forward Lunden Cunningham set a new school career rebounding mark, as unbeaten San Pasqual (9-0) topped Valhalla (2-5) in a non-league contest.

Cunningham broke the mark held since the late 1970s by Terri Bamford, the reigning Cal-Hi Sports state coach of the year out of La Jolla Country Day. Coincidentally, Cunningham, as a 6th-grader, played for Bamford's club team, the San Diego Waves.

Interestingly, Cunningham noted that her family hails from Wisconsin and her father is named Rick, similar to the famous ABC-TV sit-com Happy Days (1974-84), with the well-known character portrayed by Academy Award winning director Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham).

Meanwhile, San Pasqual guard Savannah Camp led all scorers with 17 points.

The top of the charts for the Norsemen was TIANA SILVER, who tallied five.

The Golden Eagles, one of the top defensive ballclubs in the CIF San Diego Section, jumped to a 15-3 first-quarter lead, extending the advantage to 29-6 and 45-9 by the conclusion of the next two periods.

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 5, Shyla Criger-Philipp 4, Mary Charles 4, Kandice Kalasho 1.

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ESCONDIDO (12-13-12) — Visiting Santana High was caught in another mismatch Wednesday (Dec. 12) as the unbeaten San Pasqual Golden Eagles rolled to a 53-21 non-league victory in North County.

The Sultans (2-5) fell behind 19-4 in the 1st quarter and never recovered. San Pasqual is now 7-0.

“They caught us in a trapping zone that was very effective,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “They didn’t play a lot of zone last year so I wasn’t prepared for it this year. We made some adjustments in the second half and got some better looks but the ball still didn’t fall for us.”

VERONICA MARTINEZ paced the Sultans with 7 points, while KAYTI GRABLE had 5 points and 7 rebounds. KYLIE BRASE pulled down 6 rebounds.

“Right now I’m looking for effort and we’re getting that,” said Clark. “I’m also trying to build confidence but that’s a tough road when your facing teams like San Pasqual.”

Santana: Veronica Martinez 7 (2 reb, 1 stl), Kayti Grable 5 (7 reb, 2 blk), Taylor Estes 3 (6 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Sydney Blackburn 3 ( 2 (reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Ariel Rasmusson 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Emily Kloss 1 (5 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kylie Brase (6 reb), Madison Barry (4 reb), Gretchen Hudson (1 reb).

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VISTA (12-12-12) — Undefeated West Hills High pulled a major come-from-behind victory at Mission Hills in Tuesday’s (Dec. 11) North County Classic encounter.

Trailing by 12 points in the third quarter the Wolf Pack (5-0) forged in front by five points with 90 seconds left in the game. But that lead didn’t hold up as the game went into overtime.

“For the first three quarter we just were out of it,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We just couldn’t match their energy.”

Sparked by JESSICA SCOTT’s 8 points in the fourth quarter and 5 more in overtime, the Wolf Pack pulled out a 69-62 win over the Grizzlies. Scott finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Mission Hills led 29-19 at halftime but West Hills used a 22-11 scoring streak in the 4th quarter to force overtime.

“We could easily have lost this game,” said coach Kinser. “But our girls never gave up and we came away with a win, so we can’t complain about that.”

EMILY COLE paced the Pack with 18 points including a pair of 3s, while KYLIE CRISTINI added 13 points, including 8 for 8 from the free throw line. BAILEY ALBERS contributed 4 points in the overtime, finishing with 11 overall.

“That’s what I like about this team, we have a lot of people contributing,” Kinser said.

West Hills: Emily Cole 18 (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 17 (11 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Kylie Cristini 13 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Bailey Albers 11 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Haley Forsberg 8 (12 reb, 3 blk), J’Ana Diamond 2 (1 reb), Arielle Bowers (5 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Katie Byrd (1 reb).

HELIX 72. SAN YSIDRO 45 – Visiting Helix knocked over the San Ysidro Cougars like bowling pins, taking a 13-1 first quarter lead and expanding the advantage to 33-10 by halftime of Tuesday’s (Dec. 11) non-league game.

SHIRAH HANCOCK led the onslaught for the Highlanders (4-2) with 14 points and 4 assists.

KRISTA POUMELE added 12 points, while LAYLA CUNNINGHAM handed out a record 13 assists.

“Layla Cunningham is going to be special at the point,” Helix coach PATRICK TABOR said.

“My girls are just a little bit further along than (San Ysidro’s) are,” he noted. “We’re just a tad ahead of them. I’m just trying to teach our girls to fight for the full four quarters. I’m trying to change the whole girls’ basketball mentality at Helix.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 14 (4 ast), Krista Poumele 12, Lisabella Lemusu 7, Chanelle Ward 7, Layla Cunningham 6 (13 ast), Dominique Jones 5, Fuafiva Pulu 4, Hayley Singer 4, Dana Anderson 2.

VALHALLA 37, CORONADO 34 – The Norsemen gang tackled host Coronado in Tuesday’s (Dec. 11) non-league game against the Islanders.

Steady SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP punched in 14 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 2 assists, while TIANA SILVER scored 10 points and handed out three scoring passes.

The Norsemen (2-4) overcame an 18-17 first half deficit to pull out the victory.

“It’s our defense that won the game for us,” said Norsemen coach LOWE LEASAU. “Our team is learning to how to play defense. They are getting better.”

Valhalla: Shyla Criger-Philipp 14 (7 reb, 2 ast), Tiana Silver 10 (3 ast), Kandice Kalasho 7 (2 ast, 1 stl), Mary Charles 3 (3 ast), Molly Lindsay 2 (6 reb), Mackenzie Castro 1.

EL CAPITAN 38, SD-SOUTHWEST 30 – The Vaqueros balanced their record at 3-3 in Tuesday’s (Dec. 11) non-league victory over San Diego Southwest but did not report.

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SPRING VALLEY (12-11-12) — Despite falling behind 11-5 in the first quarter of Monday’s (Dec. 10) non-league game against visiting Montgomery High, the Monte Vista Monarchs came from behind to post their fourth win in five starts.

JAZMINE BRADLEY led the charge for the Monarchs with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals as Monte Vista rallied for the 45-40 victory and raising their record to 4-1.

“It was a good game,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “We just haven’t played good defense in our first three games. ( Montgomery coach) Cassie (Klockgether) has her team on point – they are good, they are solid. We haven’t played well in a game yet. Today was a good show for us. I liked what we did. No real negatives here. Somebody had to win it.”

ABIGAIL VARGAS added 12 points and 9 steals for the Monarchs.

“They were up 11-5 at the end of the 1st quarter,” Skibbe said. “We were in a lot of foul trouble so we went to our bench a lot. They missed 8 free throws. We missed 12.

“We get the point, we attack the basket. It would have been easier if we had the free throws. I’m very happy with how we did. We had three girls missing tonight so we’re still working with small numbers.”

Monte Vista: Jazmine Bradley 16 (4 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Abigail Vargas 12 (1 reb, 1 ast, 9 stl, 1 blk), Felicia Porter 8 (4 reb, 3 stl, 5 blk), Kayla Kulhanek 5 (3 reb), Monica Williams 2 (5 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk), Alexis Wittmann 2 (2 reb), Kayla Harrell (1 reb, 3 stl), Emma Pitoua (1 stl).

SANTANA 33, KEARNY 28 – Despite lethargic shooting in the first half, the Sultans somehow managed to trail only 13-8 by the break in Monday’s (Dec. 10) non-league game. Santana was 2 for 38 on field goals in the first half.

Fact is, the Sultans (2-3) scored 4 points in each of the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters.

In the 3rd quarter they unleashed KAYTI GRABLE, who finished with 15 points and 21 rebounds. Twelve of Grable’s points came in the pivotal 3rd quarter when Santana took command with a 21-5 edge.

“We worked hard the entire time,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “In the 3rd quarter they relaxed a little bit. Then Kayti scored four or five buckets right in a row. It’s one of our problems being young, relaxing on offense. When you’re shooting the ball and it doesn’t go in you get a little relaxed.”

“Kayti and SYDNEY BLACKBURN are our senior leaders and they stepped up for us. I knew Kayti was having a good game rebounding. That’s extraordinary to get into the 20s.”

Blackburn pitched in 10 points and pulled down 5 rebounds.

“Kearny was a strong team and they battled hard. They wanted the game pretty bad.”

“I’m real happy with our defensive effort. To hold a team to 28 points there’s not too much more you can ask of our defense.”

Santana: Kayti Grable 15 (21 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Sydney Blackburn 10 (5 reb, 2 stl), Ariel Rasmusson 5 (8 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Taylor Estes 2 (5 reb, 2 blk), Kylie Brase 1 (5 reb, 1 blk), Gretchen Hudson (3 reb, 1 ast), Veronica Martinez (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Emily Kloss (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Madison Barry (3 reb, 1 blk), Bridgette Fries (3 reb).

HOOVER 54, GROSSMONT 44 – A belated comeback by Grossmont fell short in Monday’s (Dec. 10) non-league game at Hoover.

Trailing by 17 points entering the final period the Foothillers (1-5) scrambled by but never could quite make a game of it.

One plus for Grossmont was the return of 6-foot-2 senior post DANIELLE DAVIS who rolled a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

BRIA MILLER scored 13 points for the Hillers, including 7 of 11 free throw shooting. She departed early as she fell and hit her head on the floor in the 4th quarter and had to leave the game.

“We had Danielle Davis back but she didn’t really get going until the 4th quarter,” said Foothillers coach JEFF BICKFORD. “We lost CARLY LOPEZ (shoulder injury) in the 2nd quarter and she may be out for the season. Then Miller got hurt and had to leave the game.”

Hoover’s Grace Ward paced the Cardinals with 23 points.

“Hoover was up 33-19 at the half,” Bickford said. “It was a physical game. We had less fouls but Bria Miller had 7 points and 4 fouls in the first half.

“We have got to do a better job defensively coming into the game.”

Grossmont: Danielle Davis 13 (10 reb), Bria Miller 13, Megan Reddecliff 9 (8 reb, 2 stl), Keanna Lovelace 3 (4 reb), Carly Lopez 2 (4 reb, 1 stl), Christina Valdez 2 (3 ast, 2 stl), Julia Naranjo 2 (1 stl), Lane Griffith (2 stl), Adrianna Rios (1 reb).

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (12-9-12) — In its bid to become one of the elite teams in the San Diego Section, the Granite Hills Eagles fell short in Saturday’s (Dec. 8) Red Division 66-50 championship loss to The Bishop’s in the finals of the Matador Classic at Mount Miguel.

The Eagles (8-3) were outscored in all four quarters before succumbing to the Knights.

“We were able to stay with them in the first half,” said Eagles coach JERRY PARKER. “But in the second half we really had trouble getting the ball inside. That caused us to take too many long range jump shots.”

Even in defeat Parker praised the play of MICAYELA HERNANDEZ.

“She’s probably our most improved player,” he said of the 5-foot-4 freshman. “She was our best defender in our zone against Bishop’s. She’s gonna be a great player.”

SKYLAR WILLIAMS led the Eagles with 16 points while Hernandez added 12 points, 4 rebounds and a block.

“For us to e 8-3 with the young team that we have is pretty good,” Parker noted. “We’ve played four Top 10 teams so we’re learning from our losses.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 16 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Micayela Hernandez 12 (4 reb, 1 blk), Deajanae Harvey 8 (4 reb, 4 blk, 4 stl), Anna Viettry 7 (1 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 5 (2 reb), Leena Alyashaa 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Lumb (3 reb).

WEST HILLS 65, TORREY PINES 39 – The Wolf Pack ran their record to 4-0 after taking an 18-8 first-quarter lead and led by 26 by halftime in Saturday’s (Dec. 8) North County Classic contest at Torrey Pines.

This game was not all about scoring but more about defense.

Pack coach RYAN KINSER praised the work of HALEY FORSBERG and JESSICA SCOTT with their defensive stand against Torrey Pines’ 6-foot-2 freshman standout Sierra Campisano.

“When you get that kind of defense you like your chances of winning,” Kinser said.

Once again EMILY COLE spearheaded the West Hills attack with 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, while Forsberg had 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. KYLIE CRISTINI chipped in with 11 points and 6 rebounds and ARIELLE BOWERS contributed 5 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to the Wolf Pack tally.

West Hills: Emily Cole 18 (3 reb, 2 stl), Haley Forsberg 15 (12 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Kylie Cristini 11 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Jessica Scott 8 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Arielle Bowers 5 (5 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), J’Aana Diamond 4 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Bailey Albers 2 (2 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Katie Byrd 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal (3 reb), Justine Fordyce (1 stl).

VALHALLA 48, SAN YSIDRO 30 – Head coach LOWE LEASAU guided the Valhalla Norsemen to their first win in five starts in Saturday’s (Dec. 8) North County Classic action.

“They’re learning,” said Leasau of his youthful Norsemen. “SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP scored in all four quarters (finishing with 19 points and 7 rebounds.)”

KANDICE KALASHO added 17 points, 3 assists and 3 steals for the Norsemen.

Valhalla: Shyla Criger-Philipp 19 (7 reb), Kandice Kalasho 17 (3 ast, 3 stl), Tiana Silver 8 (4 reb), Molly Lindsay 2, Melanie Yousif 2.

© East County Sports.com
OTAY MESA (12-8-12) — Had it not been for a sluggish first quarter where visiting Santana fell behind Montgomery 11-1 in Friday’s (Dec. 7) Matador Classic the outcome might have been a lot more favorable to the Sultans.

That caused the Sultans to play chase the majority of the night, and they came up short, 40-34.

“With two minutes left and a 3-point game, we gave up a couple of offensive rebounds right at the end,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK.

KAYTI GRABLE led Santana (1-4) on 12 points, the majority coming on three triples.

“Kayti did very well, played good defense. She had a solid game,” Clark said.

“And SYDNEY BLACKBURN shut down their high scorer in the fourth quarter. That was very positive.”

“We didn’t play particularly well, we were having trouble getting the ball in the basket,” said Clark. “I kind of figured we’d be a little flat after playing Bishop’s last night. We were all pretty happy with our effort against Bishop’s, and I tried to prepare them for Montgomery.”

Santana: Kayti Grable 12, Ariel Rasmusson 6, Sydney Blackburn 4, Kylie Brase 4, Veronica Martinez 3, Emily Kloss 3, Taylor Estes 1, Bridgette Fries 1.

EL CAMINO 49, HELIX 33 – The Helix Highlanders were matching the El Camino Wildcats stride for stride as the game was tied at 31-all going into the fourth quarter of Friday’s (Dec. 7) Monte Vista Invitational in La Mesa.

Then the Highlanders (2-2) hit the wall and the Wildcats pulled away for the lop-sided victory.

“One El Camino girl scored 33 points,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “My girls were scared of her. When someone scores like that somebody has to step up. This is the other part of the game that they don’t understand – the mental toughness. But we’ll live to go another day.

LAYLA CUNNINGHAM paced the Highlanders with 10 points.

“Last year I was 1-5 at this time so we’re making good progress. We were in the game for three quarters. In our last two games (Patrick Henry and Christian) we were close in the last quarters and took off and won them. This game we came close but let it get away.”

Helix: Layla Cunningham 10, Shirah Hancock 7, Chanelle Ward 4, Hayley Singer 3, Krista Poumele 3, Raeshondra Dike’ 2, Lisabella Lemusu 2, Dana Anderson 2.

UNIVERSITY CITY 59, MONTE VISTA 36– No report on this Monte Vista Invitational contest.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-7-12) — The Grossmont Foothillers let one get away in Thursday’s (Dec. 6) Monte Vista Invitational.

“This was a tough loss,” said Grossmont head coach JEFF BICKFORD after the Foothillers fell to the visiting Mira Mesa Marauders, 43-42. “We had this game in our hands.”

Leading 42-41 with 18 seconds remaining the Foothillers had the ball on an out of bounds play, but turned the ball over with 12 seconds left.

Mira Mesa picked up the ball and turned it into a scoop and score with 8 seconds remaining.

“They covered three-quarters of the court and went in for the layup,” Bickford recalled.

BRIA MILLER led Grossmont (1-4) with 18 points.

“We had 16 offensive rebounds and I betcha we didn’t score off of three of them,” Bickford said. “But I’m the coach and if we didn’t win then I must not have had the team prepared.”

“The thing that really hurts us is we are in the same division (Division I) and it could cost us come playoff time,” he said.

Grossmont: Bria Miller 18 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Lauren Weigel 8 (9 reb), Megan Reddecliff 7 (5 reb, 2 stl), Carly Lopez 4 (6 reb, 1 ast), Keanna Lovelace 3 (2 reb), Christina Valdez 2 (2 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Lane Griffith (3 reb), Julia Naranjo (1 stl).

EL CAPITAN 39, SD-HIGH TECH 7 – It’s taken the El Capitan Vaqueros only five games to post twice as many victories as they did in 26 games a year ago.

The Vaqueros (2-3) recorded 32 steals against San Diego High Tech High Thursday (Dec. 6) night in a non-league game in Lakeside.

“KASSIDY KYGAR and CIERRA CUTLER stole 22 balls between them and pressured the ball all game long,” said second-year Vaqueros coach EDDIE LaSALLE.

The Vaqueros blanked High Tech in the first quarter, surrendered just one point in the second quarter and allowed two points in the final period.

El Capitan scored 31 points in the second quarter to put the game away.

HIWALANI SIERRA rolled a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead the way.

El Capitan: Hiwalani Sierra 11 (10 reb, 4 stl), Valeria Garay 6 (3 reb, 1 blk), Cierra Cutler 5 (4 ast, 10 stl, 1 blk), Kassidy Kygar 4 (5 reb, 3 ast, 12 stl), Yahsia Merida 4, Kim Galvan 3 (6 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Kira Lopez 2 (4 reb), Tali Letoi 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Hannah Sessions 2.

MOUNT MIGUEL 62, ESCONDIDO 22 – It’s been a frustrating season for the rebuilding Mount Miguel Matadors. But they showed in Thursday’s (Dec. 6) Matador Classic romp over the Cougars that they are on the rise.

Of course the Matadors have been a powerhouse for so long that few of their rivals feel sorry for them.

Ball-hawking defense has been a trademark for ROBBIE SANDOVAL coached teams for more than a decade. However, in a loss to La Costa Canyon on Wednesday (Dec. 5) the Matadors recorded only four steals.

Against Escondido the Matadors rolled up 30 steals, including 10 by DEIJAH BLANKS and 6 each by BROOKLYN MILLER and KAMREE HARRISON.

“We played much better but when you look at the numbers you have to remember there’s a great difference in the competition,” Sandoval said.

ZARIA BRANCH had 22 points for the Matadors and Blanks had a triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds to go along with her 10 steals. Harrison also knocked down 14 points.

Although the Matadors do not play in the championship of their own tournament on Saturday (Dec. 8), the highlight of the three championship games will feature Granite Hills vs. The Bishop’s at 3 p.m. in the Matadors’ gym.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 22 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), Deijah Blanks 14 (10 reb, 2 ast, 10 stl), Kamree Harrison 14 (6 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Dejanay Pope 8 (3 reb, 1 stl), Breahna Jones 4 (6 reb, 4 stl, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller (7 reb, 6 stl), Cierra Conwright (2 reb).

THE BISHOP’S 72, SANTANA 33 – For the second time in as many starts the Santana Sultans were pitted against a girls basketball powerhouse, and the results were inevitable.

The Bishop’s barged in front 42-19 by halftime of Thursday’s (Dec. 6) Matador Classic encounter and never looked back.

“They had some very talented players – very tall and athletic,” noted Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “I’m very proud of the way my girls played. They showed a lot of heart. It’s difficult to beat a team like that. They have three or four girls who are going to play Division I ball.

“When you play well against a very good team you have nothing to feel bad about. We gave it our best effort – our game plan didn’t work. The girls worked hard and didn’t give up. I can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Santana: Ariel Rasmusson 9 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Sydney Blackburn 9 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Taylor Estes 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), Bridgette Fries 3 (2 reb, 1 stl), Gretchen Hudson 3 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Emily Kloss 3 (1 reb, 3 stl), Veronica Martinez 2 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Kayti Grable (7 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Kylie Brase (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Madison Barry (2 reb, 1 ast).

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (12-6-12) — Buoyed by a forfeit win over San Dieguito, rookie Steele Canyon High head coach TERRY YOUNG finds his team even at 5-5 following Wednesday’s (Dec. 5) Monte Vista Invitational 42-37 victory over visiting Chula Vista.

The Cougars outscored the Spartans by two points in the first and third quarters, and by one in the final quarter.

“We didn’t play our best,” said Young. “We need to be more resilient, even though the shots weren’t falling. We kept missing layups. I told the girls you just have to work through it. Our defense mainly kept us in it.”

MONIQUE VAN scored a team high 20 points, snagged 12 rebounds, dished 4 assists and made 5 steals for Steele Canyon.

TIANA TEO scored 11 points for the Cougars.

“In the fourth quarter Monique Van had two free throws and Tiana Teo hit two threes. What we started doing was just running our set play and moving the ball, and we were able to convert.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 20 (12 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl), Tiana Teo 11 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Rachel Beasley 7 (1 reb, 1 stl), Isabella Welch 2 (7 reb), Jule Loibl 2 (5 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Alexis Ramos 2 (3 reb).

LA COSTA CANYON 58, MOUNT MIGUEL 44 – In a battle of Top 10 teams, the visiting Mavericks of La Costa Canyon (4-1) took a 20-6 lead in the opening period and continued on for the victory over host Mount Miguel in Wednesday’s (Dec. 5) Matador Classic contest.

Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL pointed that his team only had four steals against the Mavericks, and that short-circuited the Matadors defense.

“La Costa Canyon controlled the game from the opening jump,” Sandoval said.

Even in defeat DEIJAH BLANKS led the Matadors (2-2) with 17 points and 6 rebounds, while ZARIA BRANCH scored all 10 of her points in the fourth quarter after the game was decided.

“Right now it’s a learning curve for us,” Sandoval said.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 17 (6 reb, 1 ast), Zaria Branch 10 (1 ast, 1 stl), Kamree Harrison 6 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller 6 (4 reb), Dejanay Pope 3 (5 reb, 2 stl), Conwright 2 (1 ast).

RAMONA 69, VALHALLA 47 – KANDICE KALASHO scored a career high 25 points but she did not get enough help from her teammates to turn her scoring spree into a Valhalla victory in North County Classic action on Wednesday (Dec. 5).

“Kandice had a big game tonight,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU. “The girls know we have to work harder. We’ll get there. I’m excited for them.

The Norsemen trailed the Bulldogs only 31-24 at halftime but fell apart in the third quarter when Ramona rolled off a 24-7 advantage.

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 25, Mary Charles 9, Tiana Silver 7, Shyla Philipp 2, Mackenzie Castro 2, Jessica May 2.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-5-12) — Helix High head coach PATRICK TABOR was pretty proud of winning two games in a row for the first time as the Highlanders’ second-year coach.

The Highlanders (2-1) overcame a 17-11 deficit to knock off Christian 43-38 in Tuesday’s (Dec. 4) Monte Vista Invitational action.

Where Christian (1-3) banks its complete offense on 6-foot-2 CHAYAN LOWERY, who turned in a triple-double of 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 blocks, the Highlanders’ overall depth was enough to deny the Patriots a chance of knocking off their East County opponent.

“I don’t know what it is about our team, but we always start slow (trailing Christian 17-11 by halftime),” Tabor said. “But at least they come out fighting in the second half and manage to finish strong, which they did again today. A lot of that was due to our tough pressure defense.”

The kingpin of the Helix comeback was freshman LAYLA CUNNINGHAM, who collected 16 points – the majority on four 3-pointers – and 16 rebounds.

SHIRAH HANCOCK added 13 points and 7 rebounds, while KRISTA POUMELE dropped in a trio of 3-pointers to go along with 5 rebounds.

Helix: Layla Cunningham 16 (6 reb), Shirah Hancock 13 (7 reb), Krista Poumele 9 (5 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 3 (3 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (3 reb), Chanelle Ward (4 reb), Dana Anderson (2 reb), Ashley Smith (2 reb), Hayley Singer (1 reb), Fuafiva Pulu (1 reb), Brittany Jones (1 reb).

Christian: Chayan Lowery 25 (14 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 11 blk), Taylor Miller 6 (5 reb), Hayley Cruz 4 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Jillian Sexton 3 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Anaya Tobiason (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl).

STEELE CANYON 65, MORSE 40 – A balanced offense carried Steele Canyon to a lop-sided Monte Vista Invitational victory over Morse on Tuesday (Dec. 4).

Consistent MONIQUE VAN powered in 21 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished 7 assists and made 7 steals to spearhead the Cougars (3-6).

ALEXIS RAMOS added 14 points and 13 rebounds, while TIANA TEO tossed in 11 points, as did RACHEL BEASLEY.

“We took off,” said a pleased Cougars coach, TERRY YOUNG. “Our intensity and defense was on point. We built a nice lead and then started losing focus. During the second half Morse came back and played good aggressive defense and punched us in the mouth, which our girls needed.

“Coming back in the third quarter the girls stayed focused and pulled out the win. I told them you can’t take any team for granted because I’ve seen teams come back from a 30 point lead and lose.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 21 (7 reb, 7 ast, 7 stl), Alexis Ramos 14 (13 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Tiana Teo 11 (2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Rachel Beasley 11 (1 reb, 1 stl), Jule Loibl 2 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Isabella Welch 2 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Mercedes Dupree 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Arlynda Filmore (2 stl), Ashley Tavizon (1 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 60, BRAWLEY 38 – The only thing taxing on the Granite Hills Eagles (8-2) was compiling mileage on the road for Tuesday’s (Dec. 4) Matador Classic encounter in the desert.

No doubt the Eagles were a little bit tense as they led only 27-24 at halftime.

“We played bad in the first half,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “Defensively we’ve got to get better. The effort just wasn’t there in the first half. The girls have got to stay motivated from start to finish.”

SKYLAR WILLIAMS finished with a game-high 29 points, including 4 treys.

ANNA VIETTRY added 16 markers, including a pair of triples and 6 of 7 free throw shooting.

Williams had 12 points in the fourth quarter as the Eagles outscored the Wildcats 21-6.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 29, Anna Viettry 16, Raelleah Ledeur 7, Leena
Alyashaa 4, Madison Lumb 2, Micayela Hernandez 2.

PATRICK HENRY 49, GROSSMONT 36 – BRIA MILLER turned in a career best of 18 points and 15 rebounds for the Foothillers but received little help as Grossmont fell to Patrick Henry in Tuesday’s (Dec. 4) Monte Vista Invitational action.

“I’m very proud of Miller’s free throw shooting (8 of 12),” said Foothillers coach JEFF BICKFORD. “She works hard on that every day in practice.”

“They outscored us 26-23 in the second half,” Bickford said “We were down 23-13 at halftime. Patrick Henry came out and hit a 3 and four 2s to start the first quarter. They were on fire – had us 9-2. We called a time out and switched our defense and did much better. We’re still missing our 6-2 senior post (DANIELLE DAVIS, who is on a school function), and that really hurts us.”

“We didn't settle on jumpers today. We drove to the basket a lot more and went to line 29 times but only converted 15.”

Grossmont: Bria Miller 18 (15 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Carly Lopez 6 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff 6 (2 reb, 3 stl), Christina Valdez 4 (3 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Lane Griffith 2 (2 stl), Keanna Lovelace (2 reb, 2 stl), Lauren Weigel (1 reb).

BOX HILL (Australia) 76, SANTANA 29 – The host Santana Sultans (1-2) ran into a blue ribbon international basketball team in Tuesday’s (Dec. 4) Matador Classic in Santee. It was no contest as Box Hill took a 22-4 first quarter lead and outscored the Sultans in three of the four quarters.

Santana actually matched strides with the Australians, gaining a 16-14 edge.

“Box Hill is a very talented team, it was fun to watch them play,” said Santana first year coach LARRY CLARK. “In the second quarter we played easily the best quarter we’ve ever played. We were outsized at every position.

“Box Hill is a sports school in Australia. They’ve played in New York – all over the country. It was so good for our girls to see how they play.”

KAYTI GRABLE had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Sultans.

“Kayti had one heck of a game – the kid can rebound and shot very well. So did KYLIE BRASE (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals),” said Clark. “Our two bigs did very well against a taller, athletic team. We are getting better.”

Santana: Kayti Grable 16 (10 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kylie Brase 8 (4 reb, 2 stl), Veronica Martinez 3 (2 reb, 2 ast), Gretchen Hudson 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Ariel Rasmusson (3 reb), Sydney Blackburn (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Taylor Estes (1 reb, 2 ast), Emily Kloss (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl).

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-4-12) — Ten Helix Highlanders scored in Monday’s (Dec. 3) Monte Vista Invitational victory over visiting Patrick Henry, 55-43

KRISTA POUMELE and LAYLA CUNNINGHAM scored 11 points apiece to lead the Scotties past the Patriots in the second round of the tournament. SHIRAH HANCOCK contributed 10 points for a balanced Helix attack.

Helix (1-1) put the game away in the fourth quarter with a 22-7 run.

The Highlanders were deadly from the free throw line as they converted 29 charity shots in 50 opportunities.

“We came out flat,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “In the fourth quarter Cunningham came alive – had 2 points and was 4 for 8 on free throws - and Hancock did too. She was 4-for-4 on free throws plus a field goal in the last quarter.”

“Our goal is to try to make it to the playoffs,” Tabor said.

Helix: Krista Poumele 11 (2 reb, 3 stl), Shirah Hancock 10 (2 reb), Layla Cunningham 11 (2 reb, 3 stl), Dominique Jones 1 (1 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (6 reb, 1 stl), Hayley Singer 2 (1 reb, 2 stl), Fuafiva Pulu 5 (1 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 5 (3 reb, 1 stl), Dana Anderson 6 (1 reb), Chanelle Ward 2, Brittany Jones (1 reb).

WEST HILLS 51, VISTA 43 – One thing for sure is the West Hills Wolf Pack will always be a contender, no matter what league or what tournament.

The Pack (3-0) put the game away with hard-nosed defense in Monday’s (Dec. 3) North County Classic contest in Santee.

“We started off very slow offensively, but we played good defense,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “We did a better job in the second quarter but got in foul trouble. We actually played better offense in the second quarter. They were able to do some things on us.”

BAILEY ALBERS paced West Hills with 13 points and 8 rebounds, while EMILY COLE popped in 13 points and HALEY FORSBERG chipped in 10 points. She also led the Pack with 12 rebounds.

“We made some adjustments at halftime. We kind of ran away with it – we were up by 15 in the fourth quarter. I thought it was going to be a very tough game so I’m very happy with the outcome.”

West Hills: Bailey Albers 13 (8 reb), Emily Cole 13 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Haley Forsberg 10 (12 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Arielle Bowers 6 (5 reb, 3 stl, 4 ast), Kylie Cristini 5 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), J’Ana Diamond 4 (2 reb, 1 ast), Jessica Scott (6 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Katie Byrd (1 reb, 1 ast).

LA COSTA CANYON 62, GRANITE HILLS 61 – In a battle of two of the county’s Top 10 teams visiting La Costa Canyon turned what appeared to be the making of a rout in Monday’s (Dec. 3) Matador Classic game into a skate save.

The Mavericks marched to an 18-7 first quarter lead and maintained a 31-19 advantage by intermission over Granite Hills.

“They were up on us by double digits (14) at the half, said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “We made some adjustments and the girls’ effort was better in the second half. We missed some boxouts and we messed up a couple of times on our defensive assignments.”

Credit the Eagles (7-2) for scrambling back.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS hit 11 of 14 shots from the floor including a trio of threes, finishing with a career high of 36 points. She was also 11 of 17 from the free throw line.

ANNA VIETTRY turned in her usual steady performance, scoring 17 points.

“Skylar and Anna did a great job,” Parker said. “Skylar just picked it up in the second half and put the team on her shoulders. She had some incredible shots tonight. If it weren’t for Skylar’s and Anna’s performance in the second half La Costa Canyon would have run away with the game.”

As it turned out LCC came up with the game-winning shot with 11 seconds remaining.

“We followed our game plan,” Parker noted. “We wanted to attack the basket and wanted to get their post player in foul trouble. Their point guard fouled out. In general we got to the basket in the second half, which allowed us to get back into the game.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 36 (9 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Anna Viettry 17 (2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 6 (6 reb), Micayela Hernandez 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Lumb (2 reb), Valerie Renfrow (1 reb).

MONTE VISTA 50, OCEANSIDE 31 – The Monte Vista Monarchs dribbled to a 33-15 lead and never looked back in Monday’s (Dec. 3) Monte Vista Invitational encounter.

FELICIA PORTER paced the Monarchs with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and ABIGAIL VARGAS pitched in 13 points.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 16 (10 reb, 3 stl), Abigail Vargas 13 (2 reb, 2 blk, 5 stl), Jazmine Bradley 9 (4 stl, 3 ast), Monica Williams 4 (5 reb, 1 stl), Heather Bell 3 (3 reb, 1 stl), Deborah Saltzen 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Alexis Wittmann 2 (2 reb), Kayla Kulhanek (3 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Harrell (2 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl).

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
CORONADO (12-2-12) — Nobody will come right out and say it but Granite Hills may be the best girls basketball team in the San Diego Section.

Maybe that’s presumptuous, but the Eagles are 7-1 following Saturday’s (Dec. 1) claim to the Coronado Tournament championship via a 59-46 victory over Ramona.

The final totals of the Islanders’ title bout are probably misleading because the Eagles could have blown the game wide open early on.

“We were up by 20 and then I emptied the bench,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “Our pressure put them on their heels right away and we were able to substitute everybody into the game at one point or another.”

Senior ANNA VIETTRY was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player even though her overall numbers were not electric.

Senior teammate SKYLAR WILLIAMS also made the All-Tournament Team as the Eagles made a clean sweep of the peninsula.

“Both Viettry and Williams could have had a lot more points if we’d left them on the floor,” said Parker. “But most of the games we’ve played we’ve taken a sizable lead by the half and have been able to let our other girls get a lot more experience by taking our senior leaders out.”

Neither Viettry nor Williams are complaining about playing time.

“Skylar and I are the senior leaders so it’s exciting for us to win a few awards,” said Viettry. “Obviously it’s exciting for me to be named MVP of the tournament, but in this game our four freshmen got a lot of minutes and that will pay off in the long run.”

Williams paced the Eagles with 23 points, hitting 10 of 14 shots from the floor and 3 of 6 free throws.

“Basically we have a young squad,” said Williams. “But our freshmen have been getting a lot of playing time, and that’s a plus.

“As for winning awards, sure, we like to win awards. Anna and I have watched a lot of seniors on our previous teams win recognition and we were proud of them, so it’s probably our turn.”

Meanwhile, the tournament host Islanders' school is celebrating its centennial (founded 1913).

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 23 (6 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast), Anna Viettry 9 (5 reb, 2 stl, 6 ast), Micayela Hernandez 8 (3 reb, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 6 (5 reb, 2 stl), Brandi Tyler 5 (3 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Madison Lumb 5 (3 reb), Valerie Renfrow 3 (1 blk), Haleigh Tharp (2 reb, 1 blk).

STEELE CANYON 67, CRAWFORD 12 – Senior wing MONIQUE VAN is off to a blazing start, burning Crawford for 26 points in a consolation game on Saturday (Dec. 1) in the final days of the Coronado Tournament.

Van netted 10 of 17 field goals, including a pair of treys and 4 of 4 free throws. The 5-foot-8 sharpshooter also pulled down 5 rebounds, dished 4 assists and recorded 8 steals in a romp that began with the Cougars taking a 42-3 halftime lead.

ALEXIS RAMOS connected on 7 of 14 shots from the field for 14 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists and 3 blocks.

“It felt pretty good to get this win,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “The girls really wanted this game. They knew what they had to do and how to do it, and they just went out and did it.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 26 (5 reb, 4 ast, 8 stl), Alexis Ramos 14 (7 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk, 5 stl), Rachel Beasley 8 (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Jule Loibl 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Ashley Tavizon 2, (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Arlynda Filmore 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Isabella Welch 2 (5 reb, 6 stl), Victoria Etheridge (2 reb, 1 blk), Shelby Johnson 4 (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl).

MOUNT MIGUEL 50, BONITA VISTA 40 – It’s been more than a decade since it’s taken a ROBBIE SANDOVAL coached team three games to get its first two wins.

Mount Miguel pushed its record above the.500 mark Saturday (Dec. 1) by bouncing Bonita Vista in a Matador Classic engagement.

The Matadors skated to a 19-11 first quarter lead and possessed an 11-point advantage by halftime behind a balanced attack led by KAMREE HARRISON (16 points, 3 treys) and BROOKLYN MILLER (10 points and 10 rebounds).

ZARIA BRANCH pitched in with 12 points for the Matadors (2-1).

Mount Miguel: Kamree Harrison 16 (2 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl), Zaria Branch 12 (4 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller 10 (10 reb, 2 stl), Deijah Blanks 7 (6 reb, 1 ast), Dejanay Pope 5 (12 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk, 2 stl), Cierra Conwright (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl).

WEST HILLS 64, SAN YSIDRO 11 – The host Wolf Pack made it look easy against visiting San Ysidro in the second round of the North County Classic Saturday (Dec. 1), barging to a 36-6 halftime lead and never looked back.

“We got off to a good start,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “We shot well and were able to work on our zone offense. We emphasized taking care of the ball – after the 24 (turnovers) vs. Santa Fe Christian, we only had 10 tonight. We were able to work on our zone defenses and all players got good minutes tonight.”

Once again EMILY COLE paced the Pack with 19 points, which wasn’t bad for playing only 18 minutes. She hit 8 of 14 field goals, including 3 treys.

“We have a tough one Monday (Dec. 3) vs. Vista so we will have to show up ready to play against a good physical team with no practice,” Kinser said.

West Hills: Emily Cole 19 (5 reb, 2 stl), Jessica Scott 10 (10 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Haley Forsberg 10 (8 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Bailey Albers 7 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), J’Ana Diamond 6 (2 reb, 1 ast), Arielle Bowers 4 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal 3 (4 reb, 1 ast), Kylie Cristini 3 (3 ast, 2 stl), Katie Byrd 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Justine Fordyce (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Megan Scott (1 reb, 1 ast).

DEL NORTE 53, VALHALLA 26 – The rebuilding Norsemen could not generate enough offense to challenge visiting Del Norte in Saturday’s ( Dec. 1) North County Classic contest at Valhalla.

“The girls are young,” said Valhalla first year coach LOWE LEASAU. “They’re starting to learn the game. By midseason they should be OK.”

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 8 (4 stl), Mary Charles 7 (7 reb, 1 ast), Tiana Silver 6, Shyla Criger-Philipp 3 (7 reb, 1 ast), Bianca Gorges 2 (2 reb), Molly Lindsay (5 reb), Mackenzie Castro (3 reb).

LA QUINTA 59, EL CAPITAN 25 – The Vaqueros dropped their fourth straight game in the Imperial Valley Invitational on Saturday (Dec. 1) to the La Quinta Blackhawks. El Capitan (1-4) fell behind 21-2 in the first quarter and the game was virtually over.

MONTE VISTA vs. OCEANSIDE – The Monte Vista Invitational encounter between Oceanside and the host Monarchs originally slated for Saturday (Dec. 1) will be played on Monday (Dec. 3) at 6 p.m.

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RANCHO BERNARDO (12-1-12) — First-year Santana High head coach LARRY CLARK had to be elated with his team’s performance in Friday’s (Nov. 30) Matador Classic encounter as the Sultans edged traditional power Rancho Bernardo, 39-38.

Santana constructed a 30-25 lead after three quarters but couldn’t hold on.

Eight Sultans contributed to Santana’s overall scoring, led by SYDNEY BLACKBURN’s 10 tallies. No question Blackburn was the floor leader as she made a three-pointer, grabbed 5 rebounds, blocked 3 shots, recorded 5 steals and dished 3 assists.

“It was a battle,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “We didn’t score in the last four minutes. Somebody put a lid on the net for them. Being our first year, the girls kept their poise really well. It was really something.

“This game was really a battle underneath with their bigs. They have a talented player, Cassie Winningham, who scored 15 points – 7 points in the fourth quarter. KYLIE (BRASE) and ARIEL (RASSMUSSON) did a very good job of keeping it to seven instead of letting it get to 18.

“Tonight gave me a good idea of how the girls are working together after just two weeks of practice.”

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 10 (5 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk, 5 stl), Ariel Rassmusson 8 (4 reb, 1 stl), Kayti Grable 5 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kylie Brase 4 (4 reb), Taylor Estes 2 (2 reb), Bridget Fries 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Veronica Martinez (1 reb, 2 ast), Gretchen Hudson (3 reb), Madison Barry (1 reb).

UNIVERSITY CITY 42, GROSSMONT 21 – The Foothillers failed to score in the second quarter and they never recovered in Friday’s (Nov. 30) Monte Vista Invitational encounter against University City.

“We had a tough time in the first half, but the second half we did better,” said Foothillers coach JEFF BICKFORD. “We were missing two players – MEGAN REDDECLIFF with a back injury, and DANIELLE DAVIS –my 6-foot-2 post, who was on a school-sponsored function. We should have them back next week.

“We had a good scouting report on UC’s No. 33 (who scored 13 points) and their point guard No. 1 (who scored 15), but they still got their points. “We were completely overmatched inside again.”

Grossmont: Keanna Lovelace 8 (4 reb), Bria Miller 7, Carly Lopez 3 (7 reb, 2 stl), Adrianna Rios 3, Julia Naranjo (2 reb, 1 stl), Christina Valdez (2 ast), Lane Griffith (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Theresa Mapp (1 reb), Kailey Daniels (1 reb), Lauren Weigel (5 reb), Lane Griffith (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl).

MIRA MESA 40, CHRISTIAN 39 – No details were reported for this Friday (Nov. 30) Monte Vista Invitational game.

WEST HILLS at MISSION HILLS – This contest will be resdheduled due to San Diego CIF football championship game at Escondido High, in which Mission Hills lost to Eastlake 21-14.

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SAN DIEGO (11-30-12) — Continuing to prove itself as one of the premier girls basketball teams in the San Diego Section, the Granite Hills Eagles cut down host San Diego, 58-46, in the Matador Classic to run their record to 6-1.

Senior ANNA VIETTRY led the charge for the Eagles with 17 points, anchored by 6-for-10 shooting from the floor, five assists and three steals.

Despite being plagued with foul trouble senior guard SKYLAR WILLIAMS turned in 16 points and 10 steals.

“Skylar sat out with foul trouble but she really got after it defensively in terms of getting steals and pressuring the basketball,” said Eagles coach JERRY PARKER.

“Anna did a great job keeping us steady throughout when Skylar was in foul trouble.”

Granite Hills: Anna Viettry 17 (4 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Skylar Williams 16 (5 reb, 2 ast, 10 stl), Micayela Hernandez 9 (2 ast, 1 stl), Raelieah Leceur 5 (4 reb, 1 stl), Leena Alyashaa 5 (2 reb, 1 stl), Haleigh Tharp 2 (2 reb), Madison Lumb 4 (5 reb).

OTAY RANCH 65, STEELE CANYON 41 – Lack of firepower by Steele Canyon left the Cougars in the lurch during Thursday’s (Nov. 29) Monte Vista Invitational encounter.

“We started out playing as a team and the girls were focused on doing their part, but down the stretch we just lost focus,” said Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG.

Steele Canyon: Rachel Beasley 12 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Monique Van 11 (9 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Alexis Ramos 10 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Jule Loibl 7 (2 reb, 3 stl), Ashley Tavizon 1 (2 reb), Tiana Teo (2 reb, 6 stls), Arlynda Filmore (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Victoria Etheridge (1 reb).

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LAKESIDE (11-29-12) — It took El Capitan High a total of 26 games to win once a year ago, so coach EDDIE LaSALLE has to be pleased that his Vaqueros knocked off the Ocean View Christian Patriots on Wednesday (Nov. 28), 29-24, in the opening round of the Imperial Valley Invitational in front of the home crowd.

“Ocean View Christian’s player No. 21 (Sabrina Johnson) was pretty good, but KASSIDY KYGAR stuck with her the whole second half,” said LaSalle. “We just had to hold on and stop them defensively.

“HIWALANI SIERRA’s offense kept us in the game.”

El Capitan: Hiwalani Sierra 11 (6 reb, 1 blk, 4 stl), Kassidy Kygar 5 (2 reb, 5 stl), Cierra Cutler 4 (2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Katie Davidson 3 (9 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl), Tali Letoi 2 (3 reb, 2 blk).

OLYMPIAN 65, MOUNT MIGUEL 58 – Suffering an early season loss such as Mount Miguel did on Wednesday’s (Nov. 28) against the Olympians in the opening round of the Matador Classic is very rare.

KAMREE HARRISON scored a team-high 25 points and DEJANAY POPE pulled down 12 rebounds for the Matadors.

ZARIA BRANCH contributed 11 points as did DEIJAH BLANKS, while BROOKLYN MILLER was big on the boards with 10 rebounds.

“I’m just disappointed that we’re still making the same mistakes that we made last year,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “For as much basketball as we’ve played we shouldn’t still be making them.”

Mount Miguel: Kamree Harrison 25 (2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 5 (12 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Cierra Conwright 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Zaria Branch 11 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Deijah Blanks 11 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller 4 (10 reb, 1 ast).

MT. CARMEL 65, SANTANA 33 – Santana was no match against Mt. Carmel in Wednesday’s (Nov. 28) opening round of the Matador Classic.

SYDNEY BLACKBURN was the only Sultan to reach double figures as she poured 12 points.

“This was our first game and we are getting used to each other,” said Santana first year coach LARRY CLARK. “The girls are learning my system well. We rebounded very well but Mt. Carmel kept us at a pretty low shooting percentage.”

“I was really happy with the defense that GRETCHEN HUDSON played on ( Mt. Carmel ’s 6-foot Ali) Englehardt during the first and fourth quarters – she really surprised me as a sophomore,” Clark said. “And ARIEL RASMUSSON did very well on the boards.”

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 12 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Savanah Fenn (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kylie Brase 3 (5 reb), Gretchen Hudson (1 stl), Veronica Martinez (2 reb), Taylor Estes 4 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Emily Kloss 2 (5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Madison Barry 3 (1 reb), Kayti Grable 7 (3 reb), Bridgette Fries (1 reb), Ariel Rasmusson 2 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 69, GROSSMONT 22 – The Foothillers were no match for the Mustangs as they trailed 47-8 by halftime in Wednesday’s (Nov. 28) Monte Vista Invitational.

“They were so much bigger than us, we got killed on the boards,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “The score was 47-8 at the half and they scored 13 points from the free throw line. One good thing for us was nobody fouled out. Everybody on RBV scored. We took one on the chin tonight.”

“CARLY LOPEZ (who finished with 11 points) sparked us by scoring all 8 of our points in the third quarter. I told the girls we were down but this is a good team that we’re playing. RBV went to the CIF semifinals last year. All I asked of my girls is that they just don’t quit. And they didn’t.”

Grossmont: Carly Lopez 11, Keanna Lovelace 3 (1 reb), Megan Reddecliff 6 (1 reb), Bria Miller 2 (4 reb), Kailey Daniels (1 reb), Adrianna Rios (1 reb, 1 ast), Christina Valdez (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Lane Griffith (1 reb, 1 stl), Julia Naranjo (1 reb).

MISSION HILLS 46, VALHALLA 31 – The Norsemen dropped their second decision in as many outings in the challenging North County Classic on Wednesday (Nov. 28) against Mission Hills.

KANDICE KALASHO scored a team-high 10 points – four in the 4th quarter. TIANA SILVER hit a three-pointer and SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP scored a bucket in the 4th quarter as well.

“These girls are getting used to my coaching and my system,” said first-year Valhalla girls basketball coach LOWE LEASAU. Mission Hills had good shooters tonight. In the 4th quarter we started seeing opportunities for scoring.”

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 10, Shyla Criger-Philipp 6, Tiana Silver 5, Mary Charles, Mackenzie Castro 2.

EASTLAKE 64, HELIX 38 – SHIRAH HANCOCK scored 15 points but it wasn’t near enough as the Highlanders tumbled in Wednesday’s (Nov. 28) Monte Vista Invitational game against Titans.

No other Highlander scored in double figures.

Helix: Shirah Hancock 15 (2 reb), Brittany Jones 2 (1 reb), Hayley Singer 2 (5 reb), Carpenter 1 (4 reb), Fuafiva Pulu 4 (3 reb), Henderson 4 (7 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 8 (4 reb), Cunningham 2 (1 reb), Chanel Ward 2, Raeschel Dike (1 reb).

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SPRING VALLEY (11-28-12) — The faces have changed but the results haven’t. As Mount Miguel High opened the Matador Classic with Tuesday's (Nov. 27) 46-31 victory over San Diego.

The Matadors spread the statistics around equally as they took a 36-24 lead after three quarters and never looked back in the season opener for both teams.

Once again Mount Miguel was guided by a balanced attack led by ZARIA BRANCH who pumped in a game-high 19 points, hitting 7 of 9 from the floor, and KAMREE HARRISON who contributed 13 markers.

DEJANAY POPE controlled the boards for Mount Miguel with 12 rebounds against the Cavers.

“I know it looks like we have an impressive win here,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “But I was hardly pleased by our execution.”

One of the shortcomings for the Matadors was their free throw shooting as they nailed only 5 of 15 from the free throw line.

“It was hardly a perfect game for us but we’ll take the win,” Sandoval said.

San DIego graduated guard Tia Levi-Dixon, a three-time Cal-Hi Sports all-state selection.

Mount Miguel: Kamree Harrison 13 (2 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Zaria Branch 19 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 5 stl), Deijah Blanks 8 (9 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 6 stl), Cierra Conwright 2 (1 reb, 2 stl), Dejanay Pope (12 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 3 stl), Brooklyn Miller 4 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl).

WEST HILLS 56, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 40 – The Wolf Pack made it look easy, taking a commanding halftime lead over Santa Fe Christian in Tuesday’s (Nov. 27) North County Classic.

West Hills led Santa Fe Christian by 10 points at the break and pulled away in the final two quarters.

Not surprisingly the sharpshooter for West Hills was EMILY COLE, who poured in 18 points for the Pack – half of them coming on 3-pointers.

West Hills: Emily Cole 18 (7 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Bailey Albers 10 (4 reb, 1 stl), Haley Forsberg 9 (7 reb, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal 2, Jessica Scott 9 (13 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), J’ana Diamond 6 (2 reb), Kylie Cristini (2 ast, 1 stl), Katie Byrd 2 (3 reb), Megan Scott (2 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 59, OLYMPIAN 42 – Granite Hills rolled its record to 5-1 behind SKYLAR WILLIAMS’ 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals in Tuesday’s (Nov. 27) Matador Classic rout of Olympian.

ANNA VIETTRY pitched in 12 points and 6 assists, while RAELIEAH LECEUR pulled down 8 rebounds while blocking 2 shots.

“We played at our pace tonight,” said Eagles coach JERRY PARKER. “Anna did a really good job pushing the ball up the court. We did a good job rebounding, which helped us get out on our fast break.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 17 (7 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl), Anna Viettry 12 (4 reb, 6 ast, 5 stl), Madison Lumb 9 (2 reb), Leena Alyashaa 4 (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Emma Kubari 6 (3 reb, 1 ast), Micayela Hernandez 5 (2 reb, 1 stl), Raelieah Leceur 4 (8 reb, 2 blk), Haleigh Tharp 2 (3 reb).

MONTE VISTA 71, CHRISTIAN 38 – Monte Vista took a 21-7 first quarter lead and never looked back as the Monarchs blew out the Patriots in the Monte Vista Invitational on Tuesday (Nov. 27) in Spring Valley.

ALEXIS WITTMAN led the way for Monte Vista with 16 points and 5 rebounds, while MONICA WILLIAMS added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

ABIGAIL VARGAS led the Monarchs in steals with 12.

CHAYAN LOWERY had a game-high 25 points for Christian.

Monte Vista: Alexis Wittmann 16 (5 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Monica Williams 10 (6 reb), Abigail Vargas 9 (5 ast, 12 stl), Felicia Porter 9 (2 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Heather Bell 8 (3 stl), Kayla Harrell 6 (5 reb, 3 stl), Deborah Saltzen 5 (2 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 5 (4 stl, 9 reb), Emma Pitoua 3.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 25, Jillian Sexton 7, Anaya Tobiason 3, Taylor Miller 3. (No stats available.)

STEELE CANYON 53, EL CAMINO 38 – Any time Steele Canyon girls basketball has success, MONIQUE VAN is usually at the forefront, as she was in Tuesday’s (Nov. 27) Monte Vista Invitational victory over host El Camino.

Van popped in 19 points, while RACHEL BEASLEY contributed 16 markers and ALEXIS RAMOS pulled down a game-high 17 boards.

“We came out with good intensity and it turned into points,” said first year Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG. “In the 4th quarter we maintained our intensity. We’ve started working together as a team.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 19 (8 reb, 9 ast, 1 blk, 7 stl), Rachel Beasley 16 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Tiana Teo 9 (8 reb, 6 stl), Alexis Ramos 4 (17 reb, 4 blk, 5 stl), Jule Loibl 3 (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Arlynda Filmore 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson (1 reb).

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SAN DIEGO (11-27-12) — Our Lady of Peace turned down the tempo from its first meeting against Granite Hills and thus the Pilots were able to upend the Eagles, 35-23, in Monday’s (Nov. 26) opening round of the Matadors Classic.

“We played at OLP’s pace instead of at our pace,” said Granite Hills JERRY PARKER. “We got off 30 shots in a 32-minute game. That’s not the tempo we play at. But we have to be able to adjust. We did a better job on their No. 44 tonight. The last time we played them she torched us for 22 points. KAYLLA (HAWKINS) and MADISON (LUMB) did a good job and held her to 10 points tonight.”

Over the weekend, Granite Hills (4-1) clipped OLP, 51-47, to open the season with four straight wins.

“I was pretty happy for the most part, but we need to spread the floor. We never got in a groove. Our energy was up and down all night. We only had four girls score.”

Granite Hills: Anna Viettry 10, Skylar Williams 8, Emma Kubari 1, Raelleah Leceur 1. (No stats available.)

LA JOLLA 44, STEELE CANYON 33 – Senior MONIQUE VAN scored 20 points and nabbed 7 steals in Monday’s (Nov. 26) Monte Vista Invitational contest but it wasn’t enough to derail the host Vikings.

“We started out very strong and had a very high intensity although we had only seven players,” said Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG. “We have one player out with a sprained ankle, one with a broken hand and one with the flu. ( La Jolla ) just kept substituting, bringing in fresh legs.”

Van nailed 7 of 12 shots from the field, including one three-pointer. ALEX RAMOS was a force inside with 11 rebounds and 4 blocks for Steele Canyon (0-5).

None the less, Young said the Cougars “have improved 180 percent over our first game.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 20 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 7 stl), Rachel Beasley 7 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl), Tiana Teo 3 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Alexis Ramos 3 (11 reb, 4 blk, 1 stl), Jule Loibl (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Arlynda Filmore (1 reb, 1 stl), Ashley Tavizon (1 stl).

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (11-25-12) — Second-year Grossmont High head coach JEFF BICKFORD spent the whole offseason attempting to build character and polish skills in his Foothillers girls basketball team.

So far it has paid off in round one of the Monte Vista Invitational as the Hillers squeezed past Morse, 40-38, on Saturday (Nov. 24).

“We played 30 games this summer,” Bickford recalled. “We wanted to be ready for the season. Obviously we still have a long ways to go but at least we have a start.”

That and a bunch of new faces. MEGAN REDDELIFF rolled a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Foothillers in the come-from-behind victory.

“It was really a unique game,” Bickford said. “BRIA MILLER injured a knee early and sat out most of the game. I put her back in the game in the 4th quarter where she scored all 5 of her points.”

It was in that period that Grossmont broke a 26-all tie.

Bickford also credited JULIE NARANJO for a clutch 3-pointer in the final period.

“She was the 11th player on our team last year and I think she’s going to contribute a lot more this year,” Bickford noted.

Grossmont: Megan Reddeliff 11 (12 reb), Keana Lovelace 8 (2 reb, 3 stl), Julia Naranjo 7 (3 reb, 2 stl), Bria Miller 5 (5 reb, 3 stl), Danielle Davis 4 (7 reb, 1 stl), Lauren Weigel 5, Christina Valdez (7 stl, 1 reb).

MONTE VISTA 37, MIRA MESA 34 – According to head coach MICHAEL SKIBBE, it was certainly not a thing of beauty, but the veteran Monarchs mentor will accept Saturday’s (Nov. 24) victory over Mira Mesa in the Monte Vista Invitational opener.

FELICIA PORTER, a 6-foot senior, paved the way for the Monarchs victory with 8 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals. While MONICA WILLIAMS chipped in 6 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals.

Monte Vista made this a close game by its poor free throw shooting (9 for 35).

“It was ugly,” Skibbe mused. “It was really pitiful, but we’ll take it.”

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 8 (14 reb, 4 stl), Abigail Vargas 5 (1 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Emma Pitoua 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Heather Bell 3 (1 blk, 1 stl), Alexis Whittman 5 (2 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Harrell 7 (5 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl), Monica Williams 6 (11 reb, 2 blk, 3 stl).

OCEANSIDE 49, CHRISTIAN 26 – CHAYAN LOWERY executed a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Christian opened the season Saturday (Nov. 24) night against Oceanside in the Monte Vista Invitational.

“We shot the ball. All my girls just finished volleyball and they were really out of shape,” said Patriots coach THOMAS LOWERY. It looked like we were really going to do some things in the 2nd half. We pulled within 5 points then had three turnovers that turned into buckets. But overall I’m encouraged. We’ll get better.”

Chrstian: Chayan Lowery 10 (13 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), Jillian Sexton 6 (5 reb, 3 blk), Hayley Cruz 5 (5 reb), Anaya Tobias 3 (7 reb), Taylor Miller 2 (8 reb), Melina Jones (4 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 61, HILLTOP 25 – Visiting Granite Hills unleashed a long-range scoring attack with eight 3-pointers in the first of two games in Saturday’s (Nov. 24) action of the Coronado Tournament.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS buried a trio of treys on her way to a 20-point finish that included 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

ANNA VIETTRY also nailed three shots from above the arc as she finished with 14 points and 5 assists.

Not to be forgotten was newcomer MICATELA HERNANDEZ, who dropped in a pair of treys and totaled 14 points for the game.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 20 (6 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Anna Viettry 14 (2 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Micayela Hernandez 14 (1 ast, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 3 (3 ast, 1 stl), Brandi Tyler 2 (1 reb), Leena Alyashaa 2 (2 reb), Haleigh Tharp 2 (2 reb), Madison Lumb 4 (1 reb, 1 stl).

GRANITE HILLS 51, OUR LADY OF PEACE 47 – For the first time in four games the undefeated Granite Hills Eagles actually were challenged by the OLP Pilots. Foul troubles kept ANNA VIETTRY on the bench a lot more than Eagles coach JERRY PARKER had planned.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS picked up the slack with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while MICATELA HERNANDEZ nailed 3 treys and finished with 13 points.

Despite her foul woes, Viettry finished with 12 points and 3 assists.

Granite Hills has earned a berth in the Coronado Tournament finals on Saturday (Dec. 1) against Ramona in Coronado.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 18 (10 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Micayela Hernandez 13 (1 reb, 1 stl), Anna Viettry 12 (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Raelleah Leceur 6 (3 reb), Madison Lumb (6 reb), Leena Alyashaa 2 (2 reb).

SAN DIEGUITO ACADEMY 50, STEELE CANYON 21 – No statistics reported.
HOOVER 1, STEELE CANYON 0 (forfeit)

Late Coronado Tournament games (11-23-12)
GRANITE HILLS 74, FRANCIS PARKER 5; GRANITE HILLS 94, CRAWFORD 8 – Granite Hills opened the season with back-to-back blowouts over Francis Parker 74-5 and Crawford 94-8 in late games of Friday’s (Nov. 23) first day of the Coronado Tournament on the peninsula.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS paced the Eagles with 44 points, 19 rebounds and 15 steals in the two games. MICATELA HERNANDEZ scored 34 points, including 5 three-pointers in the sweep.

GH vs. Francis Parker: Skylar Williams 20 (7 reb, 2 ast, 8 stl, 2 blk), Micayela Hernandez 15 (2 reb, 2 stl), Raelleah Leceur 9 (6 reb, 5 stl), Madison Lumb 8 (6 reb), Emma Kubari 6 (1 reb, 1 stl), Brandi Tyler 5 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Anna Viettry 5 (1 reb, 6 ast, 8 stl), Leena Alyashaa 4 (3 reb), Kayla Hawkins 2 (2 reb).

GH vs. Crawford: Skylar Williams 24 (12 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Micayela Hernandez 19 (2 reb, 3 stl), Raelleah Lecur 14 (5 reb, 2 stl), Anna Viettry 14 (2 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Madison Lumb 9 (7 reb), Kayla Hawkins 5 (1 reb), Brandi Tyler 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), Emma Kubari 4 (4 reb, 2 stl), Leena Alyashaa 1 (3 reb).

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CORONADO (11-24-12) — The annual Coronado High girls basketball tournament opened for the Steele Canyon Cougars with dual losses. The early game was a loss to Ramona (no details available), and the evening game saw the Cougars fall to host Islanders, 40-35.

In the Coronado game, the Islanders prevailed through the first three quarters but the Cougars came to life in the fourth.

First-year coach TERRY YOUNG recalled the highlight of the game was the final quarter when the Cougars, “came out as team with good intensity and defense, which creates turnovers, which creates points.”

High point leader was ISABELLA WELCH who accounted for 11 points on four buckets and 3-for-4 free throw shooting.

Following close behind her was a freshman, JEWEL L., who contributed 5 buckets for 10 points.

Steele Canyon vs. Coronado: Isabella Welch 11, Jewel L. 10, Alexis Ramos 8, Rachel Beasley 3, Tiana Teo 3.

West Hills High senior Emily Cole signs her National Letter of Intent to Cal State Northridge during ceremonies at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. (Courtesy photo)

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SAN MARCOS (6-8-12) — Granite Hills High shooting guard JESSICA HARRIS, who led the East County with in 3-point shooting with 75 this past year, has accepted a scholarship to attend Cal State San Marcos, an NAIA program which captured its conference tournament and advanced to the NAA national championship in its debut campaign this past school year.

Harris earned a second team berth on the All-San Diego Section team, as selected by a media panel via the San Diego Hall of Champions, and was an All-East County first team honoree after being named co-player of the year by Grossmont Hills League coaches.

After finishing second among GHL scorers with a 16.5 average, Harris capped her high school career by being named the MVP of the San Diego County Senior All-Star Game.

“Jessica epitomizes the type of student-athletes we want in our program," said Cougars head coach Sheri Jennum, who once captained Cal Poly Pomona to an NCAA Division II national championship. "She is great combo guard, a tenacious defender and a versatile offensive threat. More importantly, she is an excellent student. We are delighted she has accepted our offer to join our program and become a member of our Cougar family."