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EL CAJON (1-31-13) — Grossmont High came close to completing an upset of Steele Canyon in Wednesday’s (Jan. 30) Grossmont Hills League game.

With a minute remaining Grossmont led 30-29. Steele Canyon’s MONIQUE VAN passed it to ALEXIS RAMOS, who made a bucket to move the Cougars into a 1-point lead.

However, the Cougars fouled the Foothillers but both free throws missed the mark. Van was fouled and made one of two at the line to give the Cougars the 32-30 victory.

RACHEL BEASLEY led Steele Canyon with 11 points and Van, who was nursing a sore ankle, popped in 10.

“There were a lot of turnovers and tie balls,” Van said, “it seemed like every 15 seconds. It was really a slow game.”

“Today we didn’t seem to have any defensive or offensive scheme executed,” said Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG. “Everybody just seemed to forget everything at once.”

MEGAN REDDECLIFF grabbed 14 boards for Grossmont and point guard CHRISTINA VALDEZ had a career high 17 rebounds for the Foothillers. BRIA MILLER had a team high 12 points with 8 of them in 4th quarter.

“The girls played their hearts out tonight,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “It was a great team effort offensively in the 2nd half after being held scoreless last game in second half vs. Santana. We scored 17 points in the 4th quarter and had the ball for final possession.”

“The girls played outstanding defense,” Bickford added, “especially holding Monique Van to 10 points. Christian and THERESA (MAPP) made her work hard all night.”

Once again Grossmont point DANIELLE DAVIS was missing from the lineup with a sprained ankle.

Steele Canyon: Rachel Beasley 11 (4 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Monique Van 10 (4 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Alexis Ramos 7 (4 reb, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 2 (4 reb, 2 stl), Isabella Welch 2 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Tiana Teo (1 reb, 1 ast), Sydney Williams (1 reb), Sabrina Stocker (1 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 12, Megan Reddecliff 5 (14 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Keanna Lovelace 5 (3 reb), Carly Lopez 4 (8 reb), Lauren Weigel 2 (1 reb), Christina Valdez 1 (17 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Theresa Mapp 1, Julia Naranjo (1 reb, 1 ast).

SANTANA 62, EL CAJON VALLEY 42 – The Santana Sultans jumped out to a 19-12 lead in the first quarter of Wednesday’s (Jan. 30) Grossmont Valley League game, but the Braves played them even in the second quarter with 10 apiece.

Santana maintained an 47-35 advantage after the third quarter and held on for the win.

SYDNEY BLACKBURN led the Sultans with 21 points, while GRETCHEN HUDSON added 10 and TAYLOR ESTES contributed 9.

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 21, Gretchen Hudson 10, Taylor Estes 9, Madison Barry 4, Savanah Fenn 4, Kyle Brase 4, Emily Kloss 4, Kayti Grable 4, Ariel Rasmusson 2.

El Cajon Valley: No statistics provided.

WEST HILLS 56, HELIX 24 – West Hills jumped out to a 17-5 lead over the Highlanders in the first quarter and maintained their advantage the rest of the way in Wednesday’s (Jan. 30) Grossmont Hills League encounter at Helix.

HALEY FORSBERG and ARIELLE BOWERS shared the Wolf Pack’s scoring highs with 12 points apiece.

“We played defense all night and never gave up double digits in any quarter,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We moved the ball well against their zone and committed very few turnovers. Everyone got time and all the girls played well.”

SHIRAH HANCOCK paced the Highlanders with 10 points.

“We stunk the game up really bad,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “I hope we become better ballplayers and learned a lesson on how to be coachable. I hope that came out of tonight’s game.”

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 12 (8 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Arielle Bowers 12 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Emily Cole 8 (2 reb, 3 ast), J’ana Diamond 8 (4 reb), Jessica Scott 7 (8 reb, 2 stl), Bailey Albers 6 (4 reb, 2 stl), Justine Fordyce 2 (2 reb), Brandi McCrystal 1 (5 reb), Katie Byrd (3 reb, 1 stl), Megan Scott (2 stl).

Helix: Shirah Hancock 10 (3 reb, 1 stl), Layla Cunningham 5 (2 ast, 1 blk), Krista Poumele 2, Isabella Lemusu 2 (3 reb), Dana Anderson 2 (3 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 2, Chanelle Ward 1 (7 reb), Hayley Singer (3 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 66, VALHALLA 20 – The Valhalla Norsemen were no match for the No. 1 ranked Eagles in Wednesday’s (Jan. 30) Grossmont Hills League game.

Granite Hills led 36-13 at halftime and 50-17 at end of the third quarter.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS led all scorers with 21 points for the Eagles, ANNA VIETTRY pitched in 17 and DEJANAE HARVEY finished with 13.

The Norsemen were held to single digits in the scoring column, although SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP had a game-high 12 rebounds for Valhalla .

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 21 (9 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Anna Viettry 17 (1 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Dejanae Harvey 13 (4 reb, 1 blk, 9 stl), Leena Alyashaa 6 (1 reb, 1 ast), Valerie Renfrow 3 (1 reb), Raelleah Leceur 2 (6 reb, 2 stl), Madison Lumb 2 (2 reb), Micayela Hernandez 2 (1 reb), Emma Kubari (2 reb, 1 stl), Mariah Vanlandingham (4 reb), Kaylla Hawkins (3 reb).

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 6 (3 reb), Kandice Kalasho 4, Bianca Gorges 4 (3 reb), Shyla Criger-Philipp 3 (12 reb), Mary Charles 3, Molly Lindsay (4 reb).

MONTE VISTA 54, EL CAPITAN 22 – The visiting Monte Vista Monarchs strong-armed the overmatched Vaqueros in Wednesday’s (Jan. 30) Grossmont Valley League encounter leading 29-6 by halftime.

Nobody reached double scoring figures for the Vaqueros, although they had the satisfaction of outscoring the Monarchs in the fourth quarter.

Monte Vista : No scoring or stats reported.

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 6, Cierra Cutler 6, Kim Galvan 5, Rebecca Leonard 2, Kira Lopez 2, Taylor Begin 1.

The battle for the rebound during the Battle on Madison Avenue. (Photo by Jonathan Fudge)

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EL CAJON (1-29-13) — Nobody will ever know for sure whether Granite Hills High was hoping to reach the 100-point mark in Monday’s (Jan. 28) Grossmont Conference Tournament game against El Cajon Valley.

No question, the Eagles could have done so as they led 56-19 at halftime and 84-21 after three periods.

Obviously Eagles coach JERRY PARKER will say he wasn’t trying to reach the century mark, although five of his players scored nine points or more.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS set the pace with 26 points in the 97-24 blowout. DEAJANAE HARVEY hit 7 of 10 shots from the field and 3 of 4 free throws for 17 points to go along with 6 steals for the No. 1 ranked (UT San Diego rankings) Eagles (19-4).

RAELLEAH LECEUR and EMMA KUBARI punched in 10 points apiece, and ANNA VIETTRY dished out 14 assists for Granite Hills.

Granite Hills guard Skylar Willams (24) (Photo by Jonathan Fudge)

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

HELIX 46, EL CAPITAN 25 – The Helix Highlanders received an inside out performance in knocking off host El Capitan in Monday’s (Jan. 28) Grossmont Conference Tournament encounter.

Senior KRISTA POUMELE (13 points) and sophomore DANA ANDERSON (11) combined for 24 points, while senior HAYLEY SINGER controlled the boards with 12 rebounds and 8 blocks.

“Hayley is consistent on the boards,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “Everybody chipped in. We didn’t have a really good game but we won and we’ll take it.”

Nobody reached double figures for El Capitan .

“We might have beaten them if we could have hit wide open shots around the baskets,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON.

Helix: Krista Poumele 13 (1 reb), Dana Anderson 11 (5 reb), Chanelle Ward 6 (9 reb, 1 ast), Layla Cunningham 5 (3 reb, 8 ast, 3 blk), Hayley Singer 5 (12 reb, 8 blk), Shirah Hancock 2 (2 reb, 1 ast), Raeshondra Dike’ 2, Fuafiva Pulu (4 reb), Emani Carpenter 2 (2 reb), Dominique Jones (1 reb).

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 8, Cierra Cutler 6, Valera Garay 5, Katie Davidson 2, Kira Lopez 2, Hiwalani Sierra 2.

SANTANA 48, GROSSMONT 15 – Santana held Grossmont scoreless in the second half to turn Monday’s (Jan. 28) Grossmont Conference Tournament game into a rout.

Santana’s SYDNEY BLACKBURN led all scorers with 13 points.

“For the first half it was still a relatively close game,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK, referring to the fact that the Sultans led only 23-15 by the break.

Grossmont’s 6-foot-2 senior post DANIELLE DAVIS was missing from action, having gone down with an ankle sprain in a game against Eastlake on Saturday (Jan. 26).

The Foothillers have played without Davis for many games and it’s definitely affected their performance.

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 13 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Gretchen Hudson 6 (5 reb), Madison Barry 6 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Ariel Rasmusson 6 (6 reb, 1 stl), Savanah Fenn 4 (2 reb), Taylor Estes 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Kylie Brase 3 (9 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Emily Kloss 3 (2 stl, 1 blk), Kayti Grable 3 (9 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Veronica Martinez (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Bridgette Fries (1 reb).

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

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SPRING VALLEY (1-27-13) — West Hills set a San Diego CIF record by playing its third straight overtime game on Saturday (Jan. 26) when it edged Mount Miguel 52-50 in a non-league encounter.

Twenty-four hours earlier the Pack dropped a 59-54 overtime decision to Granite Hills, and on Monday (Jan. 21) West Hills knocked off San Marcos 64-56 in the MLK Showcase at Horizon. The Wolf Pack played an extra session in that one as well.

In what had been a seesaw battle between No. 5 ranked West Hills and No. 10 ranked Mount Miguel , neither team led by more than 9 points.

The game was decided in the final 18 seconds of overtime when HALEY FORSBERG hit a 10-foot turnaround jumper on a pass from JESSICA SCOTT, giving West Hills the victory.

“I got behind them and Jessica made a perfect pass to me in the corner,” said Forsberg. “I drove to the key and shot over their defender (DEIJAH BLANKS), who had a hand in my face. I knew time was running out but I didn’t know how much time was left. I just wanted to make sure I made it. It wasn’t a set play, it was a fast break.”

The Wolf Pack (16-5) held a 30-21 advantage with 6:47 left in the 3rd quarter.

Led by the blazing shooting of junior guard Blanks, Mount Miguel eventually tied the count at 38-all. Blanks gave the Matadors a 40-38 lead with another bucket, but after that Forsberg scored 5 straight points to put the Pack back on top 43-40.

But Blanks countered again with back-to-back buckets to give Mount Miguel a 44-43 lead with 52 seconds remaining in regulation.

Scott sank 1 of 2 free throw shots to tie the game again at 44-all, and Mount Miguel missed a last second shot to send the game into overtime.

Forsberg scored 4 of her game-high 21 points in overtime, while BAILEY ALBERS and EMILY COLE hit 2 free throws apiece.

“You know, we knew they’d be up in our face but we managed to keep our composure,” said Forsberg. “Any way you look at it, Granite Hills, Mount Miguel and West Hills are evenly matched.”

“Considering we were coming off a tough loss like we had the night before at Granite Hills, I was proud of the way our girls came out and played tough again,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We did a great job of executing our game plan. We played well in spurts but kept letting them come back. We’ve got to correct that, maintain our advantage.”

Blanks paced the Matadors with 20 points and ZARIA BRANCH added 19, while DEJANAY POPE grabbed 12 rebounds.

“Our youth and lack of experience showed up at times,” noted Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “Every time we made a big play we let them make at least one or two. We’ve got to correct that before we get to the playoffs.”

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 21 (9 reb, 1 blk), Emily Cole 13 (11 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Bailey Albers 8 (1 blk), Jessica Scott 6 (6 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), J’ana Diamond 4 (5 reb), Arielle Bowers (4 reb, 2 stl), Katie Byrd (2 reb).

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 20 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 19 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller 5 (3 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Kamree Harrison 3 (2 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl), Breahna Jones 3 (1 reb), Dejanay Pope (12 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl).

EASTLAKE 57, GROSSMONT 16 – The visiting Foothillers (2-14) were outscored across the board by No. 16 ranked Eastlake (14-7) in Saturday’s (Jan. 26) non-league game in South Bay .

Grossmont’s cause was further dampened when senior DANIELLE DAVIS was injured and played less than a quarter.

Point guard CARLY LOPEZ was ill and missed the game entirely.

“Obviously the loss of those two really hurt us,” said Foothillers coach JEFF BICKFORD.

“We shot 5 of 33 on field goals, 6 of 13 on free throws and 0 for 7 on threes,” said Bickford. “You’re not going to win with those kind of statistics.

“It’s been a rough year for us,” he added. “And now we have to come out ready to play an improved Santana team on Monday (Jan. 28).

Grossmont: Danielle Davis 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), Lauren Weigel 3 (3 reb, 2 stl), Julia Naranjo 3 (2 reb, 1 stl), Christina Valdez 2 (1 reb, 2 stl), Keanna Lovelace 2 (4 reb), Bria Miller 2 (3 reb), Megan Reddecliff (4 reb, 1 stl), Lane Griffith (2 reb, 2 stl), Theresa Mapp (2 reb, 1 stl).

The battle for the rebound in Friday night's Valhalla-Grossmont ballgame. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Despite playing short-handed, the Highlanders managed to stave off the Cougars and come away with a 48-44 victory.

Helix (12-5, 2-2 GHL) took a 19-11 first quarter lead and held on for the win that leaves them in third place in the league.

CHANELLE WARD and LAYLA CUNNINGHAM pitched in 10 points apiece for Helix. The Highlanders were dominant on the boards with Ward grabbing 17 rebounds, Cunningham 11, HAYLEY SINGER 13 and KRISTA POUMELE 12.

“Freshman RAESHONDRA DIKE’ had a nice game,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “She started tonight. She was playing in front of her club coach ( Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG) and she put on a nice game in front of him. She played tough.”

“We pulled it out in the end,” said Tabor. “With 2 minutes left in the game I told the girls to figure it out. So Hayley and Chanelle put the team into a group and figured it out and won by 4. I’m proud of them. It’s a treat to get Hayley inspired.”

Helix played without floor leader SHIRAH HANCOCK, who was ill with the flu.

Helix: Chanelle Ward 10 (17 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Layla Cunningham 10 (11 reb, 10 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Krista Poumele 8 (12 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Hayley Singer 8 (13 reb, 3 stl, 5 blk), Fuafiva Pulu 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Lisabella Lemusu 1 (1 reb), Dana Anderson (2 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 21 (5 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Alexis Ramos 8 (9 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Tiana Teo 8 (3 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast), Rachel Beasley 7 (3 reb, 2 ast), Isabella Welch 2 (4 reb), Jule Loibl (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Sydney Williams (1 reb), Sabrina Stocker (1 reb).

Valhalla's Shyla Criger-Philipp (41); Grossmont's Danielle Davis (32).

Santana guard Sydney Blackburn (10); Monte Vista forward Heather Bell (11). (Photo by Steve Brase)

BRIA MILLER led Grossmont with 10 points and DANIELLE DAVIS hauled down 11 rebounds.

“We had plenty of opportunities to win this game tonight,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “We missed a lot of shots under the basket and struggled at the line (6-for-14).”

Grossmont: Bria Miller 10 (6 reb, 2 stl), Lauren Weigel 8 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Danielle Davis 5 (11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Christina Valdez 2 (4 reb, 1 ast), Carly Lopez 2 (1 reb, 3 ast), Keanna Lovelace (1 reb).

Valhalla: No stats reported.

MONTE VISTA 67, SANTANA 60 – FELICIA PORTER scored 20 points and recorded 3 steals to guide the Monarchs to Friday’s (Jan. 25) Grossmont Valley League victory over host Santana.

ABIGAIL VARGAS pitched in 12 points and HEATHER BELL contributed 11 for the Monarchs, while KAYLA HULHANEK crashed the boards for 10 rebounds.

SYDNEY BLACKBURN poured in 20 points for Santana, while KAYTI GRABLE chipped in with 12 and ARIEL RASMUSSON added 10 points for the Sultans.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 20 (11 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast), Abigail Vargas 12 (2 reb, 4 stl, 6 ast), Heather Bell 11 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl), Alexis Wittmann 8 (1 reb), Jazmine Bradley 6 (2 reb, 7 ast, 6 stl, 1 blk), Monica Williams 4 (6 reb), Kayla Kulhanek 2 (10 reb, 2 stl), Kayla Harrell 2 (8 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast).

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 20, Kayti Grable 12, Ariel Rasmusson 10, Kylie Brase 6, Emily Kloss 4, Taylor Estes 3, Savanah Fenn 3, Gretchen Hudson 2.

MOUNT MIGUEL 84, EL CAJON VALLEY 19 – Mount Miguel took a 30-0 first quarter lead in Friday’s (Jan. 25) Grossmont Valley League game at El Cajon Valley to extend its league lead to 4-0 (12-8 overall).

Five Matadors reached double scoring digits, including DEIJAH BLANKS and BROOKLYN MILLER with 17 points apiece. ROZLYN PIERCE chipped in with 15 points and DEJANAY POPE and ZARIA BRANCH pitched in 10 apiece.

The Matadors are now 113-1 against league competition under the tutelage of coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

Mount Miguel will face a major challenge on Saturday (Jan. 26) when West Hills comes calling for a 6 p.m. game.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 17 (7 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Brooklyn Miller 17 (7 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk, 5 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 15 (9 reb, 1 stl, 3 blk), Dejanay Pope 10 (5 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl), Zaria Branch 10 (2 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Kamree Harrison 8 (1 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl), Breahna Jones 7 (2 reb, 3 stl), Cierra Conwright (2 reb, 1 ast).

El Cajon Valley: No report.

© East County Sports.com
CLAIREMONT (1-22-13) — There is plenty of argument as to how high West Hills High should be ranked, but none of that seems to concern head coach RYAN KINSER.

The Wolf Pack has been ranked as high as No. 1 or No. 2 in many polls, but their coach doesn’t endorse those ratings. In fact he ignores them.

The Pack pulled out a 64-56 overtime victory over San Marcos in Monday’s (Jan. 21) MLK Showcase contest at Horizon.

This was a seesaw battle between ranked teams.

“We played very poor defense early, allowed them to get in the middle of the lane which broke down our defense,” said Kinser. “We played great defense in the 3rd, only giving up 8 which got us the lead. We never lost that lead until San Marcos made a tying 3 with 4 seconds left.”

But the Wolf Pack outscored the Knights 13-5 in the 4 minute extra period to claim the victory.

EMILY COLE scored 7 of her 25 points in overtime to land the win for West Hills, but this was no solo act for the Pack.

“ARIELLE BOWERS, Emily and JESSICA SCOTT played well tonight,” said Kinser. “Arielle had to guard their best player and never came out of game for the entire 36 minutes.”

Scott had 12 points and grabbed a team high 16 rebounds, while HALEY FORSBERG yanked down 14 caroms as West Hills dominated the glass with 55 rebounds.

“KATIE BRYD played a key role in the win,” Kinser said. “BAILEY ALBERS went down with an ankle sprain early in the first quarter and Katie played the remainder of the game.

“I was very proud of the way the girls overcame some adversity (Haley Forsberg fouling out and Albers’ injury) and doing whatever it took to win.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 25 (7 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 12 (16 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Arielle Bowers 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Haley Forsberg 7 (14 reb, 3 stl, 5 blk), J’ana Diamond 7 (7 reb), Katie Byrd 2 (7 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Bailey Albers 3 (2 reb, 1 stl).

HELIX 61, LINCOLN 49 – The Highlanders outscored Lincoln over the first three quarters, 45-35, in Monday’s (Jan. 21) MLK Showcase at Horizon.

SHIRAH HANCOCK scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to pace the Highlanders.

LAYLA CUNNINGHAM added 10 points and 8 assists as Helix improved to 11-5, while KRISTA POUMELE scored 10 markers for the Highlanders.

“The girls did OK tonight, played solid,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “We’re just a work in progress.”

The Helix lineup was missing its tallest player in 6-foot-3 HAYLEY SINGER.

“Hayley Singer didn’t play tonight as she fractured her right wrist against Granite Hills (Friday, Jan. 18),” Tabor reported. “It’s really sad because she was really starting to turn it up. She had two games with double-doubles.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 19 (15 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Krista Poumele 10 (3 reb), Layla Cunningham 10 (1 reb, 8 ast), Chanelle Ward 6 (7 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 6 (2 reb), Emani Carpenter 6 (7 reb), Dana Anderson 4 (5 reb).

VISTA MURRIETA 64, GRANITE HILLS 56 – Things were looking good for the upset-minded Granite Hills Eagles in Monday’s (Jan. 21) MLK Showcase at Horizon until ANNA VIETTRY fouled out with 3 minutes to play. It was a one point game at the time.

Viettry checked out with 20 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

After that the Eagles lost their flight pattern, allowing Vista Murrieta (16-5) to gradually pull away.

Despite 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals by SKYLAR WILLIAMS, the Eagles could not generate enough offense to keep up with the Broncos in the absence of Viettry.

Granite Hills: Anna Viettry 20 (3 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), Skylar Williams 16 (6 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Madison Lumb 6 (3 reb, 1 blk), Raelleah Leceur 5 (4 reb, 1 blk), Mariah Vanlandingham 4 (3 reb), Emma Kubari 2 (1 reb), Kaylla Hawkins 2, Micayela Hernandez 1, Deajanae Harvey (4 reb, 1 blk).

Las Vegas-BISHOP GORMAN 54, MOUNT MIGUEL 41 – The visiting Mount Miguel Matadors concluded their trek through the southern Nevada portion of the Mojave Desert with a second setback in as many starts on Monday (Jan. 21).

But unlike the first game when the Matadors (11-8) lost by 41 points, they provided a bigger challenge for host Bishop Gorman in the non-league game.

ZARIA BRANCH scored 17 points and DEIJAH BLANKS added 14, while DEJANAY POPE pilfered 7 passes for Mount Miguel in the losing effort.

“Yeah, we played a lot better than we have recently,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “Probably our biggest problem is learning how to close out a quarter better than we’ve done.

“Both in the 2nd and 3rd quarter Bishop Gorman hit the last two baskets. We can’t let that keep happening.”

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 17 (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Deijah Blanks 14 (3 reb, 2 ast), Kamree Harrison 5 (1 reb, 2 ast), Dejanay Pope 3 (5 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Brooklyn Miller 2 (1 reb), Breahna Jones (5 reb, 1 ast).

© East County Sports.com
SAN YSIDRO (1-20-13) — Junior SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP produced her finest game at Valhalla with a career best double-double of 24 points and 19 rebounds, leading the visiting Norsemen to a 53-36 non-league victory Saturday (Jan. 19) at San Ysidro.

The Norsemen (7-11) took a 17-6 first-quarter lead and extended the advantage to 29-13 by halftime.

MARY CHARLES scored 16 points and dished 6 assists for Valhalla, while TIANA SILVER also had 6 assists to go along with 4 steals. JESSICA MAY added 6 rebounds.

According to Norsemen coach LOWE LEASAU, Valhalla had to forfeit a game to Brawley on Dec. 29.

Valhalla: Shyla Criger-Philipp 24 (19 reb), Mary Charles 16 (6 ast), Molly Lindsay 4 (3 stl), Mackenzie Castro 4 (3 stl), Tiana Silver 2 (6 ast, 4 stl), Jessica May 2 (6 reb), Sarah Frederico 1.

Las Vegas-CENTENNIAL 71, MOUNT MIGUEL 30 – Foul problems have plagued Mount Miguel over the last 24 hours. Fortunately the Matadors came away with a split.

The Matadors have surrendered 75 free throw attempts to the opposition, which included 25 of 40 by Centennial, the No. 1 ranked team in Nevada. In a game the night previous against Monte Vista, the Monarchs were 16 of 35 from the free throw line.

“It’s not like it was home cooking by the officials, but Centennial is a better team than we are,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

During the last two games the Matadors have made 18 of 22 free throws (82 percent). Obviously the Matadors are falling short on the numbers game.

Only two Mount Miguel players scored against Centennial. DEIJAH BLANKS scored 17 and had 8 assists, while ZARIA BRANCH pitched in 13 points.

Mount Miguel will face Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas at 11:30 on Monday (Jan. 20).

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 17 (8 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Zaria Branch 13 (5 reb, 2 blk), Dejanay Pope (3 reb, 1 stl), Rozlyn Pierce (7 reb, 1 stl), Cierra Conwright (2 reb), Kamree Harrison (1 reb).

Monarchs give Matadors a scare in GVL showdown for first place By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com SPRING VALLEY (1-19-13) — During Mount Miguel High ’s incredible run, which extended to a mark of 111-1 in league play since the 2000-01 season, only a handful of times has head coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL's troops trailed at halftime. On Friday (Jan. 18), the visiting Monarchs were one of the few to hold such an advantage, utilizing superior speed and timely shooting while forcing the Matadors to commit 18 first-half fouls. And when Monte Vista center FELICIA PORTER scored on a putback moments into the second half, Sandoval needed to call a timeout, trailing 26-22 and an upset brewing. However, Mount Miguel's 13-year streak continued when the defense turned it up a notch. They allowed just two field goals over the balance of the contest, closing the third period on a 10-0 run to grab the lead for keeps to claim another Grossmont Valley League victory, 40-34. Junior center DEIJAH BLANKS registered eight of her team-high 14 points in the second half, starting with a pair of foul shots to grab a 28-26 lead, then a short jumper when guard ZARIA BRANCH's pass found her wide open just below the high post. Porter registered 13 of her game-best 16 points in the first half, going 7-of-8 from the foul line while Mount Miguel was tagged with severe foul trouble, as three players recorded three fouls and four others had two before the intermission. The Matadors finally pulled away in the fourth period, as Blanks hit another midrange jumper, then stole the ball for a breakaway layin. Moments later, DEJANAY POPE took feeds from BREAHNA JONES and BROOKLYN MILLER for consecutive jumpers to push the lead to 40-29 with 4:56 remaining. Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 14 (7 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 3 blk), Brooklyn Miller 8 (3 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Zaria Branch 6 (6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Dejanay Pope 4 (5 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Kamree Harrison 4 (2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Breahna Jones 2 (3 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 2 (6 reb, 1 blk), Cierra Conwright (2 reb, 1 stl). Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 16, Abigail Vargas 6, Kayla Harrell 4, Jazmine Bradley 4, Monica Williams 2, Kayla Kulhanek 2, Heather Bell 1.

Santana's Sydney Blackburn (Photo by Steve Brase)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-19-13) — The premier game in the Grossmont Hills League featured Steele Canyon and Valhalla high schools, and the Cougars – led by MONIQUE VAN’s 32 points – squeezed out a 52-48 victory in Friday’s (Jan. 18) contest.

This was a game of survival in terms of the GHL race as both teams now stand at 1-2 in league.

Van scored 23 of her career-high point totals in the second half, which allowed the Cougars to claim the victory.

KANDICE KALASHO scored 22 points, including a trio of treys and 7 of 11 free throws for Valhalla, while SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP added 10 points and 16 rebounds for the Norsemen.

“It was a good game. It was pretty good to get up on Steele Canyon 22-19 at the half,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU. “I think the reason why we were low on our assists is because we had so many turnovers. We are learning every game.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 32 (6 reb, 5 ast, 6 stl), Rachel Beasley 6 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Isabella Welch 5 (5 reb, 5 stl), Tiana Teo 4 (5 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Alexis Ramos 3 (12 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 2 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Sydney Wlliams (1 reb).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 22, Shyla Ciger-Philipp 10 (16 reb), Molly Lindsay 8 (5 reb), Mary Charles 7 (5 reb), Mackenzie Castro 1.

GRANITE HILLS 63, HELIX 43 – Looking forward to next week’s championship encounter against West Hills, the Granite Hills Eagles continued to pile up victories as they knocked off host Helix in Friday’s (Jan. 18) Grossmont Hills League contest.

The No. 1 ranked Eagles (17-3, 3-0 GHL) struggled in the first half as they maintained only a 29-25 lead over the Highlanders. It wasn’t until the final period when Granite Hills gained a 18-8 scoring advantage that the Eagles could breathe easy.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS set the pace for Granite Hills with 23 points (11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals.

ANNA VIETTRY chipped in with 13 points and 5 assists, while DEAJANAE HARVEY added 8 points, 5 rebounds, 10 steals and 2 assists.

SHIRAH HANCOCK rolled a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds, while CHANELLE WARD added 8 points and 17 rebounds for Helix (10-5, 1-2 GHL).

HAYLEY SINGER crashed the boards for 14 rebounds and made 6 blocks.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 23 (11 reb, 6 ast, 5 stl), Anna Viettry 13 (1 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Deajanae Harvey 8 (5 reb, 2 ast, 10 stl), Raelleah Leceur 5 (3 reb), Leena Alyashaa 4 (2 reb), Micayela Hernandez 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Kaylla Hawkins 2 (2 reb).

Helix: Shirah Hancock 16 (13 reb, 1 blk), Chanelle Ward 8 (17 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Layla Cunningham 6 (4 reb, 4 ast), Krista Poumele 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Hayley Singer 4 (14 reb, 6 blk), Dana Anderson 4 (1 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ (2 reb), Fuafiva Pulu (1 reb).

SANTANA 47, EL CAPITAN 34 – Santana racehorsed El Capitan in the Vaqueros’ corral, taking a 23-7 halftime lead in Friday’s (Jan. 18) Grossmont Valley League contest.

The Vaqueros fought back with a 22-11 spread in the 3rd period, cutting the deficit to 7 points. But the Sultans (6-12, 1-1 GVL) staved off the comeback by controlling the 4th quarter.

KYLIE BRASE led the Sultans with 13 points and KAYTI GRABLE gobbled up 17 rebounds to pace Santana. SYDNEY BLACKBURN added 10 points for the Sultans.

Santana: Kylie Brase 13 (6 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Sydney Blackburn 10 (2 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Kayti Grable 8 (17 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Veronica Martinez 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Ariel Rasmusson 4 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Savanah Fenn 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Emily Kloss 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Bridgette Fries 2 (3 reb), Taylor Estes (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

El Capitan: No information reported.

WEST HILLS 47, GROSSMONT 14 – The Wolf Pack, no doubt eyeing next week’s Grossmont Hills League showdown with Granite Hills, breezed to a 29-1 lead with three minutes left in the 1st quarter of Friday’s (Jan. 18) league encounter.

“Our defensive effort was great in the first half,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “I thought we moved the ball well early but couldn't make any shots, had lots of opportunities around the basket but didn't convert.

“In the second half Grossmont played good defense and we did a poor job of running efficient offense.”

EMILY COLE led the Wolf Pack (14-4, 3-0 GHL) with 11 points, while HALEY FORSBERG controlled the boards with 10 caroms in a game in which Kinser substituted freely.

JESSICA SCOTT and ARIELLE BOWERS each scored 10 points for the Pack.

“Overall it was a good effort but we will have to play better offense moving forward.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 11 (7 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Jessica Scott 10 (4 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk), Arielle Bowers 10 (3 reb, 6 stl), Bailey Albers 6 (1 reb, 1 ast), Haley Forsberg 5 (10 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk), J’ana Diamond 2 (1 reb), Megan Scott 3 (1 reb), Justine Fordyce (1 reb, 1 stl), Katie Bryd (2 stl), Brandi McCrystal (1 reb, 1 stl).

Grossmont: No information reported.

CHRISTIAN 46, MADISON 32 – No report.

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EL CAJON (1-17-13) — Christian High center CHAYAN LOWERY nailed a 3-point shot to open the second half, giving the Patriots a 13-12 lead over Kearny. But when the Komets answered with a 12-0 run, Christian battled back but never got closer than two points in falling, 36-32, in Wednesday's (Jan. 16) Central League contest at Ryan Center.

The defensive battle saw Kearny attempt to double-team Lowery and JILLIAN SEXTON, forcing others to pick-up the scoring slack. And it barely worked, allowing the Komets to regain a half-game lead for first place over Point Loma in snapping a 3-way tie which also included Christian.

Lowrey's 3-point basket was her lone field goal of the night, yet she still shared scoring honors with 11 points, making her final four foul shots. However, Kearny, which was just 2-for-10 from the foul line, also sank its final four free throws in the final minute.

Christian did have one chance to force overtime, but with 57 seconds remaining, a controversial charge-block call at midcourt went against the Patriots when the officials ruled a traveling violation just before the contact.

The Komets (6-6 overall, 4-1 CL) received 11 points and 20 rebounds from senior center Harmoni Miller, including nine of her points in the second half. Junior guard Sage Brown added nine points, while sophomore Aitana Garland had seven.

For Christian (5-9, 3-2 CL), TAYLOR MILLER poured in eight points (two in each quarter), while Sexton, the reigning Miss Teen San Diego, had seven.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 11, Taylor Miller 8, Jillian Sexton 7, Hayley Cruse 4, Anaya Tobiason 2.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (1-16-13) — West Hills High senior post EMILY COLE celebrated a highlight in Tuesday night’s (Jan. 15) Grossmont Hills League victory over visiting Valhalla by scoring her 1,000th varsity point against the Norsemen.

Actually she now has 1,002 points to her total, as the Wolf Pack celebrated the event with a 69-29 victory over Valhalla.

“Emily has worked hard to get where she's at and I'm very happy to see her reach this milestone,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

HALEY FORSBERG paced the Pack with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Cole punched in 16 markers and pulled down 6 rebounds. JESSICA SCOTT contributed 14 points for West Hills.

Senior KANDICE KALASHO pitched in 16 tallies for Valhalla and SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP crashed the boards for 10 rebounds.

“The girls played with a lot of energy from start to finish, playing great defense the first half,” Kinser said. “We ran our sets well and made shots. We did a good job on Kalasho most of the night except in the third quarter when she scored 10 of her 16 points.”

“It was a good effort from all the girls tonight,” Kinser concluded.

Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU noted that “West Hills is a really good team. I think our team got better playing a team like West Hills. West Hills is the measuring stick. They were bigger, faster and stronger than we are.”

West Hills: Haley Forsberg 20 (14 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Emily Cole 16 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 14 (4 reb), Bailey Albers 9 (1 reb), Arielle Bowers 6 (2 reb), Justine Fordyce 2 (1 reb), J’ana Diamond 1 (7 reb, 1 blk), Megan Scott 1 (2 reb), Katie Byrd (2 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 16 (2 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 2 (10 reb), Tiana Silver 3 (2 stl), Mary Charles 8, Bianca Gorges (4 reb).

HELIX 43, GROSSMONT 38 – The Grossmont Foothillers pulled to a 17-12 halftime advantage in Tuesday’s (Jan. 15) Grossmont Hills League contest with the visiting Helix Highlander.

But, according to Helix coach PATRICK TABOR, there was a reason.

“We started out slow in the first half. So I sat my starters in the second quarter and played my reserves the whole second quarter,” said Tabor. “I wanted to send a message.

“Then in the second half the starters came out to play.”

“I call SHIRAH HANCOCK and LAYLA CUNNINGHAM the “Dynamic Duo,” said Tabor. “Layla scored all 11 of her points in the second half and Shirah scored 16 of her 18 points in that half. They got my message, they showed up.”

The Highlanders outscored the Foothillers 15-8 in the third period but nearly lost their edge in the final quarter as Grossmont picked up the pace, moving to within 5 points before the final horn.

BRIA MILLER led Grossmont with 13 points, while 6-foot-2 DANIELLE DAVIS crashed the boards for 10 rebounds and made 3 blocks.

Helix: Shirah Hancock 18 (3 reb, 1 ast), Layla Cunningham 11 (7 ast), Krista Poumele 6 (2 reb), Chanelle Ward 4 (4 reb), Dominique Jones 1, Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (2 reb), Fuafiva Pulu 1, Hayley Singer (6 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 13 (4 reb, 3 ast), Carly Lopez 9 (1 reb, 2 ast), Danielle Davis 6 (10 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk), Keanna Lovelace 4, Theresa Mapp 2 (2 reb), Lauren Weigel 2 (1 reb), Christina Valdez 2 (1 reb, 4 ast), Megan Reddecliff (8 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 69, STEELE CANYON 35 – SKYLAR WILLIAMS led No. 1 ranked Granite Hills with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 9 steals and 4 blocks in Tuesday’s (Jan. 15) Grossmont Hills League contest with scrappy Steele Canyon (11-5, 0-2 GHL).

With her effort, Williams climbed over the 1,500-point plateau, now resting at 1,509 career points.

DEAJANAE HARVEY poured in 17 points and ANNA VIETTRY chipped in with 11 points and 8 assists for the Eagles (16-3, 2-0 GHL).

MONIQUE VAN paced the Cougars with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals, while RACHEL BEASLEY chipped in with 11. ALEXIS RAMOS pulled down 9 rebounds for Steele Canyon.

“Granite Hills was ranked No. 1 and West Hills was ranked No. 2 in the U-T San Diego poll,” noted Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “At halftime we were only down by 7 points then we started making mental errors. This game let us know that we can play with the best of them, especially in the first half.

“I told my girls you have nothing to hang your heads down about – you played hard and hung in there.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 23 (10 reb, 4 ast, 9 stl, 3 blk), Deajanae Harvey 17 (3 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 3 blk), Anna Viettry 11 (5 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), Micayela Hernandez 8 (4 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Madison Lumb 6 (6 reb, 1 blk), Emma Kubari 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Kaylla Hawkins 2 (2 reb), Raelleah Leceur (8 reb, 1 stl), Mariah Vanlandingham (2 reb), Valerie Renfrow (2 reb), Leena Alyashaa (2 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 14 (10 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Rachel Beasley 11 (3 reb, 1 stl), Tiana Teo 4 (2 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast), Isabella Welch 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Sydney Williams 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos (9 reb, 3 stl), Jule Loibl (1 reb, 1 stl), Mallicia Jordan (1 reb, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (1 reb), Shelby Johnson (1 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 69, SANTANA 18 – ZARIA BRANCH paced the Matadors with 23 points in Tuesday’s (Jan. 15) Grossmont Valley League encounter in Spring Valley.

KAMREE HARRISON popped in 19 points, while DEIJAH BLANKS added 13 markers for Mount Miguel (10-6, 2-0 GVL), which led 39-11 at halftime.

No one reached double digit scoring for the out-matched Sultans (5-12, 0-1 GVL).

Mount Miguel : Zaria Branch 23 (7 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Kamree Harrison 19 (4 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl), Deijah Blanks 13 (3 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Dejanay Pope 6 (7 reb, 4 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Breahna Jones (1 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl).

Santana: Savannah Fenn 4 (1 reb), Taylor Estes 4 (1 ast), Bridgette Fries 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Barry 2 (1 reb), Veronica Martinez 2 (3 reb), Kylie Brase 2 (1 reb), Sydney Blackburn (1 reb, 2 stl), Ariel Rasmusson (1 reb, 2 ast), Kayti Grable (1 reb, 1 ast), Emily Kloss (1 reb).

EL CAPITAN, 39, EL CAJON VALLEY 20 – JESSICA DIPRIMA returned to the lineup from an injury to lead El Capitan with 14 points in a Grossmont Valley League victory over host El Cajon Valley Tuesday night (Jan. 15).

“Our defense was pretty good, we’re getting better,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON.

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 14, Cierra Cutler 7, Katie Davidson 7, Kim Galvan 5, Kira Lopez 3, Valeria Garay 2, Taylor Begin 1.

El Cajon Valley: No information reported.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (1-13-13) — Even though this game is a rivalry, it does not have any impact on the Grossmont League races. Nonetheless, both teams battled for city supremacy.

Buoyed by a 19-0 edge in the pivotal fourth quarter, host West Hills (12-4) posted a 51-30 victory in a Grossmont Conference Tournament game on Saturday (Jan. 12) at West Hills.

“We played a very good fourth quarter,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

Santana (5-11) trailed by only 2 points after three quarters but then saw its offense go stagnant in the final period.

“It was 32-30 at the end of the third quarter, then they went on a 19-0 run in the fourth,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “They applied some pressure. In the fourth quarter they turned it on and we just couldn’t respond. Obviously not scoring in the fourth quarter was very disappointing for everybody.

“They are a very well coached. West Hills mixed it up very well and have been together for a very long time.”

EMILY COLE led the Wolf Pack with 16 points, while JESSICA SCOTT popped in 10 points and 8 rebounds.

KAYTI GRABLE paced Santana with 12 points but was the only Sultans to reach double figures.

West Hills: Emily Cole 16 (6 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 10 (8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Bailey Albers 6 (2 reb, 1 stl), Arielle Bowers 6 (2 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Haley Forsberg 5 (7 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Katie Byrd 2 (3 reb, 1 blk), J’ana Diamond 4 (4 reb, 1 stl), Justine Fordyce 2 (2 reb), Megan Scott (1 reb, 1 stl).

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

Valhalla's Shyla Criger-Philipp (left) runs into a wall in Highlanders center Hayley Singer. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-12-13) — For the last two games this has been a magic score for Valhalla High, but the 40-39 win over Helix in a Grossmont Hills League opener on Friday (Jan. 11) was the one that counted most.

With 3.8 second left SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP hit a putback to win it.

“It was a real nail-biter tonight,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU. “We’re excited – that was a big win for the girls, they played real well tonight – good defense. It helps when the girls want to learn.

MARY CHARLES paced the Norsemen (6-8, 1-0 GHL) with 18 points, while Criger-Philipp finished with a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds.

LAYLA CUNNINGHAM led Helix with 13 points, 6 assists and 5 steals plus a block, while KRISTA POUMELE popped in 10 points.

While HAYLEY SINGER scored only 2 points she was a beast under the boards, with 15 rebounds and 10 blocks. CHANELLE WARD grabbed 11 rebounds for the Highlanders.

“Singer is the toughest girl on the team,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “She wears that “Helix” label on her shirt with pride.

The Highlanders (9-4, 0-1 GHL) had a chance to pull off a last-second victory.

“We had the ball with 12.4 seconds but turned it over and never got a shot. It was pretty frustrating,” said Tabor.

Valhalla: Mary Charles 18 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 13 (16 reb, 1 stl), Kandace Kalasho 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Tiana Silver 3 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Molly Lindsay (3 stl), Jessica May (3 reb), Bianca Gorges (3 reb, 1 stl).

Helix: Layla Cunningham 13 (2 reb, 6 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Krista Poumele 10 (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Shirah Hancock 8 (6 reb, 1 stl, 3 blk), Chanelle Ward 2 (11 reb, 4 stl, 1 blk), Hayley Singer 2 (15 reb, 1 stl, 10 blk), Isabella Lemusu (5 reb, 1 blk), Emani Carpenter (1 reb).

WEST HILLS 62, STEELE CANYON 15 – EMILY COLE paced a balanced Pack attack with 17 points in Friday’s (Jan. 11) Grossmont Hills League opener against visiting Steele Canyon.

JESSICA SCOTT turned in a nifty double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while BAILEY ALBERS popped in 14 points.

HALEY FORSBERG scored only 4 points but dominated the boards with 21 caroms in a game that West Hills (11-4, 1-0 GHL) led 28-10 by halftime.

“The girls did a great job controlling (MONIQUE) VAN (5 points) – that was our defensive emphasis going into the game, said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “We played great defense other than the third. We gave up too many open 3's in that quarter.”

“We moved the ball well tonight versus their zone. Offense rebounded well, but we struggled scoring around the basket,” Kinser added.

BAILEY ALBERS scored 14 points for the Wolf Pack.

“Albers and Scott played well offensively tonight,” Kinser noted.

The bottom line was West Hills defense slamming the door on Van, who was 0-12 from the field. The Cougars scoring ace was limited to 5-for-8 free throws.

In an attempt to pick up the slack for Steele Canyon was RACHEL BEASLEY, who landed 11 markers.

West Hills: Emily Cole 17 (7 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 16 (11 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Bailey Albers 14 (7 reb, 1 stl), J’ana Diamond 7 (7 reb, 2 stl), Haley Forsberg 4 (21 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk), Brandi McCrystal 2 (5 reb), Justine Fordyce 2 (5 reb), Arielle Bowers (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Katie Byrd (4 reb), Megan Scott (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl).

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

MONTE VISTA 68, EL CAJON VALLEY 30 – The host Monarchs outscored visiting El Cajon Valley across the board, including 21-5 in the third quarter of Friday’s (Jan. 11) Grossmont Valley League opener.

JAZMINE BRADLEY led the scoring for Monte Vista (16.3, 1-0 GVL) with 15 points while KAYLA HARRELL rolled a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with 7 steals.

KAYLA KULHANEK pulled 11 balls off the glass for the Monarchs, as did MONICA WILLIAMS.

ABIGAIL VARGAS had 13 steals for the Monarchs, who finished with 32 thefts in the lopsided victory. MONICA WILLIAMS

Monte Vista: Jazmine Bradley 15 (2 reb, 3 ast), Kayla Harrell 10 (10 reb, 1 ast, 7 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 8 (11 reb, 1 stl), Abigail Vargas 8 (1 reb, 7 ast, 13 stl), Deborah Saltzen 6 (2 ast, 3 stl), Emma Pitoua 5 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Sunceri Cofield 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Monica Williams 4 (11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk),

Alexis Wittmann 5 (2 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Felicia Porter 2 (3 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Heather Bell (2 reb, 1 stl).

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

GRANITE HILLS 60, GROSSMONT 15 – Ten Eagles flew into the scoring pattern as Granite Hills buried Grossmont in Friday’s (Jan. 11) Grossmont Hills League opener.

SKYLAR WILLIAMS scored 19 points and ANNA VIETTRY contributed 14 as the Eagles (15-3, 1-0 GHL) used a 27-4 second quarter blowout to turn the game into a rout.

“We started off slow and didn't score for the first four minutes,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “We got good looks at the basket but just couldn't finish. In the second quarter our defense really got our offense going. We need to stay focused for a full 32 minutes.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 19 (6 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk), Anna Viettry 14 (1 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Deajanae Harvey 9 (2 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk), Micayela Hernandez 5 (5 reb, 1 ast), Kaylla Hawkins 3 (3 reb, 2 stl), Valerie Renfrow 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Raelleah Leceur 2 (7 reb, 1 stl), Haleigh Tharp 2 (1 reb, 2 stl), Madison Lumb 2 (1 reb), Mariah Vanlandingham 2, Leena Alyashaa (1 reb, 1 ast).

Grossmont: No information provided.

Top: Christian's Chayan Lowery (21) dribbles past pressure. Bottom: Anaya Tobiason (35) hustles on defense against the Crawford Colts. (Photos by Timothy Shaw, courtesy Crawford High School)

While offense was the forefront, defense was main focus as the Matadors(9-6, 1-0 GVL) led 57-4 after three quarters.

Mount Miguel: Kamree Harrison 17 (2 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 15 (6 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Deijah Blanks 12 (3 reb, 5 ast, 6 stl), Brooklyn Miller 9 (4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 5 (5 reb), Zaria Blanks 3 (6 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Breahna Jones 2 (4 stl).

El Capitan: Kim Galvan 6, Jessica Leonard 2, Tali Letoi 2.

Lowery paced Christian (6-8 overall, 3-1 league) with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while also adding six steals and a half-dozen blocked shots.

Crawford received a steal for a breakaway layin to trim the deficit to 11-7 early in the second quarter before the Patriots took control. They registered the contest's next 22 consecutive points, blanking the Colts for a period of 13:06 before they hit a late 3-point goal to avoid getting blanked in the third period.

The turnaround was keyed by the defense, when guard ANAYA TOBIASON recorded five of her six steals to set-up a parade of easy baskets during the shutout run. Tobiason finished with nine points, while HAYLEY CRUZ added eight before leaving the ballgame after getting bumped in the head.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 15 (14 reb, 6 stl, 6 blk), Anaya Tobiason 9 (6 stl, 2 reb), Hayley Cruz 8 (5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Taylor Miller 3 (9 reb, 4 blk, 2 stl), Jillian Sexton 2 (3 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast, 1 blk), Kayla Kruel 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Lily Rodriguez (1 stl), Diana Vargus (1 reb).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-10-13) — The difference was at the free throw line in Wednesday’s (Jan. 9) Grossmont Conference tournament encounter between Valhalla and the Santana Sultans.

The Norsemen shot 60 percent on free throws; the Sultans 33 percent.

But it still came down to the last second as Valhalla’s TIANA SILVER came away the hero, scoring the last 2 points for Valhalla for the 40-39 victory.

With 18 seconds remaining Santana’s KAYTI GRABLE hit a 3-point shot to put the Sultans ahead by one point, pushing the score to 39-38. A jump ball situation awarded the ball to Valhalla but their shot was blocked.

Valhalla freshman TIANA SILVER won the battle for the ball and attempted a reverse layup from under the basket. Santana fouled her with 1.6 seconds left, and she nailed both free throws to ice the game.

KANDICE KALASHO led the Norsemen with 12 points, while Silver finished with 11.

“We lost our composure a little bit in the second quarter,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “But we played good defense.”

Grable finished with a team-leading 10 points.

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 12 (6 stl), Tiana Silver 11, Shyla Criger-Philipp 7 (7 reb), Mary Charles 6, Molly Lindsay 4.

Santana: Kayti Grable 10, Sydney Blackburn 9, Kylie Brase 8, Ariel Rasmusson 4, Taylor Estes 3, Madison Barry 2, Veronica Martinez 2, Bridgette Fries 1.

WEST HILLS 47, MONTE VISTA 20 – EMILY COLE led a balanced West Hills offense with 11 points to a Grossmont Conference tournament victory over visiting Monte Vista on Wednesday (Jan. 9).

JESSICA SCOTT popped in 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 3 shots for the Pack, while HALEY FORSBERG scored 9 points, pulled down 9 rebounds and made 5 steals.

“We got off to a great defensive start and maintained that defensive effort throughout the night, never giving up more than 7 points in any quarter,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “We played great offense early which got us a big lead.”

“I was very proud of the girls’ effort tonight, everyone got playing time and they played well,” noted Kinser.

Monte Vista trailed in all four quarters.

“They kicked my butt tonight,” said Monarchs coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “The girls worked hard but they got us. We need to make some adjustments. There are things that I need to fix.

“DEBORAH SALTZEN and EMMA PITOUA had good games, attacked the basket well,” Skibbe said.

West Hills: Emily Cole 11 (4 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 10 (8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk), Haley Forsberg 9 (11 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Bailey Albers 4 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), J’ana Diamond 4 (6 reb), Katie Byrd 4 (3 reb, 2 ast), Justine Fordyce 2 (1 reb), Arielle Bowers 2 (7 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Megan Scott (3 reb, 1 stl),

Brandi McCrystal (2 reb).

Monte Vista: No information provided.

STEELE CANYON 58, EL CAPITAN 24 – El Capitan had no answer to Steele Canyon ’s MONIQUE VAN as the Cougars clubbed the Vaqueros in Wednesday’s (Jan. 9) Grossmont Conference tournament game.

Van scored 18 points to go with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 steals, while TIANA TEO chipped in with 11 points for the Cougars.

“We just turned the ball over too much,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “We were missing our leading scorer and best ball handler (JESSICA DIPRIMA, who injured her foot earlier in the season). She’s missed four games.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 18 (5 reb, 5 ast, 8 stl), Tiano Teo 11 (1 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Rachel Beasley 9 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos 5 (7 reb, 5 stl), Isabella Welch 5 (7 reb, 3 stl), Malicia Jordan 4 (1 ast, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson 4 (1 reb), Jule Loibl 2 (2 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Sydney Williams (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Sabrina Stocker (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk).

El Capitan: Valeria Garay 5, Kim Galvan 4, Cierra Cutler 4, Kassidy Cygar 4, Tali Letoi 4, Kira Lopez 2, Rebecca Leonard 1.

HELIX 62, EL CAJON VALLEY 32 – Freshman point guard LAYLA CUNNINGHAM scored 20 points and dished 8 assists as Helix buried El Cajon Valley in Wednesday’s (Jan. 9) Grossmont Conference tournament contest.

“We were the strongest team tonight,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “I was proud of my reserves. They came in and gave me a big spark off the bench.”

Helix: Layla Cunningham 20 (8 ast), Isabella Lemusu 8 (4 reb), Rashondra Dike’ 8, Chanelle Ward 6 (2 reb), Shirah Hancock 5, Fuafiva Pulu 4, Dominique Jones 4, Ashley Smith 2, Brittany Jones 2, Dana Anderson 1, Hayley Singer (3 reb).

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (1-9-13) — Despite playing short-handed, host El Capitan High put together a winning formula in Tuesday’s (Jan. 8) victory over Liberty Charter as the Vaqueros defeated the Lions 35-17.

REBECCA LEONARD led the Vaqueros with 9 points.

“KIM GALVAN had a real nice game,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “She played the point and handled the game really well. It feels good to come out the winner.”

El Capitan: Rebecca Leonard 9, Kim Galvan 6, Cierra Cutler 6, Valeria Garay 5, Kira Lopez 4, Katie Davidson 3, Meg Lima 2.

CORONADO 29, CHRISTIAN 28 – Patriots kingpin CHAYAN LOWERY scored 17 points in Tuesday’s (Jan. 8) Central League game on the peninsula, but it wasn’t enough as Christian fell to host Coronado.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 17. (Only information available).

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (1-8-13) — SKYLAR WILLIAMS landed 27 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and DEAJANAE HARVEY added 16 points as the Granite Hills Eagles blew out Santana, 68-32, in a Grossmont Conference Tournament game on Monday (Jan. 7).

KAYTI GRABLE paced the Sultans with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while TAYLOR ESTES added 8 points.

But the game was decided after three quarters as Granite Hills led 50-21.

“If it had ended at the first quarter we would have been competitive,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “We had too many turnovers (25) and most of them led to points for the other team. We just couldn’t handle their pressure.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 27 (14 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Dejanae Harvey 16 (1 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Anna Viettry 9 (3 reb, 6 ast, 5 stl), Raelleah Leceur 8 (5 reb), Micayela Hernandez 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Valerie Renfrow 2 (1 ast), Leena Alyashaa 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Kaylla Hawkins 2, Haleigh Tharp (3 reb), Mariah VanLandingham (2 reb).

Santana: Kayti Grable 10 (11 reb, 1 blk), Taylor Estes 8 (2 reb, 1 stl), Veronica Martinez 6 (4 reb, 1 stl), Kylie Brase 3 (4 reb), Sydney Blackburn 2 (7 reb, 6 ast), Ariel Rasmusson 2 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Emily Kloss 1 (5 reb, 1 stl), Bridgette Fries (1 reb).

HELIX 66, HOOVER 61 – SHIRAH HANCOCK scored a career-high 25 points and LAYLA CUNNINGHAM added 16 points and 10 assists as the Highlanders whipped Hoover in Monday’s (Jan. 7) non-league game.

HAYLEY SINGER led the team with 10 rebounds and added 7 points.

“It was a great game,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “I’m glad we came out with a win. I’m so proud of my girls. They played hard all four quarters tonight for the first time. Even the girls that didn’t get in to play were on the bench cheering. It was definitely a team effort. Hayley Singer played her butt off tonight.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 25 (3 reb, 2 ast), Layla Cunningham 16 (1 reb, 10 ast), Hayley Singer 7 (10 reb), Chanelle Ward 7 (5 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 7 (5 reb), Krista Poumele 2, Raeshondra Dike’ 2.

MONTE VISTA 43, GROSSMONT 16 – Monte Vista ’s defense put the clamps on Grossmont in Monday’s (Jan. 7) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest, holding the Foothillers to 4 points in the second half.

ABIGAIL VARGAS set the pace for the Monarchs, who had nine players score. She recorded 13 points and 8 steals.

“As well as we played against El Camino and University City (in the Lady Monarch Classic), we played poorly tonight,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “We have good depth and we were able to get a lot of people in the game.”

Monte Vista: Abigail Vargas 13 (2 reb, 2 ast, 8 stl), Kayla Kulhanek 8 (6 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Felicia Porter 7 (7 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Alexis Wittmann 4 (6 reb), Heather Bell 3 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jazmine Bradley 3 (1 ast, 7 stl), Monica Williams 2 (6 reb, 1 stl), Sunceri Cofield 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Kayla Harrell 1 (4 reb, 1 stl), Emma Pitoua (1 ast, 1 stl), Deborah Saltzen (1 stl).

Grossmont: No information provided.

STEELE CANYON 50, EL CAJON VALLEY 17 – MONIQUE VAN and RACHEL BEASLEY combined for 26 points as the Cougars cruised past El Cajon Valley in a Grossmont Conference Tournament game on Monday (Jan. 7).

Van also recorded 10 steals to go along with 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists.

“It wasn’t really a challenge,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “I think they were missing a couple of players. We executed our game plan and it kind of rolled our way.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 16 (5 reb, 5 ast, 10 stl), Rachel Beasley 10 (6 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Sydney Williams 8 (4 reb, 1 blk), Alexis Ramos 4 (9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Tiana Teo 3 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 3 (5 reb, 2 stlL), Isabella Welch 2 (5 reb, 3 stl), Shelby Johnson 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker 2 (10 reb, 2 blk).

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

Monte Vista’s FELICIA PORTER poured in 20 points and bagged 18 rebounds to lead the Monarchs to a 53-39 victory over El Camino to capture the championship.

“Felicia Porter had a really good night,” said Monarch coach MICHAEL SKIBBE.

KAYLA KULHANEK grabbed 10 rebounds for Monte Vista.

“The Kaylas did well tonight,” said Skibbe. “Kayla Kulhanek had a great, great game tonight. She had a lot of rebounds, just flew through the air. And junior KAYLA HARRELL started doing some real positive things. She’s a fantastic athlete.”

Among those named to the All-Tournament team were Monte Vista’s JAZMINE BRADLEY, Helix’s SHIRAH HANCOCK and CHANELLE WARD and Steele Canyon ’s MONIQUE VAN.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 20 (18 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Jazmine Bradley 17 (7 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Kayla Harrell 6 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Abigail Vargas 5 (3 reb, 7 ast, 7 stl, 1 blk), Kayla Kulhanek 2 (10 reb), Alexis Wittmann 1, Heather Bell (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Sunceri Cofield (2 reb).

MONTE VISTA 44, UNIVERSITY CITY 41 – ABIGAIL VARGAS scored 19 points to help the Monarchs knock off University City in Saturday’s (Jan. 5) semifinals of the Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

“We shot decently and attacked the basket well,” said Monte Vista coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “( University City ) beat us the last time we played them – it was our first loss of the season (59-36 on Dec. 7). They have a good chance of winning their league.”

Monte Vista’s JAZMINE BRADLEY was chosen the tournament MVP.

Among those named to the All-Tournament team were Monte Vista’s Felicia Porter and ABIGAIL VARGAS, Helix’s SHIRAH HANCOCK and CHANELLE WARD, Santana’s KAYTI GRABLE and Steele Canyon's MONIQUE VAN.

Monte Vista : Abigail Vargas 19 (2 ast, 2 stl), Jazmine Bradley 6 (2 reb, 3 ast, 11 stl), Heather Bell 5 (2 reb), Kayla Harrell 5 (7 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Felicia Porter 4 (6 reb, 1 ast), Kayla Kulhanek (4 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Monica Williams 5 (5 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 52, SANTA MARGARITA 44 – Mount Miguel freshman ROZLYN PIERCE provided the spark in Saturday’s (Jan. 5) victory over Santa Margarita in the Matador Showcase in Spring Valley.

The 6-foot-1 post came off the bench to deliver 7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks as the Matadors dunked Santa Margarita.

“She’s the one that gave us the spark,” said Matador coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “All of her points came in the second quarter.”

After trailing 13-10 in the first quarter Mount Miguel outscored Santa Margarita 28-15 in the middle two quarters.

DIJAH BLANKS turned in a powerful 16 points, 14 rebounds and 8 steals, while ZARIA BRANCH added 15 points as the Matadors improved to 8-6.

DEJANAY POPE grabbed 12 rebounds as Mount Miguel dominated on the boards.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 16 (14 reb, 3 ast, 8 stl, 1 blk,), Zaria Branch 15 (1 reb, 1 ast), Kamree Harrison 7 (1 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 7 (5 reb, 2 blk), Dejanay Pope 4 (12 reb, 2 blk), Brooklyn Miller 2 (1 blk), Breahna Jones 1 (3 reb, 2 stl).

SANTANA 43, STEELE CANYON 35 – Sure-handed backcourt ball handler SYDNEY BLACKBURN helped direct Santana to an emotional victory over Steele Canyon on Saturday (Jan. 5) in the Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

“She handled the ball very well and was very aggressive,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK.

Blackburn poured in 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Sultans, while ARIEL RASMUSSON added 10 points and 14 rebounds.

“I’m really excited for our girls because we played so well in this game,” Clark said.

Clark credited TAYLOR ESTES and VERONICA MARTINEZ for holding Steele Canyon ’s MONIQUE VAN to 20 points.

“You’re never going to shut that girl down, but I was pleased with the way we kept her from going wild,” the coach added.

Santana: Sydney Blackburn 13 (11 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk), Ariel Rasmusson 10 (14 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), Taylor Estes 9 (4 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Emily Kloss 8 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Kayti Grable 3 (15 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 4 blk).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 20 (5 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl), Rachel Beasley 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Tiano Teo 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos 2 (9 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Isabella Welch 2 (9 reb, 2 stl), Sydney Williams 2 (1 reb), Shelby Johnson (1 reb, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (1 blk), Malicia Jordan (1 reb).

VALLEY CENTER 53, EL CAPITAN 20 – Playing without their injured best player, JESSICA DIPRIMA, didn’t help El Capitan, which played a powerful Valley Center team in Saturday’s (Jan. 5) Wolverine Invitational.

This game became a blowout in the third quarter when the Jaguars turned a 27-6 advantage into a 47-9 bulge.

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 8, Katie Davidson 3, Kim Galvan 2, Valeria Garay 2, Kira Lopez 2, Kassidy Kygar 2, Rebecca Leonard 1.

CHANELLE WARD added 10 points and 7 rebounds, while HAYLEY SINGER chipped in with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 8 blocks.

“We started out strong, played with a lot of intensity,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “The girls are showing flashes of mental toughness.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 12 (4 reb, 3 ast), Chanelle Ward 10 (7 reb), Hayley Singer 7 (5 reb, 8 blk), Raeshondra Dike’ 7 (2 reb), Layla Cunningham 6 (7 ast), Lisabella Lemusu 4 (4 reb).

CHRISTIAN 29, CALVIN CHRISTIAN 24 – Christian, which a day earlier riddled Health Sciences 56-6, carried that momentum to a hard-fought victory over Calvin Christian in Friday’s (Jan. 4) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

This was a bittersweet victory for the Patriots (5-7).

Six-foot-2 junior CHAYAN LOWERY rolled a powerful triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 10 blocks. With 2 minutes to go in the game, however, Lowery twisted her ankle while driving to the basket.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 15 (16 reb, 10 blk, 2 stl), Taylor Miller 5 (4 reb, 2 blk), Hayley Cruz 3 (3 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Lily Rodriguez 3, Anaya Tobiason 2 (4 stl), Melina Jones 1 (1 stl).

CARLSBAD 56, EL CAPITAN 6 – The Lancers of Carlsbad (7-7) destroyed El Capitan in Friday’s (Jan. 4) Wolverine Invitational encounter.

JESSICA DIPRIMA hurt her foot in the second quarter and was unable to play in the second half.

“Our energy was low,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “ Carlsbad had a really, really good point guard and a good girl inside. We just need to keep practicing.”

El Capitan: Valeria Garay 3, Jessica Diprima 2, Tali Letoi 1.

JESSICA DIPRIMIA led the Vaqueros’ offensive assault with 14 points, including a pair of threes.

“We were 7 for 15 from the free throw line – that’s a big one for us,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “Notre Dame played Oceanside really tough yesterday. We didn’t like our chances today. But the girls played really hard, made better decisions. Our defense bothered them.”

CIERRA CUTLER added 11 points for El Capitan (4-8), which led 32-22 at halftime.

“Our kids are starting to understand our defense and starting to execute it,” noted Wilkerson. “When you don’t understand, it’s hard to perform it correctly. Our defense really won the game for us.”

El Capitan will play Carlsbad at Mt. Carmel at 11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 4).

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 14, Cierra Cutler 11, Katie Davidson 8, Rebecca Leonard 5, Tli Letoi 3, Valeria Garay 2, Kim Galvan 2, Kira Lopez 2, Meg Lima 2.

HELIX 55, MAR VISTA 39 – Helix’s top scorer, SHIRAH HANCOCK missed the game with the flu, and with four seconds left in the game KRISTA POUMELE turned her ankle severely enough that she was taken to the hospital.

Yet the Highlanders still managed to defeat Mar Vista on Thursday (Jan. 3) in the Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

Poumele scored 18 points before her departure, while LISABILLA LEMUSU popped in 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Helix.

Freshman LAYLA CUNNINGHAM dished 13 assists to go along with 8 points for the Highlanders.

“All the girls stepped up and played really big,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “It’s really takes three years to build a program, but we are going to work every day on it.”

“We play my alma mater, University City, tomorrow in the tournament semifinals,” Tabor said. “It’s going to be a treat for me because I haven’t been back there in years.”

Helix will meet the Centurions at 6 p.m.

Helix: Krista Poumele 18, Lisabella Lemusu 12 (12 reb), Layla Cunningham 8 (13 ast), Chanelle Ward 7 (6 reb), Fuafiva Pulu 4, Raeshondra Dike’ 3 (3 reb), Dana Anderson 2 (2 reb), Hayley Singer 1 (2 reb).

MONTE VISTA 55, EL CAMINO 51 – Six-foot senior FELICIA PORTER hit 11 of 15 shots from the floor on her way to a 26 point finish as Monte Vista clipped El Camino in Thursday’s (Jan. 3) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic action.

“Felicia Porter had a big night for us,” said Monarchs coach MICHAEL SKIBBE. “It was all Felicia. She worked hard around the basket.”

Porter finished with 18 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals.

JAZMINE BRADLEY chipped in with 8 points and 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the Monarchs (10-5).

KAYLA HARRELL and MONICA WILLIAMS each plucked 9 rebounds apiece in the Monarchs’ victory.

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 26 (18 reb, 3 stl, 3 blk), Jazmine Bradley 8 (10 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Abigail Vargas 6 (5 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Heather Bell 5 (3 reb), Kayla Harrell 4 (9 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Monica Williams 2 (9 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Deborah Saltzen 2, Kayla Kulhanek 1 (4 reb), Sunceri Cofield 1 (1 reb, 1 stl).

EL CAMINO 46, STEELE CANYON 40 – MONIQUE VAN scored 20 points, including 10 for 10 from the free throw line to go along with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, but the support from her teammates came up short as El Camino gained the victory in Thursday’s (Jan. 3) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

“The girls just weren’t in sync,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “The first time we played them (a 53-38 win in November) it was an easy game. I think the girls took them a little lightly.”

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 20 (8 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl), Isabella Welch 7 (2 reb, 2 stl), Tiana Teo 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 5 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Sydney Williams 2 (1 reb), Alexis Ramos (4 reb, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson (1 reb, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (2 reb).

HEALTH SCIENCE vs. CHRISTIAN – No report was received for this Thursday (Jan. 3) Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic game.

JAZMINE BRADLEY led the way with 15 points, including 3 of the Monarchs’ eight 3-pointers.

HEATHER BELL contributed 10 points as did KAYLA HARRELL to the Monarchs totals.

TAYLOR ESTES led Santana with 9 points.

“KYLIE BRASE did a very nice job on the boards,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “Monte Vista has some nice size. We are making progress. I thought we could have been a little more competitive.”

Monte Vista: Jazmine Bradley 15, Heather Bell 10, Kayla Harrell 10, Abigail Vargas 6, Kayle Kulhanek 6, Monica Williams 4, Felicia Porter 2.

Santana: Taylor Estes 9, Kayti Grable 8, Sydney Blackburn 3, Kylie Brase 3, Veronica Martinez 3, Emily Kloss 3, Gretchen Hudson 2.

STEELE CANYON 53, CHRISTIAN 29 – Once again, MONIQUE VAN was the driving force in the Cougars’ conquest of Christian in Wednesday’s (Jan. 2)

Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic.

Van scored 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, snagged 7 steals and dished 4 assists, while ALEXIS RAMOS contributed 10 points for the Cougars, as did TIANA TEO, who also made 7 steals.

“We started out real slow, the gym was cold,” said Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG. “We went man-to-man with their primary scorer (CHAYAN LOWERY) and Alexis Ramos was able to hold her to single digits in the second half.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 19 (10 reb, 4 ast, 7 stl), Alexis Ramos 10 (4 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Tiana Teo 10 (2 reb, 1 ast, 7 stl), Jule Loibl 5 (4 ast, 7 stl), Isabella Welch 5 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Malicia Jordan 2 (1 reb), Shelby Johnson 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Sydney Williams (1 reb, 2 stl), Sabrina Stocker (2 reb, 1 blk).

Christian: No stats reported.

ESCONDIDO 66, EL CAPITAN 41 – One thing you have to say about the new El Capitan veteran coaching duo of ROSS FURROW and RICK WILKERSON is the Vaqueros are guaranteed to improve.

And so far they have in terms of scoring points in a game.

A 23-2 third quarter deficit cost the Vaqueros this game in the first round of the

Wolverine Invitational on Wednesday (Jan. 2). But on the swing side the Vaqueros outscored the Cougars 16-6 in the final period.

“We’re getting incrementally better,” said Wilkerson. “We don’t have a chance to practice with all these tournaments. We had a pretty good first half. The third quarter was tough, but we came back and played better in the fourth quarter. When we have a chance to practice we’ll get better.”

CIERRA CUTLER led the Vaqueros with 12 points.

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 12, Jessica Diprima 9, Rebecca Leonard 7, Valeria Garay 6, Kira Lopez 3, Katie Davidson 2, Meg Lima 2.

SANTANA 1, HEALTH SCIENCE 0 (forfeit) – Health Science failed to show up for this scheduled game on Wednesday (Jan. 2) as part of the Monte Vista Lady Monarch Classic, and so therefore forfeited the game to Santana (5-8).