Valhalla's Jordan Qsar (right) races baseline on Grossmont center Tommy Rutherford. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-1-14) — Just when it looked like Valhalla High was going to fall out of the Grossmont Hills League race, DAVID GAZALE scored 23 points to lead the Norsemen to a 63-54 victory over visiting Grossmont in Friday’s (Jan. 31) key GHL contest.

It was Valhalla’s first victory in GHL play and leveled the mark of preseason favorite Grossmont at 2-2.

“We know we’re still in the race,” Gazale said. “But we knew we had to win this one.

“At first my shot wasn’t on,” he said. “So then I decided to drive to the basket because they were coming out flying at me. I got most of my points in the paint.”

Gazale finished 8-for-21 from the floor and 5-for-6 from the free throw line.

Another key factor for Valhalla (10-9, 1-3 GHL) was the Norsemen corralled Grossmont scoring machine TOMMY RUTHERFORD, holding the 6-foot-9 sophomore to 13 points. Rutherford did, however, manage to record 21 rebounds.

“We had three guys play great defense against Rutherford: TREY SCHIMKE, JAKE BASSETTE and COLE HENDERSON,” said Valhalla coach KEITH JACKSON. “Our rotation was good. Those three guys did a great job because our idea was to keep a fresh body on him.”

Valhalla outscored the Foothillers (15-6, 2-2 GHL) across the board.

GEORGE FAKHOURY scored 14 points for Valhalla and JORDAN QSAR grabbed a team high 12 rebounds.

“We’re a make-or-break team,” said Gazale. “When we play as a team the results are usually positive.”

CARL BLANCHARD led Grossmont with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while ANTHONY LAWRENCE contributed 12 points.

Valhalla: David Gazale 23 (6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), George Fakhoury 14 (6 reb, 1 stl), Jordan Qsar 9 (12 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Jacob Hammett 8 (3 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Jake Bassette 4 (3 reb, 1 ast), Cole Henderson 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Trey Schimke 2 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Terrell McKay (1 reb, 1 ast).

Grossmont: Carl Blanchard 15 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Tommy Rutherford 13 (21 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Anthony Lawrence 12 (3 reb, 2 ast), Rome Harris 8 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), J.T. Barnes 6 (3 reb, 3 ast).

Valhalla defender David Gazale (5) boxes out Grossmont's J.T. Barnes to garner the rebound. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

HELIX 59, STEELE CANYON 50 – For a team that lacks superstars, Helix keeps coming up with someone to lead the way.

In Friday’s (Jan. 31) Grossmont Hills League battle of unbeatens the Highlanders pulled out the game with the help of some unsung heroes.

Junior LUKE HOLLOWAY popped in 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds to lead Helix (14-8, 4-0 GHL). Holloway was a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor.

But this was a balanced attack for the Highlanders as MARCUS WHITE pitched in 10 points and CHRISTIAN BELL added 9 as did ELSAIAH BLAIR .

The victory vaulted Helix into first place in the Grossmont Hills League.

“I know a lot of people are surprise that we are where we are, but I’m not surprised,” Bell said. “When we play the game the way we know how to play, the results are usually positive. But of course, with five league games to go, anything is possible.”

ZACH KISSEL led Steele Canyon with 22 markers, while DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON pitched in 10. Kissel also nailed 4 of 5 three-point shots and snagged 6 rebounds.

“Defensively we played three of our better quarters of the year,” said Helix coach JOHN SINGER, who’s Highlanders trailed 17-15 after the first quarter.

Helix: Luke Holloway 13 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Marcus White 10 (5 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Christian Bell 9 (4 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl), Elsaiah Blair 9 (1 reb, 1 stl), Qrizviah Mobley 7 (7 reb, 2 stl), Gary Linson 6 (3 stl, 1 blk), Marcus Norris 5 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

Steele Canyon: Zach Kissel 22 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Dominick Wood-Anderson 10 (4 reb), Aaron Pisiona 7 (4 reb, 2 ast), Dylan Hamlett 5 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl), Xavier Goodloe 4 (4 reb), Tyler Gulino-Jones 2 (4 reb), Ryan Razooky (1 ast).

WEST HILLS 70, GRANITE HILLS 47 – West Hills used a balanced attack to roll over visiting Granite Hills in Friday’s (Jan. 31) Grossmont Hills League activity.

The game was decided in the second half as the Wolf Pack turned a 2-point lead into a rout by outscoring the Eagles 40-19 over the final two periods.

“It was a 2-point game at halftime,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY ANDERSON. “The third quarter we played poorly defensively – couldn’t put the ball in the basket. We had kind of a letdown after the half, didn’t play well in the third quarter.”

CHASE PARSONS lit the fire under the Wolf Pack with 19 points, including 8 of 10 free throw shooting.

THOMAS REANEY contributed a double-double of 11 rebounds and 11 points for the Wolf Pack (13-6, 2-2 GHL).

BRENT WILDER pitched in 11 points, while RICARDO BARAJAS knocked down 10.

West Hills broke the game open in the third quarter with a 21-7 run. Parsons scored 10 of his 19 markers in that period, and Barajas hit a couple of key 3-pointers.

“We did a lot of good things,” said Pack assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG. “I think one of the pivotal points was holding (ANDREW) MANNING to three buckets.

“Our zone pressure was more effective in the second half, creating turnovers,” Armstrong added. “That was the key to the game.”

Manning finished with 16 points for Granite Hills, including 8 of 12 from the free throw line.

SETH COLLINS pitched in 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Eagles.

West Hills: Chase Parsons 19 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Thomas Reaney 11 (11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brent Wilder 11 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Ricardo Barajas 10 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Marco Ovies 7 (4 reb, 5 ast), Joe Mansour 3 (1 ast, 2 stl), Elias Totah 3 (1 reb, 1 ast), Nick Zoree 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Byron Padilla 2 (1 stl), Austin Alderson 2 (1 stl), Spencer Moyer (2 reb).

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 16 (2 ast, 2 stl), Seth Collins 10 (12 reb, 2 blk), Antonio Read 7 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brayan Turner 6 (1 stl), Taylor Foreman 4 (5 reb, 2 blk, 1 stl), Jacob Burton 3 (3 reb), Rease Warford 2 (2 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl), Edgar Aguilar (1 reb), Matt Conley (1 reb).

ECVHS' Syon Hicks steps in front of an El Cap pass for the steal, as the Braves pulled away late to down the Vaqueros. (Photo by Chuck Merino) Braves take down GVL leading El Cap Idle Monte vista takes over first place By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (1-29-14) — In a battle of attrition under the boards, a near, dead-even ballgame through three quarters suddenly became a romp. After giving up the lead with a minute left in the third quarter, El Cajon Valley suddenly turned on the jets, out-scoring visiting El Capitan by a 25-3 margin over the final nine minutes, taking a deceivingly easy-looking 68-47 decision in Tuesday's (Jan. 28) Grossmont Valley League encounter. The score was anything but indicative until ECVHS was able to out-last El Capitan in the paint during a physical affair. "It definitely was a physical game, but we don't mind if the refs don't call the little stuff -- which they didn't," said Braves forward BRANDON RUMLEY. "We just kept rebounding and eventually out-worked them." If this was an early-season contest, both ballclubs might still be shooting foul shots. Instead, the team which converted more putback baskets would become the winner, something no one knew for three periods. Finally, the wear-and-tear inside melted the Vaqueros, which scored only a pair of field goals in the second half. "We manned up after coach (MARTY ELLIS) told us to man up," noted Braves guard IBRAHIM ALI. “I guess they got almost all of their points on free throws because they weren't scoring any baskets." The Braves led by as many as nine points in the first half, when Ali poured in nine of his 11 points. He connected on three straight jumpers to open the contest, then added a triple for an early 19-10 advantage. However, when the Braves defense opened the second half with a 9-1 disadvantage in fouls, the Vaqueros crawled back one point at a time from the line, taking a 44-43 lead with 1:44 left in the third. That's when ECVHS took over inside. SYON HICKS grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on the follow shot to immediately reclaim the lead. In the fourth quarter, Rumley scored on an inside shot, BRENDEN BROCIOUS and Rumley followed with consecutive 10-footers. Two minutes later, Brocious wrapped up the victory on both ends of the court. He sank a 15-foot jump shot, then took a charge on defense to force an offensive foul as the lead quickly extended into double digits. For the quarter, El Capitan was a mere 1-for-16 from the floor, allowing El Cajon Valley to close with a run of 20 unanswered points, knocking El Cap out of first place. Monte Vista, which had the bye, now assumes the top spot in the GVL. El Cajon Valley: Brenden Brocious 21 (10 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Brandon Rumley 17 (19 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Ibrahim Ali 11 (6 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Syon Hicks 10 (5 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Drake Afaisen 6 (3 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Mike Readus 3 (9 reb, 2 stl), Ahmad Sulyman (1 stl). El Capitan: Scott Root 10 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk), Aaron Price 10 (2 reb), Kade Kygar 8 (2 reb), Myles Emmerson 6 (1 reb, 2 ast), Andy Casas 6 (6 reb), Wyatt Alvarez 4 (1 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Joey LaChappa 3 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl).

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-29-14) — Traditional rivalry: check. Primary contenders in the Grossmont Hills League: check.

So the fact that Helix squeezed out a 52-51 victory over defending GHL champion Grossmont was no surprise.

The Highlanders claimed the victory Tuesday (Jan. 28) on a bucket-and-one by MARCUS WHITE with 4 seconds left to leave Helix (13-8, 3-0 GHL) in a tie with Steele Canyon (14-5, 3-0 GHL) for the league lead.

White finished with 17 points for the Highlanders, who have won five in a row.

Helix has won 10 of its last 13 games.

“One of the things we have to count on White for is he has to play all 32 minutes,” said Helix coach JOHN SINGER of his 5-foot-10 sophomore guard. “He’s one of our team leaders.”

ELSAIAH BLAIR nailed 5 points in the fourth quarter, which set up White’s game-winning combination.

“We had a lot of guys contribute,” said Singer, whose Highlanders lost 64-61 in an earlier tournament game to the Foothillers.

“We did what we wanted to do defensively, but we couldn’t make any free throws,” said Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO.

For Grossmont one of the sure things is the output of TOMMY RUTHERFORD, who pumped in 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds.

ANTHONY LAWRENCE contributed 15 points and 9 rebounds in the losing effort.

Helix: Marcus White 17 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Christian Bell 9 (5 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl), Qrizviah Mobley 9 (4 reb), Elsaiah Blair 8 (7 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Luke Holloway 4 (5 reb, 1 stl), Gary Linson 3 (4 reb, 3 stl), Marcus Norris 2 (5 reb, 2 stl), Justin Flisher (3 reb), Ernesto Martinez (2 reb), John Nalty (1 reb).

Grossmont: Tommy Rutherford 27 (24 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Anthony Lawrence 15 (9 reb, 4 ast), Carl Blanchard 8 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), J.T. Barnes (2 reb, 2 ast), Rome Harris 1 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk).

CHRISTIAN 56, CRAWFORD 55 (OT) – The play of the game came in overtime when ZACH KINNINGER was fouled and completed an and-one,
3-point play, and TYLER BALLARD hit an 8-foot jumper to account for the Patriots’ 5 points in the extra session.

Crawford missed a 3-pointer as time expired in overtime of Tuesday’s (Jan. 28) Central League action.

The Colts were up two points and Tyler Ballard hit a jump shot from the baseline to send the game into overtime.

Christian claimed a classic come-from-behind victory.

Kinninger set the pace with 15 points and 14 rebounds, Tyler Ballard contributed 13 points, TRENT SAULS pitched in 11 and grabbed 8 rebounds, while JOHNNY PAULSON scored 10 points.

All of the Christian starters scored in what was arguably the best game the Patriots have played all season.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 15 (14 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Tyler Ballard 13 (3 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl), Trent Sauls 11 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Johnny Paulson 10 (6 reb, 1 stl), Michael Carrillo 6 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), Josh Smith 1 (2 reb), Travis Ballard (1 reb).

STEELE CANYON 55, GRANITE HILLS 42 – ZACH KISSEL scored 19 points to help Steele Canyon maintain its share of the Grossmont Hills League lead with Helix after Tuesday’s (Jan. 28) victory over Granite Hills.

The Cougars took a first quarter 13-5 lead and were never seriously threatened thereafter.

“We came out strong and had a little letdown in the second quarter,” said Cougars coach DEREK STEPHENS. “We had some injuries and foul trouble. Our bench played hard tonight. Defensively we played pretty good.”

“There were a lot of fouls called. The officials just kind of let them battle. It was difficult to get clean looks from inside.”

Granite Hills cut it to 3 points in the second half then the Cougars came back on a 13-8 run in the third quarter.

“I was happy with the way we played physically after falling behind in the first quarter,” said Eagles coach RANDY ANDERSON.

TAYLOR FOREMAN, a transfer from Mountain Empire, led the Eagles with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

ANDREW MANNING, the Eagles’ top scorer for the season, was held to half his average.

SETH COLLINS grabbed a team high 10 rebounds for Granite Hills.

Steele Canyon: Zach Kissel 19, Jordan Johnson 13, Dominick Wood-Anderson 10, Tanner Perry 6, Tyler Gulino-Jones 3, Dylan Hamlett 2, Ryan Razooky 2.

Granite Hills: Taylor Foreman 13 (6 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Andrew Manning 9 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl), Seth Collins 6 (10 reb, 1 ast, 4 blk, 2 stl), Rease Warford 6 (2 reb, 1 stl), Matt Conley 3, Brayan Turner 4 (2 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Jaron Sanders 1 (3 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jacob Burton (1 reb), Antonio Read (1 reb, 2 ast).

WEST HILLS 73, VALHALLA 42 – No question, the Grossmont Hills League is filled with surprises. Case in point was Tuesday’s (Jan. 28) joust between Valhalla and host West Hills.

The Wolf Pack 12-6, 2-2 GHL) dominated the Norsemen (9-9, 0-3 GHL) across the board after beginning a commanding 14-2 scoring run in the first quarter.

“ Valhalla has a good zone press and I thought our kids did a good job of being patient and breaking it down,” said West Hills assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG.

West Hills’ list of stars were many, led by CHASE PARSONS’ 16 points, which included 7 of 12 shooting from the field, and 2 of his bulls-eyes were from 3-point range.

“MARCO OVIES continues to be solid with 9 assists and no turnovers,” said Armstrong. “RICARDO BARAJAS shot the ball well tonight for us with 16 markers and had some great assists.”

THOMAS REANEY was a force inside with 9 rebounds (6 offensive) and 3 blocks. He also pitched in 14 points for the Wolf Pack.

West Hills’ pressure harassed Valhalla throughout the game, as the Wolf Pack created 19 steals.

“I think a key was we never let Valhalla 's shooters get comfortable,” Armstrong said. “It was a big D3 game for us.”

Only DAVID GAZALE reached double digits for Valhalla , scoring 10 points for the Norsemen.

Valhalla, which came in averaging 63.2 ppg, was held to more than 21 points below its season average. In fact, this was the poorest offensive output the Norsemen have produced all season.

West Hills: Chase Parsons 16 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Ricardo Barajas 16 (1 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Thomas Reaney 14 (9 reb, 2 stl, 2 blks), Brent Wilder 9 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Nick Zoree 9 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Joe Mansour 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Spencer Moyer 2 (1 reb, 3 stl), Byron Padilla 2 (1 reb, 2 ast), Marco Ovies 1 (4 reb, 9 ast, 1 stl), Elias Totah 1 (1 reb), D.J. Lewis (4 reb, 2 stl), Austin Alderson (2 reb, 1 stl).

Valhalla: David Gazale 10 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl), Cole Henderson 9 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), Jordan Qsar 6 (8 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Jacob Hammett 6 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Trey Schimke 5 (1 reb, 1 ast), George Fakhoury 3 (4 reb, 3 ast, Terrell McKay 2 (3 reb), Yousif Kagy 1 (1 stl), Jake Bassette (4 reb, 1 ast), Jordan Ellis (1 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 67, SANTANA 55 – Visiting Mount Miguel snapped a 5-game losing streak by knocking off Santana in Tuesday’s (Jan. 28) Grossmont Valley League action in Santee .

The pivotal period was the second quarter when the Matadors blanked the Sultans 13-0.

“In all my years of coaching I’ve never had a team be shut out in a quarter,” lamented Santana coach TIM BARRY.

Santana led 13-12 after the first quarter. Then the wheels fell off.

“That second quarter was a good defensive quarter – to hold someone to zero points,” said Matadors coach JAY ROWLETT. “We played pretty good D in that quarter.”

TAIHIR McMURRAY pumped in 20 points, including 8 field goals, against the Sultans (5-11, 0-3 GVL). The Matadors’ point guard has scored 41 points in his last two starts.

CARL DEE ROBERSON rolled a double-double for the Matadors (7-13, 1-2 GVL) with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

DONNELL PAYNE scored 10 points for the Matadors.

Santana got a double-double from C.J. CLARK, who rang up 14 points and 11 rebounds.

RYAN BRATLIEN hit 6 of 10 from the floor on his way to a 14-point finish that also included 6 assists for Santana, while AUSTIN MILLER nailed 10 points.

Mount Miguel sharpshooter JAMES McLEOD nailed four 3-pointers to help salt away the victory for the Matadors.

“That guy killed us,” said Barry.

Mount Miguel: Taihir McMurray 20 (3 reb, 3 ast), Carl Dee Roberson 16 (11 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), James McLeod 12 (1 stl), Donnell Payne 10 (7 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Nate Gilbert 6 (5 reb, 1 ast), Dorian Norwood 2 (2 reb), Nayib Villarini 1 (1 stl).

Santana: C.J. Clark 14 (11 reb), Ryan Bratlien 14 (4 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Austin Miller 10 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Tiano Franco 8 (1 reb, 1 ast), Anthony Romero 5 (2 reb, 2 stl), Tyler Kirk 4 (1 reb, 1 ast), Daniel Shively (2 reb, 1 stl), Mitchell Miller (1 reb, 2 ast), Daulton Barry (2 reb).

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-26-14) — Mount Miguel High put up a surprisingly strong showing against heavily favored Foothills Christian in Saturday’s (Jan. 25) non-league game at Granite Hills.

The Matadors led 38-35 on a 3-pointer by DONNELL PAYNE in the opening minute of the third quarter.

It was still a game going into the fourth quarter as Foothills Christian led only 52-49. The Knights (14-7) took control from there, however, and continued on for a 73-60 victory to blunt Mount Miguel’s upset bid.

“They’re a pretty good team,” Foothills Christian’s 6-foot-6 senior DANE NORMAN said of the Matadors.

Norman finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

As powerful as Norman was inside, 6-foot-9 sophomore T.J. LEAF was effective inside and out, finishing with a triple-double of 20 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

Leaf found a new connection against the Matadors as the majority of his assists went to 6-foot-7 sophomore J.R. RIVERA, who was camped on the block.

“I started to notice they were doubling and then tripling on T.J., so I just hung around the basket and waited for the pass,” Rivera said.

Rivera was 7-for-8 from the floor and finished with 16 points.

“We have a lot of good pieces on our team,” he said. “You can’t use everybody to stop T.J. because he will find the open man.”

Norman hit 6 of 8 shots from the field, including one trey, while LUIS SALGADO contributed 14 points. All but two of his markers came from 3-point range.

But in spite of the Knights’ distinct size advantage, the quicker Matadors (6-13) kept the pressure on, attacking the basket with point guard TAIHIR McMURRAY leading the charge. The 5-foot-8 senior was not afraid to drive the key.

“I think one of the things that allowed us to pull away is we finally stopped No. 1 (McMurray) from driving to the net and kicking it out to shooters,” Norman said.

McMurray finished with 21 points on 8 of 15 shooting. He also had 5 assists. In the fourth quarter, however, Foothills Christian limited him to 2 points and 1 assist.

Senior CARL DEE ROBERSON, the Matadors 6-foot-3 post man, did an excellent job on mixing it up inside the paint for Mount Miguel , finishing with 9 points and 11 rebounds.

Payne finished with 12 points in the losing effort.

Foothills Christian: T.J. Leaf 20 (12 reb, 14 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Dane Norman 18 (10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), J.R. Rivera 16 (6 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk), Luis Salgado 14 (1 ast, 1 stl), Caleb Hoffman 3 (4 ast), Javier Guerrero 2.

Mount Miguel : Taihir McMurray 21 (4 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Donnell Payne 12 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Carl Dee Roberson 9 (11 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Darian Norwood 9 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), James McLeod 6 (1 reb), Nate Gilbert 3, Nayib Villarini (1 stl).

WEST HILLS 75, SANTANA 47 – West Hills made one thing clear in Saturday’s (Jan. 25) Grossmont Conference game. The Wolf Pack is more than a second half team.

At least it was against archrival Santana when the Pack marched to a 26-8 first quarter lead.

“We played well from the start, were up 18 after one quarter and never looked back,” said Pack assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG. “We applied pressure early and they couldn't handle it.”

West Hills led 57-29 after three periods. Eight members of the Wolf Pack cast contributed to the scoring totals, led by BRENT WILDER’s 13 markers. JOE MANSOUR added 12.

“MARCO OVIES played well again (7 points, 6 assists) and continues to be one of the top point guards in East County ,” said Armstrong.

“We dominated the offensive glass tonight which was kinda nice for a change,” Armstrong said. “It was a good team effort as everyone contributed in some way or another. It was nice to win a rivalry game on the road.”

ANTHONY ROMERO paced Santana with 10 points, including 3 triples to go with his 7 rebounds.

“We took only 38 shots in the whole game and it’s kinda hard to win taking that few,” said Santana coach TIM BARRY. “We were down only 10-8 in the first quarter when West Hills closed the period by scoring 16 straight points.”

West Hills: Brent Wilder 13 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Joe Mansour 12 (4 reb, 3 ast), Ricardo Barajas 8 (3 reb, 1 stl), Nick Zoree 7 (2 reb, 1 ast), Marco Ovies 7 (6 ast), Thomas Reaney 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), D.J. Lewis 6 (6 reb, 1 ast), Elias Totah 5 (1 reb), Byron Padilla 5, Spencer Moyer 3, Chase Parsons 2 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Austin Alderson (1 reb).

Santana: Anthony Romero 10 (7 reb), Daniel Shively 9 (7 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Mitchell Miller 9 (3 reb, 1 ast), C.J. Clark 6 (7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Ryan Bratlien 4 (3 reb), David Colera 4, Austin Miller 3, Tyler Kirk 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Sage Hicks (1 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Daulton Barry (1 reb, 1 ast), Drake Vesco (1 ast).

Steele Canyon forward Jordan Johnson faced a double-team under the basket. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

Steele Canyon's Dominick Wood-Anderson (left) drives to the basket on Valhalla's Jordan Qsar. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-25-14) — It seems like no matter what a Grossmont High opponent does, it cannot corral the Foothillers’ 6-foot-9 sophomore TOMMY RUTHERFORD, who finished with 27 points and 22 rebounds Friday (Jan. 24) as the Foothillers clipped visiting West Hills, 61-55, to maintain a share of a three-way tie for the Grossmont Hills League lead.

Rutherford nailed 11 of 13 shots from the field and 5 of 7 free throws to go along with 4 blocks.

No question, Rutherford is the best player in the Grossmont Conference.

“For a big man he can do just about everything you can ask,” said Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO. “He can dribble the ball, he can pass the ball, he can shoot the ball and he can obviously rebound the ball.”

The Foothillers appeared to have things under control as they led 19-4 after one quarter and 31-15 at halftime.

West Hills (10-6, 0-2 GHL), which has proven to become a second half team, fought back and trailed only 44-41 in the first minute of the final period.

The Pack trailed only 46-43 and then hit the skids.

Grossmont extended its advantage to 9 points during the next two minutes, but West Hills refused to fold, cutting the deficit to 52-47 on a free throw by the Pack’s D.J. LEWIS.

Once again, Grossmont streaked out to a 9 point advantage on a pair of free throws by ROME HARRIS.

As the Pack kept trying to gain possession of the ball in the final seconds, ANTHONY LAWRENCE, who finished with 17 points, put the game away by making 5 of 7 free throws in the final period to seal the deal for Grossmont.

CARL BLANCHARD grabbed 12 rebounds for the Hillers.

Nobody scored in double digits for the Pack.

Grossmont: Tommy Rutherford 27 (22 reb, 1 ast, 4 blk), Anthony Lawrence 17 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Carl Blanchard 9 (12 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Rome Harris 4 (1 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), J.T. Barnes 4 (4 reb), Kyle Williams (1 reb, 1 ast), Cameron Henderson (1 reb), Dominique Hill (1 stl).

West Hills: Brent Wilder 9 (1 reb, 1 ast), Chase Parsons 8 (3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Elias Totah 7 (4 reb), Ricardo Barajas 7, Spencer Moyer 6 (2 reb), Nick Zoree 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Austin Alderson 4 (3 reb), Joe Mansour 3 (1 reb), Thomas Reaney 2 (3 reb), D.J. Lewis 2 (1 ast, 1 stl), Marco Ovies 2 (1 ast), Byron Padilla (1 reb).

Austin Miller of Santana (3) drives for the bucket. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

EL CAPITAN 59, SANTANA 56 – In front of a full house Friday night (Jan. 24) at Santana two long-time rivals battled to the end of a Grossmont Valley League encounter.

The crowd goes wild at Santana. (Photo by Ruth Mima)

“El Capitan was clinging to a 58-56 lead and we had the ball under our own hoop,” said Santana coach TIM BARRY. “We ran an out of bounds play, got the ball down the court and MITCHELL MILLER took a 3-point shot. It was a good look but the ball rimmed out – skimmed off the front – and El Cap got the rebound. We fouled them and they made a free throw.”

MYLES EMMERSON led El Capitan with 13 points, while JOEY LaCHAPPA had 11 rebounds and 6 steals to anchor the lead for the Vaqueros (10-8, 2-0 GVL).

C.J. CLARK paced Santana with 14 points, while DANIEL SHIVELY pitched in 12.

El Capitan: Myles Emmerson 13 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Wyatt Alvarez 9 (1 reb, 3 ast), Joey LaChappa 8 (11 reb, 6 stl), Aaron Price 8 (7 reb, 4 ast), Isaiah Capoocia 7, Scott Root 6 (2 stl), Andy Casas 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk), Kade Kygar 3 (1 ast), Patrick Howell (1 reb).

Santana: C.J. Clark 14 (5 reb, 3 ast), Daniel Shively 12 (7 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Ryan Bratlien 9 (5 reb), Austin Miller 6 (1 reb, 1 stl), Tyler Kirk 5 (5 reb, 1 stl), Anthony Romero 5 (5 reb, 1 stl), Mitchell Miller 5 (3 reb, 1 ast), Tiano Franco (4 ast), Sage Hicks (2 reb).

Christian High's David Jeremiah (right). (Photo by Amy Wilson)

CHRISTIAN 49, CLAIREMONT 46 – It wasn’t as if the Christian High Patriots had won a section championship, but Friday’s (Jan. 24) post-game celebration following their first Central League victory at the RAC under interim coach TIM BROWN created quite a stir in the Patriots locker room.

This win was special, considering it was the first victory for Coach Brown as the Patriots’ mentor.

“It was a complete dogpile in the locker room,” said assistant coach DAVID BEEZER. “The kids were really excited for their new coach.”

ZACH KINNINGER was the cornerstone of the victory with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists for Christian (5-15, 1-4 CL).

JOHNNY PAULSON added 16 points to the total, as well as 3 assists and one steal. Paulson’s collection included four 3-pointers.

Kinninger was 6-for-10 both from the field and the free throw line.

“Kinninger was a beast inside,” said Beezer. “JOSH SMITH came off the bench and was tough on the boards (with 6 rebounds).

Christian: Zach Kinninger 16 (15 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Johnny Paulson 16 (3 ast, 1 stl), David Jeremiah 6 (4 reb, 1 stl), Trent Sauls 4 (6 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Tyler Ballard 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Michael Carrillo 2 (3 reb), Josh Smith (6 reb, 1 stl), Travis Ballard (1 stl, 2 blk), Ethan Contreras (1 reb).

(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

STEELE CANYON 66, VALHALLA 54 – Steele Canyon is part of the trifecta of leadership in the Grossmont Hills League after knocking off Valhalla (9-8, 0-2 GHL) the Cougars (13-5, 2-0 GHL) Friday night (Jan. 24).

“Defensively we played pretty well,” said Cougars coach DEREK STEPHENS. “We got in foul trouble in the 2nd quarter. We were up by one point at the half. Our defense in the 2nd half was pretty good. We did a much better job on the boards in the 2nd half – It was a good win for us.”

The Cougars overcame an 18-12 first quarter deficit to take a 29-28 lead at halftime.

Valhalla was forced to play catch-up after that.

ZACH KISSEL directed the offense for Steele Canyon with 24 points, while JORDAN JOHNSON pitched in 13, DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON hit 11 and DYLAN HAMLETT chipped in 10.

DAVID GAZALE paced the Norsemen with 20 points and 7 rebounds.

“We battled in the first half,” said Valhalla coach KEITH JACKSON. “We tried to shut off their inside game, but then they hurt us with their outside game. We played a strong first half but then we tried to play one-on-one basketball and that just isn’t going to work for us.”

COLE HENDERSON pitched in 10 points for Valhalla and JORDAN QSAR grabbed 10 rebounds for the Norsemen.

Steele Canyon: Zach Kissel 24, Jordan Johnson 13, Dominick Wood-Anderson 11, Dylan Hamlett 10, Aaron Pisiona 8.

Valhalla: David Gazale 20 (7 reb, 1 blk), Cole Henderson 10 (4 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Jordan Qsar 9 (10 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), George Fakhoury 7 (2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jake Bassette 3 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Trey Schimke 3 (1 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl), Jacob Hammett 2 (3 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl).

H

(Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

ELIX 54, GRANITE HILLS 36 – The Helix Highlanders, who coach JOHN SINGER said are in a rebuilding year, find themselves in a three-way tie for first place in the Grossmont Hills League after beating Granite Hills on Friday (Jan. 24).

The Highlanders (12-8, 2-0 GHL) received 22 points from senior CHRISTIAN BELL, who nailed 7 of 16 shots from the field, including a pair of treys and 5 of 10 free throws. The Highlanders’ floor leader also grabbed 5 rebounds, dealt 6 assists, recorded 3 steals and took 2 charges.

“We held (Granite Hills) to 7 field goals,” said Singer. “And that says something for our defense. We limited their leading scorer (ANDREW MANNING) to one basket. These are the things we have to do to win a game – we’re not gonna outscore anybody.”

Another blue chip note for the Highlanders was the 46-29 rebounding advantage they held in the contest.

The pivotal period was the third when Helix claimed a 22-8 scoring edge.

“We shot 17.5 percent from the field,” lamented Granite Hills coach RANDY ANDERSON. “The only reason we were even close is we played pretty well defensively.”

SETH COLLINS rolled a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds and blocked 3 shots as the bright spot for the Eagles.

Helix: Christian Bell 22 (5 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl), Qrizviah Mobley 6 (3 reb), Ernesto Martinez 6 (5 reb), Elsaiah Blair 5 (7 reb, 1 blk), Marcus White 4 (5 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Marcus Norris 4 (6 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk), Luke Holloway 4 (5 reb), Justin Flisher 2 (2 reb), Gary Linson 1 (7 reb), Dylan Lee (1 reb).

Granite Hills: Seth Collins 12 (12 reb, 3 blk), Andrew Manning 8 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Jaron Sanders 7 (1 reb), Antonio Read 3 (2 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Rease Warford 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Taylor Foreman 2 (7 reb, 2 blk), Brayan Turner 1 (3 reb), Chris Diaz 1, Jacob Burton (2 reb), Edgar Aguilar (1 reb), Matt Conley (1 reb).

MONTE VISTA 59, MOUNT MIGUEL 45 – Monte Vista maintained its share of the Grossmont Valley League lead with El Capitan by rolling over Spring Valley rival Mount Miguel on Friday (Jan. 24) in the Monarchs gym.

“Our kids are really amped up,” said Monte Vista coach MIKE TULLY. “Although I was really happy to see them be so aggressive, they got a little bit out of control and got in foul trouble.”

Fact is, the Monarchs committed 12 – compared to 5 for Mount Miguel – of the 17 first half fouls.

“That kept us from pulling away,” Tully said.

It was hardly a problem, however, as the Monarchs led 50-26 going into the final period.

JORDAN JACKSON was a force for the Monarchs with a double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds. He nailed 9 of 13 shots, including a pair of treys.

THOMAS WALKER sparked the aggressive Monte Vista defense with 8 steals, while TORY SANDERS grabbed 10 rebounds for the Monarchs.

One thing Mount Miguel can count on is the shooting of DONNELL PAYNE, who netted a game high 22 points including 11 of 12 free throws.

Monte Vista : Jordan Jackson 21 (17 reb, 1 blk), Adam Wallace 9 (5 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Eric Collins 9 (3 reb), Jemeil Jackson 8 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Tory Sanders 7 (10 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Thomas Walker 6 (7 reb, 3 ast, 8 stl), Meliek Johnson 2 (1 stl).

Mount Miguel : Donnell Payne 22 (3 reb, 1 ast), Nayib Villarini 7 (2 reb), Taihir McMurray 7 (1 reb, 1 ast), Darian Norwood 3 (7 reb, 2 stl), Carl Dee Roberson 2 (5 reb, 1 stl), Nate Gilbert 2 (4 reb), James McLeod 1, Amadi Cass-Williams 1 (1 reb, 1 stl).

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 59, CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 24 – With their big man, 6-foot-9 T.J. LEAF taking the night off, the Knights still found a way to win Friday’s (Jan. 24) Sunset League contest with little difficulty.

JAVIER GUERRERO led the way with 16 points and LUIS SALGADO added 12 as Foothills Christian (11-7, 2-0 SL) won their San Diego Section 61st league game in succession.

Foothills Christian will host Mount Miguel on Saturday (Jan. 25) at Granite Hills High School at 6 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
NATIONAL CITY (1-23-14) — Foothills Christian High opened the Sunset League season with a 70-8 romp over host San Diego Academy on Wednesday (Jan. 22) night.

The game was filled with substitutions as the Knights (10-7, 1-0 SL) won their San Diego Section record 60th consecutive league game.

It was also the fewest points allowed since the FCHS basketball program bgan in 2004-05 as Venture Christian High. The old mark was 10 against Mountain Empire in 2010-11.

No individual statistics were reported

© East County Sports.com
DEL CERRO (1-22-14) — For only the second time in 17 decisions, No. 16 ranked Steele Canyon lost to a San Diego County rival on Tuesday (Jan. 21) as the Cougars fell to Patrick Henry, 57-56, in a non-league game.

“If we were able to make half the layups that we missed, we would have won by double digits,” said Steele Canyon coach DEREK STEPHENS. “As good as our bigs were against West Hills last Friday, they were horrible tonight. We scored only three baskets inside the paint.”

Nevertheless, the Cougars maintained an 8-point lead entering the final period.

“It was our game to win,” Stephens said.

Patrick Henry (9-9) scrambled back to take a 4-point advantage in the final minute.

“That’s the stinging thing about this game – we led almost all the way,” Stephens said.

The Cougars made a final charge when ZACH KISSEL canned his 4th 3-pointer of the contest to leave the Patriots 1-point up with 18 seconds remaining, but there was no more scoring after that.

Kissel fouled out in the final seconds, but not before netting 24 points including 4-for-4 free throw shooting.

Steele Canyon: Zach Kissel 24, Jordan Johnson 9, Dominick Wood-Anderson 8, Aaron Pisiona 7, Dylan Hamlett 4, Tyler Gulino-Jones 4.

KEARNY 64, CHRISTIAN 38 – Central League-leading Kearny used a 16-2 second quarter scoring run to roll past visiting Christian in Tuesday’s Jan. 21) league activity.

ZACH KINNINGER paced the Patriots (4-15, 0-4 CL) with 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Christian was 5-for-25 from 3-point range and 5-for-13 from the free throw stripe.

The game was tied at 8-8 three minutes into the contest, then Kearny embarked on a 27-4 scoring burst to lead 35-14 by intermission. Eighteen turnovers added to the Patriots’ woes.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 12 (9 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Johnny Paulson 8 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Tyler Ballard 7 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Trent Sauls 5 (3 reb, 1 stl), David Todd Jeremiah 4 (3 reb), Michael Carrillo 2 (1 reb, 1 ast), Josh Smith (1 blk, 1 stl), Ethan Contreras (1 reb, 1 ast), Travis Ballard (1 reb).

© East County Sports.com
LOS ANGELES (1-21-14) — Foothills Christian High faced a major challenge against Los Angeles Crenshaw in Monday’s (Jan. 20) in the MLK Hoops Classic Showcase at Price High School .

With scouts from UCLA and Indiana in attendance, sophomore T.J. LEAF scored 28 points, hitting 12 of 16 shots – including a pair of treys and 2 free throws – guiding Foothills Christian to a surprisingly easy 74-58 victory over the Cougars.

Leaf also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists as Foothills improved to 9-7 overall.

Six-foot-8 senior DANE NORMAN nailed 9 of 10 shots from the floor, including one trey and 7 of 7 free throws for 26 points for the Knights.

Guard CALEB HOFFMAN dished 9 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds to go along with 9 points.

It was actually a come from behind victory for Foothills Christian, which trailed 21-20 after one period. The Knights pulled a complete reversal in the second period, outscoring Crenshaw by 18-6 and never looked back after that.

Foothills Christian: T.J. Leaf 28 (7 reb, 4 ast), Dane Norman 26 (3 reb), Caleb Hoffman 9 (5 reb, 9 ast), J.R. Rivera 6 (1 ast), Javier Guerrero 5 (3 reb, 6 ast).

The Monarchs led 19-10 after one quarter, 32-18 at halftime, and 50-24 after three quarters.

Overall the Monarchs (8-12) claimed 60 rebounds, led by JORDAN JACKSON’s 12 and JERMYAH KELLY’s 10 caroms.

In a game that featured wholesale substitutions by Monarchs coach MIKE TULLY, TORY SANDERS hit 5 of 8 shots from the field plus one trey for a team-leading 14 points.

ADAM WALLACE added 11 points, including 4-for-4 shooting from the free throw line.

Jordan Jackson contributed 10 points, hitting 5 of 6 from the field to go with his monster rebounding game.

The Monarchs also put together 23 assists, led by JEMEIL JACKSON and ADAM WALLACE with 5 apiece.

Monte Vista: Tory Sanders 14 (8 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk), Adam Wallace 11 (4 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), Jordan Jackson 10 (12 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk), Eric Collins 5 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Meliek Johnson 5 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Jermyah Kelly 4 (10 reb, 1 ast), Jemeil Jackson 4 (5 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Saiyeed Mershon 2 (5 reb, 2 ast), Thomas Walker 2 (4 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl), Elijah Moore (5 reb).

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-19-14) — On the schedule this appeared to be just another game when West Hills faced Del Norte in a DIII Showdown game hosted by Valhalla on Saturday (Jan. 18).

Turns out it was a game of value to the winner.

“Wow!! What a great high school basketball game,” exclaimed West Hills assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG. “I don't even know how to describe that win... what a gutsy job defensively.”

Bottom line is the Wolf Pack put the squeeze on Del Norte, 56-52.

That hoisted West Hills’ mark to 10-5 and dropped the Nighthawks’ record to 11-6.

“D.J. LEWIS did an outstanding job on their best player (Austin Clyde... 24 ppg) in the second half, holding him to 4 points. The Clyde kid is a great all around player,” said Armstrong.

THOMAS REANEY played well for the Wolf Pack with 7 points and 10 rebounds, while ELIAS TOTAH came off the bench to spark the third quarter with 8 of his 10 points and 3 steals.

West Hills won the third quarter 15-9.

CHASE PARSONS and AUSTIN ALDERSON hit big free throws down the stretch to help seal the deal.

“We had an outstanding effort considering the way we played last night (in a 64-49 loss to Steele Canyon ),” said Armstrong. “We did a better job of taking care of the ball – only 8 turnovers vs. their pressure. It was a huge DIII win for us.”

West Hills: Brent Wilder 11 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Elias Totah 10 (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Thomas Reaney 7 (10 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Chase Parsons 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Austin Alderson 6 (4 reb, 1 ast), Marco Ovies 5 (3 ast, 1 stl), Ricardo Barajas 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), D.J. Lewis 2 (3 reb), Nick Zoree 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Spencer Moyer 2, Joe Mansour (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Byron Padilla (1 reb).

VALHALLA 69, MONTGOMERY 56 – DAVID GAZALE scored a career-high 29 points for Valhalla in Saturday’s (Jan. 18) DIII Showdown knockout of Montgomery .

COKE HENDERSON also registered his career-best of 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

JORDAN QSAR crashed the boards for 12 caroms for the Norsemen, who took a 47-24 halftime lead.

It was pretty amazing that the Norsemen were able to win by that spread as they made only 5 of 8 free throws compared to Montgomery ’s 18 of 33.

Not to be overlooked was Gazale’s six 3-pointers.

Valhalla led by as much as 23 points in the first half.

“It’s good for us to rebound from last night’s loss (to Helix),” Norsemen coach KEITH JACKSON said.

Valhalla: David Gazale 29 (5 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Cole Henderson 17 (9 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), George Fakhoury 9 (8 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Jordan Qsar 8 (12 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk), Jacob Hammett 4 (3 reb, 5 ast, 2 blk), Jake Bassette 2 (1 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Terrell McKay (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Aram Hermiz (1 reb), John Murad (1 reb).

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 79, CHRISTIAN 62 – Santa Fe Christian nailed 16 three-pointers compared to 10 treys by the visiting Patriots in Saturday’s (Jan. 18) non-league game in Solana Beach .

MICHAEL CARRILLO was 5-for-6 from the 3-point line to pace the Patriots (4-14).

ZACH KINNINGER netted 6 of 11 from the floor for 12 points and gobbled up a team high 8 rebounds, while TRENT SAULS reeled in 7 rebounds.

TYLER BALLARD dished up 7 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead Christian’s supporting cast.

The Patriots trailed the free-wheeling affair 47-33 at halftime and never recovered.

Christian: Michael Carrillo 15 (3 reb, 1 ast), Zach Kinninger 12 (8 reb, 2 ast), Johnny Paulson 7 (2 reb, 2 ast), Trent Sauls 5 (7 reb, 2 stl), David Todd Jeremiah 5 (1 ast, 1 stl), Tyler Ballard 4 (6 reb, 7 ast), Travis Ballard 4 (5 reb, 2 stl), Zack Yan 3 (1 ast), Ethan Contreras 3, Josh Smith (5 reb, 1 blk), Matt Xia (1 ast).

HILLTOP 64, SANTANA 44 – It was more than losing a game for the Santana Sultans as they dropped a DIII Showdown encounter to Hilltop Saturday (Jan. 18) at Valhalla .

“(RYAN) BRATLIEN banged knees with a defender midway through the second quarter and had to leave the game and did not return,” said Sultans coach TIM BARRY. “I hope it’s not serious because we sure need him come Friday night (when the Sultans open Grossmont Valley League play against El Capitan).”

Santana (5-8) led 16-15 after one quarter and was trailing by only 4 when Bratlien, the Sultans’ leading scorer with 11.8 ppg, went down.

The Lancers outscored the Sultans 30-12 in the middle two quarters.

On the bright side AUSTIN MILLER led Santana with 10 points, including a pair of treys.

“That was one of his best games of the year,” said Barry.

Santana: Austin Miller 10 (4 reb, 2 ast), Daniel Shively 9 (4 reb, 3 ast), Tiano Franco 9 (all 3s), C.J. Clark 6 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Ryan Bratlien 4 (1 reb, 2 ast), Anthony Romero 3 (2 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Tyler Kirk 2 (3 reb), Sage Hicks 1 (3 reb, 1 blk), Mitchell Miller (3 reb, 1 ast), Daulton Barry (1 reb, 1 ast), David Colera (1 reb, 1 stl), Drake Vesco (1 reb).

MORSE 83, MOUNT MIGUEL 56 – Once again the Mount Miguel Matadors found out that one person can’t win a game by himself in Saturday’s (Jan. 18) non-league against visiting Morse.

DONNELL PAYNE popped in 27 points, including 10 of 11 free throw shooting, and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Matadors fell to 6-11.

The remainder of the Matadors accounted for just 29 points.

Mount Miguel trailed 41-31 at halftime and then the Tigers scored the first 7 points of the third quarter, and then it was … game over.

Mount Miguel : Donnell Payne 27 (8 reb, 2 ast), Taihir McMurray 9 (1 ast), Carl Dee Roberson 6 (7 reb, 1 stl), Darian Norwood 5 (3 reb), Nayib Villarini 4 (1 stl), James McLeod 4, Nate Gilbert 2 (4 reb, 2 ast), Amadi Cass-Williams (2 reb).

West Hills Wolf Pack at Steele Canyon Cougars (Photo by Frank Price, youarplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-18-14) — In a game that pitted the Grossmont Hills League favorite against a team that was labeled to finish in the basement, Friday’s (Jan. 17) opener turned into a scramble that was won by the favored Grossmont Foothillers 60-57 in overtime over Granite Hills.

With 2 seconds left in regulation, the Hillers held a 48-45 lead. Then Granite Hills’ ANTONIO READ drained a 3-pointter at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

Grossmont was 12-for-20 on free throws in the overtime period. The Foothillers were 26-for-47 on free throws for the game.

“We have to do a better job of shooting free throws,” said Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO.

The Foothillers finished with a 12-9 advantage in overtime with all their points coming from the foul line.

TOMMY RUTHERFORD was a bull in the china shop with 24 points and 24 rebounds for Grossmont (14-4, 1-0 GLH). J.T. BARNES added 12 points and 6 boards, while CARL BLANCHARD rolled a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Injury-plagued Granite Hills got 15 points from ANDREW MANNING. He nailed 3 of the Eagles’ 10 three pointers.

ANTONIO READ finished with 13 points for Granite Hills, while SETH COLLINS rolled a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. TAYLOR FOREMAN scored 10 points for the Eagles.

Grossmont: Tommy Rutherford 24 (24 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), J.T. Barnes 12 (6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Carl Blanchard 10 (13 reb, 3 ast), Kyle Williams 7 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Dominique Hill 4 (1 reb, 2 ast), Rome Harris 3 (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Christian Meno (2 reb).

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 15 (6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Antonio Read 13 (3 reb, 1 ast), Seth Collins 11 (10 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Taylor Foreman 10 (5 reb, 2 stl), Rease Warford 4 (2 ast, 1 stl), Jaron Sanders 3 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Ryan Kelly 1 (1 reb, 1 stl), Chris Diaz (1 reb, 1 stl).

Steele Canyon forwarf Dylan Hamlett secures the rebound. (Photo by Frank Price, youarplay.com)

STEELE CANYON 63, WEST HILLS 49 – Steele Canyon owned this one from the start, taking a 12-0 lead and cruising to victory in Friday’s (Jan. 17) Grossmont Hills League opener in Rancho San Diego.

DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON dominated the paint with 18 points and 19 rebounds as well as 4 blocks for Steele Canyon (12-4, 1-0 GHL).

“We know we’re an inside team, that’s why we try to pound the ball inside the paint,” said Wood-Anderson.

DYLAN HAMLETT rolled a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, hitting 5 of 8 shots from the field for the Cougars. He was also 5-for-8 from the field and Wood-Anderson was 8-for-13.

JORDAN JOHNSON scored 11 points but his strength was on defense where he recorded 6 steals.

Not to be overlooked was Wood-Anderson’s 4 blocks and 3 steals.

“We’ve only lost to one team in the San Diego Section,” said Cougars coach DEREK STEPHENS, noting that their only setback was to El Camino. “Since then we’ve won 9 out of 11.”

Against West Hills, Steele Canyon claimed a 42-19 rebounding advantage.

“Our height in this game was obviously a big difference,” Stephens said.

“We know we’re really tough inside the paint, but we have to be that way for four quarters, which we haven’t done,” said Hamlett.

BRENT WILDER came off the bench for 13 points and 4 rebounds for West Hills, while MARCO OVIES added 11 and 5 assists.

The Wolf Pack battled but were overmatched by the taller Cougars.

Steele Canyon: Dominick Wood-Anderson 18 (19 reb, 3 stl, 4 blk), Jordan Johnson 11 (1 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl, 1 blk), Dylan Hamlett 10 (12 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Zach Kissel 8 (4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Tyler Gulino-Jones 6 (3 reb), Aaron Pisiona 5 (3 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Tanner Perry 5, Ryan Razooky (1 ast).

West Hills: Brent Wilder 13 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Marco Ovies 11 (1 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), Joe Mansour 7 (1 reb, 2 stl), Chase Parsons 5 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Nick Zoree 4 (1 ast, 2 stl), Austin Alderson 3 (5 reb), Ricardo Barajas 2 (5 reb), Thomas Reaney 2 (2 reb, 3 stl), Spencer Moyer 2, Elias Totah (2 ast, 2 stl), D.J. Lewis (1 stl), Byron Padilla (1 stl).

EL CAPITAN 65, MOUNT MIGUEL 63 – The Vaqueros knocked off visiting Mount Miguel with some last second heroics in Friday’s (Jan. 17) Grossmont Valley League opener.

Trailing by one point Mount Miguel took the lead on a 3-point bucket by JAMES McLEOD for a 63-61 lead.

The Vaqueros scrambled back and tied the game on a tip-in by KADE KYGAR.

Mount Miguel then missed a chance to take the lead, and that opened the door for SCOTT ROOT who hit a buzzer beater to give the Vaqueros the victory.

“They made more plays than we did,” said Matadors coach JAY ROWLETT. “We had many chances to win this game but we let it slip through our fingers.”

Root scored a game-high 20 points, canning 10 of 17 shots from the floor.

“With the game on the line, we wanted Scott to take it to the basket, but he thought we were running out of time so he pulled up for a jumper from the elbow at the buzzer,” said El Capitan coach JASON CAVAZOS.

MYLES EMMERSON pitched in 15 points, including a pair of treys and 5-for-5 shooting from the free throw line.

NAYIB VILLARINI led Mount Miguel with 17 points, while TAIHIR McMURRAY pitched in 15 points and CARL DEE ROBERSON rolled a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.

El Capitan: Scott Root 20 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Myles Emmerson 15 (2 ast, 1 stl), Kade Kygar 7 (3 reb, 1 ast), Wyatt Alvarez 7 (1 reb, 1 stl), Aaron Price 6 (7 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Andy Casas 4 (12 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Joey LaChappa 4 (7 reb, 2 stl), Patrick Howell (1 reb, 1 stl).

Mount Miguel : Nayib Villarini 17 (1 reb, 3 stl), Taihir McMurray 15 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Carl Dee Roberson 12 (11 reb, 1 ast), James McLeod 9 (1 stl), Donnell Payne 7 (5 reb, 1 ast), Nate Gilbert 3 (4 reb, 2 ast), Darian Norwood (1 reb).

MONTE VISTA 61, EL CAJON VALLEY 56 – In a battle of the top two ranked preseason teams, No. 2 Monte Vista knocked off defending champion El Cajon Valley in Friday’s (Jan. 17) Grossmont Valley League opener in El Cajon .

“( El Cajon Valley coach) MARTY (ELLIS) and I have been friends a very long time,” said Monarchs coach MIKE TULLY. “We played high school ball together at Monte Vista. We have a lot of respect for each other.”

But when the jump ball went up it was a duel between the so-called best teams in the GVL.

The Braves appeared to be poised for a runaway as they took a 14-5 first quarter lead, but the second quarter belonged to Monte Vista, which claimed a 25-18 halftime lead.

“In the first quarter El Cajon Valley sped us up – we were doing things we didn’t want to do,” Tully said. “We slowed down in the second quarter and did a better job.”

TORY SANDERS paced the Monarchs with 20 points and 9 rebounds. THOMAS WALKER harassed the Braves on defense while notching 10 points and 6 steals.

“Tory Sanders played extremely well around the basket, really assertive,” his coach said. “Thomas Walker (10 points, 6 steals, 3 assists) was very active in the game. He had the ball in his hands a lot.”

The Braves couldn’t get their game in gear.

“I told my kids if we don’t rebound, we’re gonna have a hard time winning,” Ellis said.

BRENDEN BROCIOUS led the Braves with 14 points, while SYON HICKS added 11 points, as did IBRAHIM ALI.

“I know this was a stinging defeat,” Ellis said. “But no one is going undefeated in our league.”

“I thought we passed the ball well,” Tully said. “We played man defense the whole game and really shot free throws well – 15-for-19. It was a big difference in the game.

“I was proud of the kids. I thought both teams played extremely well.”

Monte Vista: Tory Sanders 20 (9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Thomas Walker 10 (5 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl), Jordan Jackson 9 (14 reb, 4 blk), Jemeil Jackson 9 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Adam Wallace 8, Eric Collins 5 (2 reb, 3 ast).

El Cajon Valley: Brenden Brocious 14, Syon Hicks 11, Ibrahim Ali 11, Ian Danler 8, Brandon Rumley 8, Ahmad Sulyman 2, Mike Readus 2.

Helix' Marcus White. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

But the scrappy Highlanders clawed their way back in the fourth quarter to upset the visiting Norsemen.

GEORGE FAKHOURY hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 54-all with 8 seconds remaining.

After that Helix’s CHRISTIAN BELL went coast-to-coast to score the game-winning basket as the buzzer sounded.

“We had them down by 12 in the first half,” said Valhalla coach KEITH JACKSON. “But then they pounded the boards and came up with a lot of second chance points. They did a lot of good things to come back the way they did.”

“We are who we are,” said Helix coach JOHN SINGER. “And we have to keep grinding it out. We’ve kept on fighting and got tougher and tougher in the second half. One of the main things is I thought we defended the 3-point line really well. No question, this is a building game for us.”

It was a frustrating game for Valhalla , which received 21 points from Fakhoury and 18 points and 13 boards from JORDAN QSAR.

“You’ve gotta give Singer’s team a lot of credit for how they played in the second half,” Jackson said.

CHRISTIAN BELL led Helix with 16 points, while QRIZVIAH MOBLEY pitched in 13 points and ELSIAIAH BLAIR rolled a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Helix: Christian Bell 16 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Qrizviah Mobley 13 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Elsaiah Blair 12 (10 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Marcus White 8 (8 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl), Marcus Norris 4 (8 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Gary Linson 5 (8 reb, 1 stl), Justin Flisher (7 reb, 3 stl), Luke Holloway (1 reb, 1 blk), Ernesto Martinez (1 reb), Dylan Lee (1 reb).

Valhalla: George Fakhoury 21 (3 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Jordan Qsar 18 (13 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 6 blk), David Gazale 5 (6 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Cole Henderson 4 (6 reb, 4 stl, 2 blk), Jacob Hammett 2 (4 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk), Terrell McKay 2, Jake Bassette 2 (7 reb, 1 blk), Aram Hermiz (1 stl).

© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (1-16-14) — Visiting Christian High fell behind The Bishop’s, 27-9, in the first quarter of Wednesday’s (Jan. 15) non-league game and never recovered, falling to the Knights, 65-32, at the Fleet Center.

It was the fifth straight setback for Christian (4-13). No other information provided.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 11 (7 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Johnny Paulson 10 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Trent Sauls 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), David Todd Jeremiah 3 (2 reb, 1 stl), Joe Ross 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Tyler Ballard 2 (3 reb, 4 ast), Josh Smith (2 reb), Michael Carrillo (1 ast).

The Braves' Shauntal King (left) and Mike Readus surround Jacob Burton of Granite Hills along the foul line. The Braves dropped the Eagles, 56-51. (Photo by Don DeMars Photoigraphy) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-15-14) — El Cajon Valley High held out the welcome wagon for Madison Avenue rival Granite Hills in Tuesday’s (Jan. 14) Grossmont Conference game.

In front of a near-full house, the El Cajon Valley student body created “The Red Zone,” whereby the Braves’ students wore red shirts and created shakers made from Gatorade bottles filled with enough rocks to raise the roof.

“They had the corridor marked off with yellow caution tape,” said Braves coach MARTY ELLIS, who has revived basketball at El Cajon Valley. “It was a raucous house.”

The Braves raced out of the gate to take a 23-18 first quarter lead and continued on for a 56-51 victory over the Eagles.

Senior BRENDEN BROCIOUS led the way for El Cajon Valley (11-8) with 27 points, including 5 treys. He also grabbed 9 rebounds, dished 3 assists, made 3 steals and blocked a shot.

IBRAHIM ALI had one of his stronger games for the Braves, pouring in 15 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing 6 assists.

Probably the unsung hero of the game was MIKE READUS, who pulled down 16 rebounds.

“You know what, I did something different,” said Ellis. “I put the guys who have been through the fire (and helped win the Grossmont Valley League title last year) in our starting lineup.

“Take Readus, for example; it was his first start of the year and I gave him the game ball because he was killer on the boards.”

Not that this victory came easily over the Eagles.

“It came down to the last possession,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY ANDERSON. “We had a chance to tie it with 8 seconds left. We missed a wide open 3-pointer and El Cajon Valley got the rebound, and we had to foul them right away. They hit two free throws to put it away.”

ANDREW MANNING paced the Eagles with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while SETH COLLINS had 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. ANTONIO READ TOSSED IN 10 POINTS, AND TAYLOR FOREMAN snagged 9 rebounds.

El Cajon Valley: Brenden Brocious 27 (9 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Ibrahim Ali 15 (7 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl), Mike Readus 6 (16 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk), Syon Hicks 4 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Ahmad Sulyman 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Brandon Rumley 1 (7 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Shauntal King (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Drake Afaisen (1 stl).

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 13 (6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Seth Collins 10 (12 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk), Antonio Read 10 (2 reb, 1 ast), Taylor Foreman 6 (9 reb), Rease Warford 5 (1 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jaron Sanders 5 (6 reb, 1 blk), Chris Diaz 2 (2 reb), Jacob Burton (4 reb, 1 ast).

At the Madhouse on Madison: Granite Hills at El Cajon Valley. (Photo by Don DeMars Photoigraphy) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

STEELE CANYON 68, MONTE VISTA 52 – There are those that believe Steele Canyon has the talent to win the Grossmont Hills League for the first time in nearly a decade.

It’s guys like ZACH KISSEL who popped in 21 points, including four 3-pointers in Tuesday’s (Jan. 14) Grossmont Conference contest in Spring Valley that turns the consensus the Cougars’ way.

Of course, there’s always Grossmont to contend with and nobody knows that better than Cougars coach DEREK STEPHENS.

The Cougars have won 8 of their last 10 games, staking them to an 11-4 mark, which is second only to Grossmont’s 13-4 record.

“We like to think we have a chance,” Stephens said. “I’m not making any predictions but I like our chances.”

Against Monte Vista the Cougars outscored the Monarchs 37-22 in the middle two quarters.

“It was a physical game,” said Monte Vista coach MIKE TULLY. “We trailed by only 4 points early in the third quarter, then the wheels came off.”

For Steele Canyon DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON turned in a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while DYLAN HAMLETT also rolled a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

“We were really good inside the paint,” said Stephens, who also noted JORDAN JOHNSON’s 10 markers.

JORDAN JACKSON led Monte Vista with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while TORY SANDERS added 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Steele Canyon: Zach Kissel 21, Jordan Johnson 14, Dominick Wood-Anderson 13 (10 reb), Dylan Hamlett 13 (10 reb), Robert Teo 4, Tyler Gulino-Jones 2, Tanner Perry 1.

Monte Vista : Jordan Jackson 13 (13 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Tory Sanders 11 (6 reb, 1 blk), Jemeil Jackson 7 (4 reb), Adam Wallace 7 (3 reb, 2 stl), Eric Collins 5 (3 reb, 1 stl), Thomas Walker 4 (2 reb, 1 stl), Meliek Johnson 4 (2 reb), Jermyah Kelly 1 (3 reb).

El Capitan's Aaron Price.

Vaqueros forward Andy Casas (42). (Photos by Leslie Autry)

“We had a lot of good looks in that second quarter, but the ball wouldn’t go into the hoop,” said Vaqueros coach JASON CAVAZOS.

MYLES EMMERSON had 18 points for El Capitan , including 4-for-8 shooting from above the arc. He was also 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

SCOTT ROOT chipped in with 10 points for the Vaqueros.

Ten Highlanders contributed to their scoring totals led by sophomore MARCUS WHITE’s 13 markers, while QRIZVIAH MOBLEY tossed in 10 points and 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and a block.

Helix: Marcus White 13 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Qrizviah Mobley 10 (7 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Gary Linson 7 (8 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Marcus Norris 6 (8 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Elsaiah Blair 5 (5 reb, 2 stl), Ernesto Martinez 4 (2 reb, 1 blk), Luke Holloway 4 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Dylan Lee 4 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Jose Fernandez 2 (1 stl, 1 blk), Michael Solomon 1 (1 reb), Justin Flisher (4 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), John Nalty (3 reb, 1 blk).

El Capitan: Myles Emmerson 18 (2 ast), Scott Root 10 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Kade Kyger 6, Joey LaChappa 3 (3 reb), Patrick Howell 3 (1 reb, 2 stl), Aaron Price 2 (4 reb), Isaiah Capoocia (3 stl), Andy Casas (3 reb, 1 stl), Wyatt Alvarez (1 stl).

GROSSMONT 66, SANTANA 41 – For awhile this game was a lot closer than the final score indicates. With 1:10 to go in the first half, Grossmont was clinging to a 23-20 advantage.

Then the Foothillers put the pedal to the metal and outscored the Sultans 8-0 in the final minute of the opening half in Tuesday’s (Jan. 14) Grossmont Conference encounter.

“Grossmont has to be the best team in our conference,” said Santana coach TIM BARRY, whose Sultans are 5-7.

TOMMY RUTHERFORD has perhaps his best double-double of the season with 23 points and 23 rebounds to anchor the Foothillers.

CARL BLANCHARD pitched in 16 points, 13 rebounds and 3 steals for the Foothillers.

Santana got a lift from DANIEL SHIVELY, who knocked down 20 points, including 4 of 5 shooting from above the arc, while ANTHONY ROMERO chipped in with 10 points for the Sultans.

“ Shively hit three 3s in the second quarter, which made it a 3-point game,” said Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO. “They packed their defense on Rutherford , and we eventually started making shots.”

Grossmont: Tommy Rutherford 23 (23 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Carl Blanchard 16 (13 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Anthony Lawrence 8 (5 reb, 3 ast), Cameron Henderson 8 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Christian Meno 4 (5 reb, 2 stl), J.T. Barnes 3 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kyle Williams 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Terico Alexander 2 (1 reb), Rome Harris (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Matthew Oropallo (2 reb, 1 ast), Dominique Hill (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

Santana: Daniel Shively 20 (2 stl), Anthony Romero 10 (1 reb, 1 ast), C.J. Clark 5 (5 reb, 1 ast), Austin Miller 3 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Mitchell Miller 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Sage Hicks 1 (2 reb, 1 ast), Ryan Bratlien (2 reb), Daulton Barry (1 reb).

OTAY RANCH 67, MOUNT MIGUEL 54 – The Mount Miguel Matadors wasted another scoring binge by DONNELL PAYNE as they dropped Tuesday’s (Jan. 14) non-league game to the visiting Mustangs of Otay Ranch.

Payne scored 27 points in the setback, nailing a pair of treys and 7 of 8 free throws. In his last five games Payne has produced 130 points for an average of 26.0 ppg for the Matadors (6-9).

Otay Ranch jumped out to a 21-10 first quarter lead and never looked back.

“We’re too inconsistent, up one night and down the next – like the Miami Heat,” said Matadors coach JAY ROWLETT. “We aren’t talented enough not to play hard. Hopefully we’ll realize that when league starts.”

Not to be overlooked were the season high 11 rebounds by NATE GILBERT.

Mount Miguel : Donnell Payne 27 (2 reb, 3 ast), Carl Dee Roberson 6 (7 reb, 2 stl), Nayib Villarini 6 (3 reb), James McLeod 6 (2 reb, 2 ast), Nate Gilbert 5 (11 reb, 2 stl), Taihir McMurray 4, Darian Norwood (2 reb), Amadi Cass-Williams (1 reb, 1 stl).

© East County Sports.com
BONITA (1-14-14) — West Hills High stormed to a 21-3 first-quarter lead and never looked back in Monday’s (Jan. 13) non-league encounter, 60-37, over host Bonita Vista.

“We had a much better effort tonight, played exceptionally well at times,” said Wolf Pack assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG.

“CHASE PARSONS had a good bounce back effort with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists,” Armstrong said.

THOMAS REANEY added a dozen points and 6 rebounds for the Wolf Pack (8-4).

“Reaney played very well for us tonight,” Armstrong noted. “He has been quietly producing for us the last 3 games, and tonight his efforts finally showed up in the box score. He only missed two shots.”

Reaney was 6-for-8 from the field.

MARCO OVIES continues to prove he’s one of the best passing guards in East County as he recorded 8 assists against the Barons.

JOE MANSOUR hit 3 threes in the first quarter, which helped spark a 13-0 run.

“It was a good win on the road for us,” Armstrong said.

West Hills: Chase Parsons 13 (6 reb, 6 ast, 2 st), Thomas Reaney 12 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Joe Mansour 9 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brent Wilder 9 (6 reb), Ricardo Barajas 6 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Nick Zoree 5 (2 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Marco Ovies 4 (3 reb, 8 ast, 3 stl), Austin Alderson 2 (1 reb, 1 blk), D.J. Lewis (2 reb, 1 stl), Byron Padilla (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Spencer Moyer (1 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 77, CHULA VISTA 42 – Hot-handed DONNELL PAYNE blitzed in 23 points, including one 3 and 8 of 9 free throw shooting as the Matadors clubbed visiting Chula Vista in Monday’s (Jan. 13) non-league game in Spring Valley.

Payne, a 6-foot-3 junior, also claimed 9 rebounds, dished 5 assists and made 2 steals.

JAMES McLEOD nailed four 3-pointers on his way to a 14-point finish for the Matadors (5-8).

NATE GILBERT scored a season-high 13 points, including one trey, and collected 5 caroms.

DARIAN NORWOOD completed Mount Miguel \s offensive siege with 10 points.

CARL DEE ROBERSON claimed the boards for Mount Miguel, clearing a team best 12 rebounds and made 5 blocks.

Mount Miguel: Donnell Payne 23 (9 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), James McLeod 14 (1 ast), Nate Gilbert 13 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Darian Norwood 10 (3 reb, 2 stl), Carl Dee Roberson 9 (12 reb, 3 ast, 5 blk), Amadi Cass-Williams 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Nayib Villarini 3 (2 reb), Taihir McMurray 1 (1 reb, 1 ast).

CORONADO 68, CHRISTIAN 45 – Visiting Coronado clobbered Christian on Monday (Jan. 13) in a Central League encounter whereby the game was over at halftime for all intents and purposes when the Islanders led 37-13.

“We played soft and that obviously hurt us,” said Patriots coach CARLOS PERALTA.

ZACH KININNGER led Christian with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 11 (11 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Michael Carrillo 7 (1 reb, 2 ast), Justin Vrzich 7, David Todd Jeremiah 6 (1 reb, 1 stl), Johnny Paulson 5 (1 reb), Tyler Ballard 3 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Joe Ross 3 (4 reb), Travis Ballard 2 (1 reb), Ethan Contreras (2 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Josh Smith (6 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk).

Valhalla's Yousif Kagy (keft) is challenged by Drake Vesco of Santana. (Photo by Don DeMars Photoigraphy) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-12-14) — No question, Saturday’s (Jan. 11) non-league duel between Foothills Christian and Valhalla at Granite Hills will go down as one of the top East County games of the season.

“ East County teams love to have a chance to knock us off, and we enjoy the challenge,” said sophomore standout T.J. LEAF. “ Valhalla’s a good team and they made us work.”

The Knights (7-7) eventually pulled out a 77-73 victory over the Norsemen (8-6).

GEORGE FAKHOURY hit a 3-point bucket with just over a minute to play, cutting Foothills Christian’s lead to 71-70.

The Knights fought back from the free throw line as JAVIER GUERRERO nailed two free throws to extend Foothills Christian’s advantage to 3 points.

Fakhoury hit 1 of 2 free throws to make it a 2-point game again before the Knights’ J.R. RIVERA made a basket with 9 seconds left to make it 75-71.

Valhalla, however, wasn’t done as JORDAN QSAR, who had a game high 32 points and 10 rebounds, dropped in a bucket to make it a 2-point game with 2 seconds left.

Basically the Norsemen ran out of time as Guerrero, who finished with 11 points, sealed the victory for Foothills Christian by nailing 2 free throws with 0.6 second remaining.

Leaf led Foothills Christian with 29 points, hitting 13 of 22 from the field and 3 of 6 free throws. He also had 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

“They put an extra double plus defensive help against me,” Leaf said.

That forced Leaf to change some of his approach, which the 6-foot-9 sophomore did admirably by dishing a game-high 8 assists.

“That’s a part of my game that I’ve been working on, trying to find the open man,” Leaf said. “The main thing is we want to play hard every time, no matter who we’re playing. I think we did that tonight.”

Valhalla held a lead of 29-27 in the second quarter, and overcame a 10-point deficit in the third period to make it a 2-point game entering the final stanza.

Qsar hit 12 of 21 shots from the field, including five 3-pointers for Valhalla .

DAVID GAZALE made a living at the free throw line, hitting 12 of 15 shots and finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Norsemen.

“Qsar was playing on an injured ankle but really gave us a boost,” said Valhalla coach KEITH JACKSON.

“In the first half we got the game going at a pace we wanted it to be,” he continued. “But in the second half Foothills did a great job of trying to isolate T.J. We had to give up our usual strong offense from (6-foot-2) COLE HENDERSON for him to focus on T.J. Henderson is as tough as they come and I think he did a pretty good job.”

LUIS SALGADO and DANE NORMAN had 12 points each and 2 treys apiece for the Knights.

Foothills Christian: T.J. Leaf 29 (15 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Luis Salgado 12 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Dane Norman 12 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Javier Guerrero 11 (3 reb, 1 ast), J.R. Rivera 6, Jordan VanOmmering 5 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Caleb Hoffman 2 (3 reb, 4 ast).

Valhalla: Jordan Qsar 32 (10 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), David Gazale 16 (10 reb), Jake Bassette 8 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), George Fakhoury 7 (2 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jacob Hammett 7 (3 reb, 4 ast), Cole Henderson 3 (4 reb, 1 ast), John Murad (2 reb).

WEST HILLS 55, CLAIREMONT 48 – The visiting Wolf Pack admits that it isn’t playing its best basketball at the moment. Yet West Hills improved to 8-4 overall following Saturday’s (Jan. 11) non-league conquest over Clairemont.

“It was a very frustrating game,” said West Hills assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG. “We continue to be in a shooting slump as a team (28 percent on 2 pts, 22 percent on 3 pts, 57 percent on free throws, tonight).”

BRENT WILDER drilled in 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for West Hills, while teammate MARCO OVIES had 11 points and 3 assists.

“We took decent care of the ball vs. their zone, only had 9 turnovers,” said Armstrong.

“Marco Ovies and AUSTIN ALDERSON (8 points, 4 rebounds) had good games for us tonight,” Armstrong said. “ELIAS TOTAH led us with 3 steals.”

CHASE PARSONS also had 3 steals and a team best 6 rebounds.

“We're on a big learning curve right now but it's nice to have a few non-league games before we start league play,” Armstrong noted.

West Hills: Brent Wilder 11 (5 reb), Marco Ovies 11 (1 reb, 3 ast), Austin Alderson 8 (4 reb), Ricardo Barajas 7 (1 ast), Spencer Moyer 4 (2 reb), Chase Parsons 3 (6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Thomas Reaney 4 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk), Elias Totah 3 (1 reb, 3 stl), Nick Zoree 2 (1 reb, 1 ast), D.J. Lewis 2 (2 reb), Byron Padilla (2 reb, 1 ast), Joe Mansour (1 ast, 2 stl).

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-11-14) — The Grossmont Foothillers pulled an inside job on visiting Mount Miguel in Friday’s (Jan. 10) Grossmont Conference contest.

That is, 6-foot-9 TOMMY RUTHERFORD scored 22 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and created 4 steals, while 6-foot-5 CARL BLANCHARD banged in 18 points, cleared 12 rebounds and dished 4 assists as the Foothillers blew past Mount Miguel 63-47.

“They were just plain too big for us,” said Mount Miguel coach JAY ROWLETT. “There was no way we could measure up with them. Our goal right now is looking toward ( Grossmont Valley ) League.”

Rutherford and Blanchard are easily the most powerful one-two punch in East County .

“Carl and I are really good at talking on the court,” Rutherford said. “He knows if they double and triple on me, that opens things up for our teammates.”

Mount Miguel was lost on defense against its taller opponents.

“Tommy and I have great chemistry,” said Blanchard. “The thing that really makes us go is all of our guards try to make perfect passes to set us up inside.”

Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO agrees. “Tommy and Carl are the first guys to practice, go one on one against each other and it really shows in the game,” he said.

Said Rowlett, “They do an excellent job of getting the ball to the middle, and we’re not big enough to stop them.”

DONNELL PAYNE scored 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the Matadors (5–8).

Grossmont: Tommy Rutherford 22 (15 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Carl Blanchard 18 (12 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl), Anthony Lawrence 12 (2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Rome Harris 8 (1 stl), J.T. Barnes 3 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Kyle Williams (2 reb), Christian Meno (1 ast), Dominique Hill (1 reb, 1 ast), Joseph Cesena (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

Mount Miguel : Donnell Payne 22 (9 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), James McLeod 9 (3 reb, 1 ast), Nayib Villarini 8 (5 reb, 1 stl), Darian Norwood 4 (1 stl), Carl Dee Roberson 3 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Nate Gilbert 1 (2 stl).

MONTE VISTA 56, GRANITE HILLS 54 – A last second basket by TORY SANDERS in Friday’s (Jan. 10) Grossmont Conference game gave the Monarchs (6-11) the victory at the buzzer.

“He uses a lot of ball fakes, and that was the case this time,” said Monte Vista coach MIKE TULLY. “He took a pass at the free throw line, went down to the box and hit a jump hook shot in the clutch.”

Sanders shared the team high scoring of 14 points with ADAM WALLACE.

But the star of the show for the Monarchs was probably guard THOMAS WALKER.

“He was a defensive tiger,” said Tully of Walker, who had 7 of Monte Vista’s 20 steals. He also had 4 of 8 shots from the field for 8 points, and the 6-foot guard also grabbed 10 rebounds.

“This was Walker ’s best game – especially defensively,” Tully noted.

Monte Vista , which has won 2 of its last 7 games, also received 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals from JEMEIL JACKSON, while brother JORDAN JACKSON hauled down a team high 10 rebounds..

Granite Hills’ offense centered around ANDREW MANNING, who scored 35 points – the third highest in East County thus far. He made 10 of 20 shots from the field including 6 treys and 9 of 10 free throws.

SETH COLLINS grabbed a game high 16 rebounds for the Eagles in the losing cause.

Monte Vista: Tory Sanders 14 (9 reb, 1 ast), Adam Wallace 14 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Jemeil Jackson 9 (9 reb, 1 ast, 6 stl), Thomas Walker 8 (10 reb, 1 ast, 7 stl), Jordan Jackson 5 (10 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk, 4 stl), Eric Collins 3 (5 reb, 2 stl), Meliek Johnson 3, Isaiyah Kelly 3.

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 35 (6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Seth Collins 8 (16 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brayan Turner 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Taylor Foreman 2 (8 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), Rease Warford 2 (3 reb, 6 ast), Antonio Read 3 (1 reb), Jaron Sanders (4 reb, 1 blk), Chris Diaz (2 reb), Matt Conley (1 ast).

POINT LOMA 56, CHRISTIAN 54 (OT) – When ZACH KINNINGER fouled out with two minutes left in regulation in Friday’s (Jan. 10) Central League encounter at Point Loma, Patriots’ coach CARLOS PERALTA knew his team was in trouble.

And why shouldn’t he, considering Kinninger had scored 22 points for Christian (5-10, 0-2 CL).

“He’s our workhorse and we’re not the same team without him,” Peralta said.

Point Loma tied the game at 52-52 in regulation with a pair of free throws. But Christian had one last shot but missed a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded.

In a sluggish overtime period Point Loma outscored the Patriots 4-2.

“Our guys fought hard, overcame a lot of obstacles,” said Peralta.

JOHNNY PAULSON chipped in with 10 points for the Patriots.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 22 (4 reb, 2 ast), Johnny Paulson 10 (4 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), David Todd Jeremiah 7 (3 reb), Tyler Ballard 4 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Joe Ross 4 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Josh Smith 2 (3 reb, 2 ast), Travis Ballard 1 (2 reb), Ethan Contreras 2 (1 reb), Michael Carrillo 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl).

STEELE CANYON 80, EL CAPITAN 61 – JORDAN JOHNSON scored a career high of 24 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, guiding the Cougars to a Grossmont Conference victory over El Capitan on Friday (Jan. 10) in Rancho San Diego.

“We haven’t played at home for awhile so our guys were pretty excited to see our stands full as the Cougars won their 7th game in their last 9 starts,” said Steele Canyon coach DEREK STEPHENS.

“He shot the ball well,” Stephens said of Johnson. “This is probably the best game he’s played.”

Overall Steele Canyon (10-4) is shooting close to 50 percent from the field, which is easily the best marksmanship in the East County .

“We have a lot of guys who can put the ball in the hole,” Stephens noted.

Steele Canyon: Jordan Johnson 24, Dominick Wood-Anderson 12, Dylan Hamlett 10, Tyler Gulino-Jones 9, Aaron Pisiona 5, Robert Teo 5, Zach Kissel 4, Thomas Higginbotham 4, Ryan Razooky 3, Tanner Perry 2, Donovan Zetouna 2.

El Capitan: Kade Kygar 13, Scott Root 13, Wyatt Alvarez 9, Joey LaChappa 8, Myles Emmerson 5, Aaron Price 5, Andy Casas, Brian Ballo 1.

VALHALLA 88, SANTANA 61 – The Valhalla Norsemen, who will challenge powerhouse Foothills Christian in a non-league game Saturday (Jan. 11) at Granite Hills at 6 p.m., warmed up by smacking visiting Santana Friday night (Jan. 10) with a season-high scoring output in a Grossmont Conference game.

Ten Norsemen scored for Valhalla (8-5) against the Sultans (5-6).

Valhalla nailed a dozen 3-pointers despite wholesale substitutions by coach KEITH JACKSON.

“We had a lot of different guys contribute,” said Jackson . “COLE HENDERSON got us going with 8 points in the first quarter, including hitting a pair of 3-pointers as we took a 21-6 lead.” Henderson finished with 12 points.

Five Norsemen reached double scoring digits despite playing less than three quarters.

DAVID GAZALE set the pace with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals, while GEORGE FAKHOURY chipped in with 10.

Overall Valhalla had 26 thefts and scored 20 points in each of the four quarters.

“I think Valhalla is a very solid D-3 contender and I’m happy for Keith that he’s put a team together that is going for the title,” said Santana coach TIM BARRY.

Jackson was pleased by the solid contributions of the Valhalla bench led by YOUSIF KAGY’s 12 points and ARAM HERMIZ’s 10.

Kagy was 4-for-4 from the field, 3-for-5 from the free throw line while gathering 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Valhalla: David Gazale 15 (3 reb, 4 stl), Cole Henderson 12 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Yousif Kagy 12 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), George Fakhoury 10 (2 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Aram Hermiz 10 (2 stl), Jordan Qsar 8 (8 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk), Jacob Hammett 7 (1 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl), Uriel Michaca 6 (1 reb, 1 ast), Jordan Ellis 4 (4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Jake Bassette 4 (3 reb), Terrell McKay (2 stl, 1 blk), John Murad (3 reb, 2 stl).

Santana: C.J. Clark 12, Anthony Romero 11, Ryan Bratlien 11, Daniel Shively 11. No other information was reported.

HELIX 46, EL CAJON VALLEY 42 – The Highlanders squeezed out a victory over the visiting Braves from the free throw line in Friday’s (Jan. 10) Grossmont Conference encounter in La Mesa.

Clinging to a 43-42 lead, Helix put the game away on a free throw by QRIZVIAH MOBLEY and the only 2 points scored by MARCUS WHITE, also coming from the charity stripe.

“You know what, I’m most pleased with Marcus White,” Helix coach JOHN SINGER said of the 5-foot-10 sophomore guard. “He played all 32 minutes and has become our leader on the floor. He does what he has to do, and we’ve asked him to play more like a senior, not a sophomore. And he’s meeting the challenge.”

El Cajon Valley was led by BRENDEN BROCIOUS, who scored a game-high 14 points, which kept the Braves in front most of the way.

“Our problems were at the free throw line,” said Braves’ coach MARTY ELLIS, who’s Braves made 14 of 24 overall but were only 8 of 16 in the second half.

By the same account, Helix was 9 of 11 in the second half.

Helix: Elsaiah Blair 11 (3 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk), Justin Flisher 8 (11 reb, 2 ast), Qrizviah Mobley 8 (6 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk), Gary Linson 6 (1 stl, 1 blk), Dylan Lee 6 (1 reb, 2 stl), John Nalty 4 (2 reb, 1 blk), Marcus White 2 (8 reb, 7 ast), Ernesto Martinez 1 (1 reb, 1 stl), Luke Holloway (1 reb, 1 ast).

El Cajon Valley: Brenden Brocious 14 (3 reb, 2 stl), Ibrahim Ali 13 (1 stl), Syon Hicks 10 (2 reb, 3 stl), Brandon Rumley 3 (5 reb), Mike Readus 1 (7 reb, 1 stl), Daniel Placenti 1, Drake Afaisen (1 reb, 1 stl), Ian Danler (1 reb), Ramire Barbin (1 reb).

Granite Hills' Jaron Sanders. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-10-14) — Host Granite Hills High came up short against Otay Ranch in Thursday’s (Jan. 9) non-league game, falling to the Mustangs, 60-55.

In spite of the frustrating defeat the Eagles (6-8) welcomed a newcomer to their lineup in 6-foot-4 TAYLOR FOREMAN, a transfer from Mountain Empire.

In his Granite Hills debut, Taylor made an impact, canning 5 of 6 shots from the field, including one trey while grabbing 8 rebounds, blocking two shots and dishing one assist.

Foreman is coming off knee surgery, which he underwent during the summer. That slowed down his progress, but the fact that he transferred forced him to sit out 30 days before he could don the Eagles’ blue.

“He’s really going to help us,” said Eagles coach RANDY ANDERSON. “He’s a strong kid who can jump out of the gym.”

ANDREW MANNING paced the Eagles scoring with 19 points, half of which coming on a trio of triples.

SETH COLLINS once again anchored the boards for the Eagles, collecting 10 caroms, while JACOB BURTON cleared 9 balls off the glass.

This had to be a frustrating loss for Granite Hills, which took a 19-8 first quarter lead. The Eagles maintained an 11-point lead by halftime, but then collapsed in the second half as Otay Ranch claimed an 18-7 third quarter scoring edge.

The game was tied a 41-all entering the final period, but the Eagles let the lead slip away. However, they still had a chance to pull out a win as Foreman hit a 3-pointer and was fouled. But he missed the free throw with 20 seconds left, which left Granite Hills one point behind.

The Eagles had to foul in the waning seconds but Otay Ranch was up to the task.

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 19 (5 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Taylor Foreman 13 (8 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk), Seth Collins 9 (10 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brayan Turner 8 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), Jacob Burton 4 (9 reb, 1 blk), Antonio Read 2, Tory Sanders (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Rease Warford (1 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl).

El Capitan forward Aaron Price. (Photo by Leslie Autry)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (1-8-14) — The Monte Vista Monarchs figured they had neutralized Grossmont High 6-foot-9 kingpin TOMMY RUTHERFORD by employing various defenses in Tuesday’s (Jan. 7) Grossmont Conference game.

No question, Rutherford didn’t meet his scoring average, finishing with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

However, the Foothillers proved they don’t have to depend on Rutherford for everything, as they nailed 10 three-pointers in a 59-44 victory over the Monarchs.

“After every game people come up to me and ask how many points did Rutherford get,” said Grossmont coach FRANK FOGGIANO. “But his game is much more expanded than just scoring points. He controls the paint. Just having his defensive presence aids our defense.

“He’s progressed huge from his last two years. He’s so good at denying the over- the-top press, so obviously his game is not just about scoring.”

After trailing 13-10 in the first quarter, Grossmont outscored the Monarchs across the board.

CARL BLANCHARD muscled in 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the paint for Grossmont, while ANTHONY LAWRENCE led the outside charge with 4 triples, and JOSEPH CESENA nailed 3 shots from above the arc.

“We absolutely tried to take Rutherford out of the game,” said Monte Vista coach MIKE TULLY. “But turns out we couldn’t believe they could shoot that well from outside.”

JORDAN JACKSON, who was suffering from the flu, still rolled a double-double for the Monarchs of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while TORY SANDERS contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Grossmont: Carl Blanchard 15 (10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Tommy Rutherford 12 (17 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Anthony Lawrence 12 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Joseph Cesena 11 (2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Rome Harris 3 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Cameron Henderson 3 (1 reb), J.T. Barnes 3 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Kyle Williams (2 reb, 1 stl), Christian Meno (2 reb).

Monte Vista : Jordan Jackson 12 (11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Tory Sanders 10 (7 reb), Jemeil Jackson 8 (6 reb), Thomas Walker 7 (6 reb, 1 ast, 6 stl), Eric Collins 5 (6 reb, 1 ast), Meliek Johnson 2 (2 reb, 1 blk), Jesse Rivas (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

WEST HILLS 64, EL CAPITAN 56 – Despite committing a season high 19 turnovers, the Wolf Pack pulled out a Grossmont Conference victory over El Capitan on Tuesday (Jan. 7) in Lakeside .

CHASE PARSONS nailed 11 points for the Wolf Pack, including 9-for-9 shooting from the free throw line.

JOE MANSOUR added 11 points for West Hills, which posted its 6th win in its last seven starts, while RICARDO BARAJAS chipped in with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Wolf Pack had to survive 31 fouls, and to make matters worse the Pack only hit 1 of 12 shots from 3-point range.

On the counterpoint, El Capitan was only 2 of 10 from 3-point range.

The Vaqueros tried to stay in the contest by making 22 of 35 shots from the free throw line.

“Defensively we played really well,” said El Capitan coach JASON CAVAZOS. “We competed and played hard, but we missed a lot of baskets today. In the fourth quarter we did not quit.

“They were better then us tonight, but I’m really proud of my guys and the effort they put out. I cannot teach effort – I can teach skill but I cannot teach effort, and we have effort.”

JOEY LaCHAPPA led the El Capitan onslaught with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.

AARON PRICE pitched in 10 points, while SCOTT ROOT added 10 of his own.

El Capitan: Joey LaChappa 12 (7 reb, 2 stl), Aaron Price 10 (4 reb, 1 ast), Scott Root 10 (2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Andy Casas 9 (9 reb), Wyatt Alvarez 5 (2 ast, 3 stl), Myles Emmerson 5 (1 reb, 1 stl), Isaiah Capoocia 5 (1 reb, 1 ast), Kade Kygar (1 reb, 1 ast).

West Hills: Chase Parsons 11 (4 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl), Joe Mansour 11 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Ricardo Barajas 10 (4 reb, 2 ast), Marco Ovies 7 (2 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Brent Wilder 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Nick Zoree 6 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Thomas Reaney 5 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk), Spencer Moyer 4 (1 reb, 2 ast), D.J. Lewis 2 (6 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Byron Padilla 2 (1 reb).

MADISON 59, CHRISTIAN 46 – The Patriots were brilliant in the third quarter of Tuesday’s (Jan. 7) Central League opener against the Warhawks, claiming a 25-11 scoring edge.

But that was not enough to offset Madison ’s scoring dominance in the second and fourth quarters, which added up to a 42-16 advantage.

“In the third quarter we made the extra pass,” said Patriots coach CARLOS PERALTA, “and we were able to find the open man more often. That, and we weren’t turning the ball over.”

ZACH KINNINGER rolled a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Patriots (5-9, 0-1 CL).

JOHNNY PAULSON punched in 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for Christian.

“We got it down to 4 points but then turnovers and fouls cost us dearly in the fourth quarter,” Peralta said of the Patriots, who were outscored 22-5.

Not to be overlooked was the ball handling of TYLER BALLARD, who had 8 assists.

Christian: Zach Kinninger 20 (10 reb), Johnny Paulson 17 (5 reb, 1 stl), Tyler Ballard 7 (3 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), David Todd Jeremiah 2 (1 reb), Josh Smith 1 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Ethan Contreras (2 reb, 1 ast), Michael Carrillo (2 reb, 2 stl), Joe Ross (1 reb).

SANTANA 58, SD HIGH TECH 54 – RYAN BRATLIEN scored a career high 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Santana to Tuesday’s (Jan. 7) non-league victory over San Diego High Tech.

Bratlien made 7 of 8 shots from the field and 11 of 21 from the free throw line.

“This is by far the best game of his (3 year) varsity career,” said Sultans coach TIM BARRY. “I’ve been coaching for 15 years and he’s one of the best ‘Yes coach,’ ‘No coach’ guys I’ve ever had.”

Santana broke the game open with a 19-10 spread in the third quarter and held on for the victory.

ANTHONY ROMERO pitched in 11 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished 3 assists and made 2 steals.

“We played them last year and beat them,” Barry said. “They’re in our Division (3). The top five teams in Division 3 are just off the charts – they are the elite. The rest of the teams are battling to have a spot in the playoffs.”

Santana: Ryan Bratlien 25 (8 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Anthony Romero 11 (5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Sage Hicks 8 (3 reb), C.J. Clark 6 (7 reb, 1 ast), Daulton Barry 5 (1 ast), Tyler Kirk 5 (6 reb), Tiano Franco 3 (1 reb, 3 ast), Daniel Shively 2 (1 reb, 1 ast), Mitchell Miller 3 (1 reb,3 ast, 4 stl), Austin Miller (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl).

CRAWFORD 62, EL CAJON VALLEY 58 – The Braves, whom many prognosticators believe will win the Grossmont Valley League, suffered their sixth loss in eight games by falling to lowly Crawford (2-8) on Tuesday (Jan. 7) in a non-league game.

On the high side, SYON HICKS scored a game high 25 points for the Braves, hitting 12 of 15 free throws.

“Mr. Consistent,” El Cajon Valley coach MARTY ELLIS said of his junior point guard Hicks. “That’s what I call him – he’s starting to get aggressive.”

BRENDEN BROCIOUS pitched in with 15 points for the Braves.

Only one other player had more than 8 points.

“In order for us to be successful we have to have all 10 guys taking part in something,” Ellis said. “I don’t think we came out fully loaded tonight. Only three guys were pretty much scoring.

“We had a come-to-Jesus moment yesterday – about confidence. It’s a mental part of the game,” said Ellis. “You can’t coach confidence.”

El Cajon Valley: Syon Hicks 25, Brenden Brocious 15, Daniel Placenti 8, Brandon Rumley 4 (3 reb), Drake Afaisen 4, Ian Danler 2, Ahmad Sulyman (4 reb).

OLYMPIAN 33, HELIX 32 – As close as this non-league game in La Mesa on Tuesday (Jan. 7) appears, the Highlanders had a handful of chances to pull out a victory in the final minute.

“When you can’t score there’s not much chance of winning,” said Helix coach JOHN SINGER. “We had four sub-10 quarters, and that makes it even tougher.”

Helix (8-8) led 32-31 with 30 seconds to play and then committed back-to-back turnovers. The Highlanders then missed a layup with 10 seconds, leaving the door open for Olympian’s last second bucket.

“We just couldn’t make a shot when we needed to,” Singer said.

Thus you see the results.

Helix: Qrizviah Mobley 9 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Marcus White 8 (4 reb, 1 stl), Christian Bell 3 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Justin Flisher 2 (6 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Elsaiah Blair 2 (1 reb), Luke Holloway 2 (3 reb, 2 ast), Marcus Norris 2 (3 reb), Dylan Lee 2 (2 reb, 2 ast), John Nalty 2 (3 reb, 2 stl), Ernesto Martinez (1 ast).

© East County Sports.com
HENDERSON, Nev. (1-5-14) — The Valhalla Norsemen found themselves playing catch-up early on, and never caught up as they lost to Centennial, Nev. 65-52 in the championship game of the Las Vegas Foothill Tournament on Saturday (Jan. 4).

“We were a lot closer than the score indicates – we were right there,” said Valhalla coach KEITH JACKSON. “These are the kind of games we need to play to get ready for our league season.”

The Norsemen had a lot of surprise contributors, including COLE HENDERSON, who nailed 5 of 8 three-pointers to finish with a game high 17 points off the bench.

Other standouts for Valhalla included JACOB HAMMETT, who dropped in 9 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked 3 shots and dished 3 assists.

Also chipping in for Valhalla was DAVID GAZALE with 10 points and JORDAN QSAR with 9 points and 12 rebounds.

“This was a valuable bonding trip for us,” Jackson added.

Valhalla: Cole Henderson 17 (5 reb, 2 blk, 3 stl), David Gazale 10 (1 ast, 2 stl), Jacob Hammett 9 (10 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk), Jordan Qsar 9 (12 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Trey Schimke 4 (4 reb), George Fakhoury 3 (1 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Terrell McKay (1 reb), Jake Bassette (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Uriel Michaca (2 ast).

HELIX 51, MONTE VISTA 48 – With 6 seconds remaining, Monte Vista had the ball and missed a contested 3-pointer that would have tied Saturday’s (Jan. 4) non-league game in La Mesa, thus the Highlanders posted their 8th win in 15 games.

“We weren’t very good at the free throw line – 12-for-32,” said Monte Vista coach MIKE TULLY. “We missed 20 free throws. If we make a few of those we win the game.”

“The kids played really hard from start to finish. It was a great game. It was almost like they had a lid up there,” Tully said. “We aren’t typically that bad on free throws, but we were tonight.”

CHRISTIAN BELL scored a game high 14 points for the Highlanders.

JORDAN JACKSON led the Monarchs with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. TORY SANDERS bagged 9 points and 10 rebounds.

“JEMEIL JACKSON played really well defensively with 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists,” Tully noted.

Helix: Christian Bell 14 (2 reb, 2 ast), Marcus White 9 (6 reb, 7 ast, 1 ast), Elsaiah Blair 8 (6 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Ernesto Martinez 6 (6 reb, 2 ast), Dylan Lee 6 (2 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Marcus Norris 4 (6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 5 blk), Gary Linson 2 (2 reb), Justin Flisher (2 reb, 1 stl), John Nalty (2 reb).

Monte Vista: Jordan Jackson 11 (11 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 1 stl), Tory Sanders 9 (10 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Adam Wallace 9 (3 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Meliek Johnson 8 (1 reb), Jemeil Jackson 6 (7 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl), Thomas Walker 3 (4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Eric Collins 2 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

Henderson (Nev.)-DEL SOL 66, GRANITE HILLS 59 (OT) – For the second night in a row the Granite Hills Eagles found themselves in an overtime joust during Saturday’s (Jan. 4) Las Vegas Foothill Tournament.

After capturing a double overtime victory on Friday night, the Eagles (6-7) came up short against host Del Sol on Saturday in a single overtime game.

JACOB BURTON made the second of his two free throws to send the Eagles into overtime against Del Sol.

But Granite Hills could not overcome 40 Del Sol free throws and having four starters foul out.

Del Sol claimed a 12-5 scoring edge in the four minute extra period.

ANDREW MANNING led the Eagles with 16 points, while SETH COLLINS rolled a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds as Granite Hills lost for only the third time in its last nine starts.

“You know, this is good competition,” said Eagles coach RANDY ANDERSON. “We would have liked to have done better, but as it was we were competing well against good competition.”

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 16 (2 reb), Seth Collins 10 (10 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk), Antonio Read 8 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Jaron Sanders 8 (2 reb, 2 ast), Chris Diaz 6 (1 reb), Brayan Turner 5 (3 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Jacob Burton 3 (3 reb, 1 blk), Rease Warford 3 (3 reb, 6 ast).

El Centro-CENTRAL 78, EL CAJON VALLEY 58 – For the first time this season the El Cajon Valley Braves came out listless, and visiting Central Union of El Central buzzed the Braves 33-6 in the first quarter of Saturday’s (an. 4) non-league game.

It was case closed after that.

“That’s the worst beating I’ve ever been associated with,” said El Cajon Valley coach MARTY ELLIS. “I’ve never been associated with something this stinging. Our players were not focused and basically gave up.”

El Cajon Valley: Syon Hicks 15 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Brandon Rumley 8 (13 reb, 3 stl), Ian Danler 8 (3 reb, 4 stl), Drake Afaisen 7 (1 ast, 3 stl), Ibrahim Ali 6 (1 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl), Brenden Brocious 5 (4 reb, 1 stl), Mike Readus 4 (3 reb, 3 stl), Daniel Placenti 4 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Shauntal King 3 (3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Ahmad Sulyman (2 ast, 4 stl).

El Capitan's Isaiah Capoocia (21) blocks a shot by Mission Vista in an east win. (Photo by Leslie Autry)

© East County Sports.com
HENDERSON, Nev. (1-4-14) — The Valhalla Norsemen will play for the championship of the Las Vegas Foothill Tournament on Saturday (Jan. 4) night against the Centennial Bulldogs at 5 p.m.

One thing about the Norsemen is, they have no one particular go-to guy. They have no less than a handful of potential scoring leaders, which is why they have won their last three straight games and have established themselves as a primary contender in the Grossmont Hills League.

Valhalla (7-4) took a 23-9 halftime lead against Bonanza in the semifinals, but wound up scrambling in the final seconds to claim a 61-60 victory.

After GEORGE FAKHOURY gave the Norsemen the lead by hitting back-to-back free throws in the final 14 seconds, Valhalla gave Bonanza a chance for a comeback victory by committing a foul with 1.1 seconds remaining.

The Bulldogs, however, missed both free throws and the Norsemen got the rebound. Game over.

It was the second straight game that Fakhoury hit the game-winning free throws.

Valhalla led by 8 points with 5 minutes to go so it looked like the Norsemen had things well in hand. But that wasn’t so as a combination of errors brought Bonanza back into the game.

“I like playing in games like this,” said Valhalla senior guard DAVID GAZALE, who scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. “At halftime we were up by one point, then we let the lead slip away. But eventually we wore them out, kinda like the no-huddle offense in football – they ran out of gas.”

JACOB HAMMETT turned in his second powerful game with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and a block to lead Valhalla . Fakhoury pitched in 10 points and JORDAN QSAR hauled down 13 rebounds.

Valhalla: Jacob Hammett 23 (12 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk), David Gazale 13 (10 reb, 1 blk), George Fakhoury 10 (4 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk, 1 stl), Jordan Qsar 8 (13 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Trey Schimke 6 (8 reb, 1 blk), Cole Henderson 1 (4 reb, 1 blk), Jake Bassette (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Terrell McKay (1 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 74, CHAPARRAL 72 (2 OT) – Granite Hills overcame several deficits to knock off Chaparral in double overtime Friday (Jan. 3) in the Las Vegas Foothill Tournament at Henderson, Nev.

SETH COLLINS delivered a powerful double-double of 31 points and 16 rebounds to direct the Eagles to the victory.

ANDREW MANNING added 23 points and REASE WARFORD dropped in 11 in the scoring fest as the Eagles won their 6th game in their last 8 starts.

The Eagles trailed by 10 points by halftime and tied the game up in regulation. In the first overtime Warford hit 2 free throws with 30 seconds left to force a second extra period.

Granite Hills pulled it out on a combination of a 3-point bucket by ANTONIO READ and a pair of free throws by Warford and Manning.

“Everything was a blur in the overtime period,” said Eagles coach RANDY ANDERSON. “Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what happened.

“But I do know this – Collins had a terrific game,” he said of the 6-foot-3 junior, who hit 13 of 30 shots from the field, including 3 triples.”

Manning was on the mark too, hitting 8 of 14 buckets including 3 treys.

“I’m happy the way we stuck with it and didn’t hang our heads after getting behind like we did,” Anderson said.

Granite Hills: Seth Collins 31 (16 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Andrew Manning 23 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Rease Warford 11 (2 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), Brayan Turner 6 (9 reb, 4 ast), Antonio Read 3 (1 reb), Jaron Sanders (3 reb, 1 stl), Jacob Burton (3 reb, 1 blk).

Wolf Pack guard Chase Parsons (left) turns the corner on the Hilltop Lancers. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

WEST HILLS 67, HILLTOP 33 – The Wolf Pack posted their fifth win in its last six starts, including a non-league blowout of Hilltop on Friday (Jan. 3).

“We continue to get better and better. It’s fun to watch,” says West Hills assistant coach LUCAS ARMSTRONG. “We played with good energy tonight and led from start to finish.”

Eleven players contributed to the Wolf Pack attack, led by JOE MANSOUR’s 11 markers for West Hills (6-4).

“Sophomore guard MARCO OVIES had a great game with 5 points, 8 assists, 2 steals and 4 rebounds,” Armstrong noted.

BRENT WILDER pitched in 10 points for the Pack.

“Tonight was our best game on the boards as well,” said Armstrong. “We continue to play good team defense and apply pressure (18 steals). It was another good win vs. a Division 3 opponent.”

West Hills: Joe Mansour 11 (4 reb, 4 stl), Brent Wilder 10 (4 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Nick Zoree 9 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), D.J. Lewis 6 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Byron Padilla 6 (1 stl), Spencer Moyer 6 (1 reb), Marco Ovies 5 (4 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), Elias Totah 5 (4 reb, 2 ast), Chase Parsons 4 (7 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Ricardo Barajas 3 (3 reb), Thomas Reaney 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

EL CAPITAN 58, MISSION VISTA 44 – For the second time this season the El Capitan Vaqueros knocked off visiting Mission Vista with relative east in Friday’s (Jan. 3) non-league action.

WYATT ALVAREZ led the scoring parade for the Vaqueros (8-5) with 16 points – more than half coming on 3 triples.

ANDY CASAS and JOEY LaCHAPPA led the Vaqueros’ board brigade with 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively.

“The second time you play a team it’s a lot harder,” said Vaqueros coach JASON CAVAZOS. “We’re getting a lot better. We’re starting to gel. We’re 8-5 and that’s not bad for a workhorse team. We have a bunch of kids that work really hard and I really enjoy coaching them.”

El Capitan: Wyatt Alvarez 16 (3 reb, 2 ast), Patrick Howell 9 (1 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Scott Root 8 (8 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Myles Emmerson 7 (2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Andy Casas 6 (11 reb, 4 ast), Isaiah Capoocia 6 (1 reb, 1 stl), Joey LaChappa 4 (10 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Aaron Price (6 reb, 1 ast), Brian Ballo (1 reb).

The Usual Suspects

A sample of the El Capitan student body, including one guy pointing at the floor. (Photo by Leslie Autry)

© East County Sports.com
HENDERSON, Nev. (1-3-14) — The Valhalla Norsemen pulled off a double-header sweep in the opening round of the Las Vegas Foothills Tournament on Thursday (Jan. 2), knocking off Las Vegas-Spring Valley, 50-48, and Abraham Lincoln of Denver, 71-62, to hoist their record to 6-4.

VALHALLA 50, Las Vegas-SPRING VALLEY 48 – GEORGE FAKHOURY nailed 2 free throws with 15 seconds remaining to give the Norsemen a narrow nod.

“I really tried not to put the pressure on myself when I’m at the free throw line,” Fakhoury said. “But I knew these were big so I did feel a little bit of nervousness. I’m just glad I came through.”

It appeared at first that the Norsemen were going to breeze past Spring Valley, but found themselves trailing 29-20 at halftime.

“We never really panicked,” said Fakhoury, who scored a team best 13 points. “We just regrouped and did a better job of pushing the ball. Another plus for our team is we have a pretty deep bench, and that made a difference.”

DAVID GAZALE chipped in with 12 points and TREY SCHIMKE grabbed 12 rebounds and made 3 blocks.

Valhalla: George Fakhoury 13 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), David Gazale 12 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl), Jacob Hammett 7 (3 reb, 5 ast, 3 blk, 2 stl), Trey Schimke 4 (12 reb, 3 blk, 1 stl), Jake Bassette 4 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Terrell McKay 2 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Aram Hermiz (2 reb, 1 stl).

VALHALLA 71, Denver-ABRAHAM LINCOLN 62 – DAVID GAZALE scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Norsemen defeated last year’s tournament champion on Thursday’s (Jan. 2) opening round of the Las Vegas Foothill Tournament at Henderson, NV.

JACOB HAMMETT delivered 15 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 blocks and 2 steals to pace the Valhalla supporting cast.

“Those guys are big across the board,” Hammett said. “That team had more size than we do but I think our endurance made the difference. I also think we played with more intensity than we have lately. Personally I like to play on another court and beat an opponent on their court.”

GEORGE FAKHOURY once again came through for Valhalla with 13 points.

Valhalla: David Gazale 22 (8 reb), Jacob Hammett 15 (7 reb, 8 ast, 4 blk, 2 stl), George Fakhoury 13 (6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl), Cole Henderson 7 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Jake Bassette 5 (7 reb, 1 blk), Jordan Qsar 5 (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk).

GRANITE HILLS 48, Las Vegas-RANCHO 45 – Granite Hills posted its fourth win in five decisions to balance its season ledger at 5-5 by knocking off Las Vegas Rancho in Thursday’s (Jan. 2) Las Vegas Foothill Tournament at Henderson, NV.

SETH COLLINS turned in a powerful double-double for the Eagles of 16 points and 13 rebounds.

“Collins did a nice job and went to the basket strong,” said Eagles coach RANDY ANDERSON. “He hit a key 3-pointer with two minutes left to give us a solid 7-point lead.”

Steady ANDREW MANNING poured in 19 points, including five 3-pointers.

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 19 (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Seth Collins 16 (13 reb, 1 ast), Antonio Read 5 (2 reb, 1 ast), Brayan Turner 5 (1 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Rease Warford 2 (5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Jaron Sanders 1 (3 reb, 1 ast), Jacob Burton (5 reb, 1 ast), Edgar Aguilar (1 reb).

Las Vegas-CENTENNIAL 51, GRANITE HILLS 38 – Trailing by 12 points midway through the first half, Granite Hills cut the deficit in half but never posed a serious threat to Centennial in Thursday’s (Jan. 2) Las Vegas Foothill Tournament at Henderson, NV .

“We played good half-court defense but didn’t shoot the ball very well,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY ANDERSON.

JACOB BURTON had 10 rebounds for the Eagles and ANDREW MANNING led the team with 13 points.

Granite Hills: Andrew Manning 13 (2 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Antonio Read 9 (2 reb), Jacob Burton 4 (10 reb, 2 ast), Seth Collins 3 (8 reb), Jaron Sanders 2 (2 reb), Rease Warford 2 (2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Brayan Turner 2 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Edgar Aguilar 2 (1 reb), Chris Diaz 1.