East County Sports

Griffins turnback Tartars for 7-2 start

Sophomore guard David Wheeler drives for a basket Wednesday against Compton.

2017 GROSSMONT GRIFFINS MEN’S BASKETBALL

GRIFFINS 81, COMPTON 75

 

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

 

EL CAJON (11-22- 2017) -The visiting Tartars from Compton came into the contest 1-2 on the season, which was advantage No. 1 right out of the gate for the Griffins.

The Tartars had a 4-hour bus ride for their destination for Wednesday night’s game with Grossmont College.

Prior to tip-off, Grossmont head coach DOUG WEBER said, “Do not let Compton’s record fool you, they are very good.”

The Tartars didn’t have jet lag, as they arrived by bus, however in the first 8 minutes of play, the Tartars appeared to sluggish, missing several shots.

Grossmont’s RONALD BLAIN jumps center Wednesday versus Compton, as teammate JOSH MORAN awaits.

Let us not take away the fact that the Griffins were also playing stellar defense, had a few steals, not to mention leading the Compton crew, 17-6, with 1148 left in the first half of play.

Compton also missed quite a few free throws in the first half that might have made a difference.

The visitors went on a 4-0 run with 9:13 left in the half, cutting the Griffins’ lead to 7, 20-13.

Grossmont played an extremely physical 1st half, as with 8:40 left in the first, former Serra high guard JOSH MORAN put up a beautiful field goal, all net, making it 23-13 Griffins.

Every time it appeared the Grossmont lead was slipping, a different player stepped up.

With 3:06 left until intermission, former West Hills guard BRYCE PARSONS put up a lay-up under severe duress, and was fouled, as his free throw barely missed but increased the lead after the counted bucket, 34-22.

The score at intermission was Grossmont 38, Compton 30.

Leading scorer for the 1st half for the G-House was guard Moran with 11 points.

Whatever game plan or motivational speech given by the Compton head coach definitely cleaned up a major amount of fouls and improved its defensively in the second half, creating blockage of shooting lanes that were once wide open, and improved their shooting accuracy on offense.

The Griffins were fouled, missed a free throw and Compton quickly sped down the court for a quick 3-point shot from second leading scorer for Compton, Chris Townsell.

With 12 seconds to play in regulation, the Tartars climbed within 79-75, however, the Griffin defense held and added two free throws by guard OSCAR LIMON for the 81-75 Griffins’ win.

Grossmont sophomore guard BRYCE PARSON was the leading scorer with 24, while also getting 9 rebounds, 3 assists,  and 1 steal.

Griffs sophomore forward RONALD BLAIN was the leading rebounder with 12, while he also added 5 assists, 1 steal, and 14 points scored.

The Griffins will resume play on Friday, December 1st as they host the 46th Annual Grossmont Tournament.

The Griffins are now 7-2 on the season.

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