Holmes leaves Norsemen Thunderstruck

By Ramon Scott
Updated: January 20, 2018

Helix's JAYLEN HINSON goes up with a shot on Friday night at Valhalla.

Helix defends against Valhalla on Friday.

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP BASKETBALL

HELIX 61, VALHALLA 40

EastCountySports.com staff report

EL CAJON – Helix sophomore MAURICE HOLMES admits to listening to heavy metal music during his meditation routine.

Holmes, a budding star not yet at full bloom, had a bit of an awakening Friday night against the host Valhalla Norsemen.

Helix’s JAVON DAVIS goes up for the ball on Friday night.

Holmes started slow but rocked and rolled to 20 points and eight rebounds and the Helix defense was again stifling in the opening minutes, as this time the Highlanders stymied Valhalla early in a 61-40 Grossmont Hills League win.

Helix is off to a 2-0 start in the Hills League, part of a three-way tie with Granite Hills and West Hills.

“I thought we did a good job at moving the ball getting good looks,” Helix coach BRENNAN CASSADY said. “We just couldn’t make the shots early.”

Holmes scored 10 points in the third quarter, and the ever-more versatile 6-foot-6 star stepped out for a pair of three-pointers in the period and had 16 points in the second half.

“(Holmes) just needs to be more consistent but that will come with time and as he gets stronger,” Cassady said.

BRADLEY DUNN helped the Highlanders to a nice start with six points in the opening quarter, as Helix led 11-4 after the first.

“Dunn had a great week of practice and got the start,” Cassady said. “He did a great job attacking the basket and rebounding.”

CARSON BAKER hit a three-pointer for Helix in the second quarter, as the Scotties led 28-13 at halftime.

Baker finished with four assists, as well.

Helix senior guard AMARI GREEN was the ultimate team man on this night with his five steals, five rebounds, and three assists.