Foothillers closer to playoffs with win
- Updated: February 16, 2018
GHS GIRLS BASKETBALL INSTAGRAM
2018 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (2-15-2018) – The Grossmont High ladies were ranked No. 15 in the San Diego CIF Division 2 playoff rankings coming into Thursday’s non-league contest versus Hilltop at home.
Along with winning five of their last seven contests, the Foothillers have a good chance of moving up in the rankings after a 56-42 win over the Lancers.
Hilltop came into the contest with a record of 5-19 overall and were ranked 16th in Division 3.
Grossmont is well aware that they sputtered a bit at the beginning and midseason and missing ATHENA SOTELO to injury has not helped their cause either.
The Lady Hillers came out firing on all cylinders with something to prove on offense and especially defensively against their Division 3 foe.
The Hiller defense held the Lancers to an anemic 8 points in the first quarter, as the Grossmont’s offense hung 17 on the board.
MARISSA GILES led the offensive charge tossing in 8 points.
Hilltop was not done with what they had to say as the Lancers outscored the Lady Hillers, 15-12, in the second quarter of play, leaving the score, 29-23 at intermission.
Grossmont’s CANDACE HENDERSON led the scoring in the second quarter as she tossed in three buckets and a free throw, for a total of seven points.
“That was our only big issue, missing quite a few free throws,” said Grossmont head coach GRACE CAMPBELL.
Once again the Lady Hillers came out of the locker room fired up and ready to put this game into the win column.
Grossmont did prevail once again with a balanced offense and defense, leading at the end of the third quarter of play, 16-7, especially with defensive player of the game EMILY BARNES.
Barnes had 14 rebounds and three key blocks, and Giles added two buckets, a free throw, and a three-pointer for another eight points for 16 total heading into the fourth quarter with the Hillers leading, 42-30.
“I think we played well tonight,” said Barnes, a senior. “We have come a long way as a team, however, we have much more potential. I am very excited for the game Friday and for the playoffs “
Heading into the fourth, up 42-30, the Lancers had one last quarter to win, which they did, 12-11, but the
Grossmont defense held, and Giles added 4 more points, increasing her total of 22 on the evening and another win.
“We came together with everyone scoring, we had smart coaching, which in turn helped us secure
the win,” Giles said. “The key to beating this next opponent is to keep up our intense pressure defensively the entire game. “
Grossmont (12-13, 4-5) will have to rest quickly as they will travel to Madison Avenue to face the Granite Hills Lady Eagles (6-17, 1-8) at Granite Hills at 5:30 pm.
“We are going to need to play tough defense and offensively we need to penetrate to the basket, as well as, continue to hit our shots from the outside like we have been doing for the last few games,” said Barnes.
