Playoff-bound Hillers win finale
- Updated: February 17, 2018
Granite Hills and Grossmont in action on Friday night in El Cajon.
2018 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (2-16-2018) – It definitely will not go down as one of the prettiest victories ever, however at the end of the day, a win is a win for the Grossmont Foothillers.
The first half definitely differed from the second half in the 43-30 win for Grossmont.
The Lady Hillers came storming out of the gate and took the first quarter against host Granite Hills on Senior Night.
The spoiling of the Eagle festivities started with a 14-4 lead to end the first.
Grossmont was already eager, but on little rest ended up controlling the second quarter as well, 15-9, for a halftime score of 29-13 as Grossmont held their head high heading off the court and into the visiting locker room to discuss strategy for the second half.
The Granite Lady Eagles played a much better second half, especially AYANG AGOTH, who added 9 points to her already 5 points scored, hitting three three-pointers in the second half, along with her talented teammate, KANI KUBARI, who tossed in four buckets for right points in the second half and 10 total points scored on the evening.
Grossmont allowed the Lady Eagles to creep up quite a few times, based on miscalculated shots and just not being in sync with each other, possibly fatigue from a hard fought game versus Hilltop the night before.
“Too many rushed shots and we just lost our rhythm in the second half,” said Grossmont’s MARISSA GILES, who completed her night with 9 points, not typical of Giles.
“We can not afford to have another performance like this against a playoff team,” said Grossmont coach GRACE CAMPBELL. “ We played sloppy particularly in the second half, I do however believe if the girls play like they have been in the last few games, we can beat Carlsbad this time around.”
Grossmont and Granite Hills watch a shot on the rim Friday night.
EMILY BARNES finished the game with eight points, along with a few assists and rebounds, and also seemed to be focused on the task at hand.
When asked how the Lady Hillers are going to prepare for an opponent, Carlsbad, they lost to early in the season, Barnes said: “It’s going to be a tough game, they are a great team, but we have a few days to prepare, and as long as we come focused and ready to practice for the next few days, come out hard on Wednesday, I have faith that the team can come away with the win.”
Grossmont’s CANDACE HENDERSON also added 11 points that included two successful free throws, and three three-pointers.
Official seedings and schedules for the postseason will be announced on Saturday morning.
The Granite Hills Lady Eagles finish the regular season, which comes to a halt, 6-18 overall, and 1-9 in Grossmont Hills League play.
The Grossmont Lady Foothillers finished the regular season, 13-13 overall and 5-5 in league play.
