Eagles show of patriotic royal blue

By David Dickens
Updated: December 21, 2021

2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (12-20-2021) — Another opportunity for the Granite Hills Lady Eagles to advance at the ECVHS tourney.

At 6-4, according to the brackets, the Lady Eagles would be matching up against Patrick Henry (1-8).

Interestingly, the Patrick Henry Patriots had not won a contest since Nov. 29 versus the Chula Vista Spartans, 30-24. The Spartans are now 5-5 on the season.

When you gander at a game, especially one that looks like these two teams on paper, do you think mismatch and possible blowout?

The bottom line, this is why they play the games, as you never know which team will show up that day, or morning in this case.

A bright and early tip-off at 9 a.m. in this case.

As predicted, the first quarter was a back and forth affair, a foul for each squad, and not much of an offensive battle as at the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard read 7-6 in favor of Granite.

Senior guard Anne Moskus put up a successful three-pointer, and Jade Hughes hit two free throws and a bucket.

The second quarter of play was really not too different, almost a mirror image of the first quarter.

Granite won the first quarter, by a single digit, the second by five points, 10-5, leaving the score 17-11 at intermission, not necessarily a barn burner if you will.

Granite only tightened up its defense in the second half, only allowing a pitiful 12 points on behalf of the Patriots.

The Lady Eagles, on the other hand, would tack on another 24 points, improving their shooting selection, more patience on offense, and phenomenal defense, shutting the Patriots down with almost identical scores, 11 first-half points, and 12 second-half points for a total of 23.

Granite, on the other hand, better ball handling, shooting, and just a great improvement all the way around, just maybe scoring another 30 points, as they are capable and will get better as league play is around the corner.

The Lady Eagles did take care of business, winning this one, 41-23, to stay in the running for the championship game on Wednesday.

Hughes finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two turnovers; Khaley Kaesser had nine points, a three-pointer, eight rebounds, and a block.

“Khaley Kaesser did really well, stepping up when we needed her as one of our starters is limited due to injury,” said head coach Jermani Stewart.

“As a team, we were less aggressive last game, but this game we played harder and passed more frequently, to make more shots. Patrick Henry played aggressively. And ran more screening, There were also a lot more fouls this game which indicates how hard both teams went. I personally didn’t have an opportunity to play in the Ramona game, but I observed that this team relied more on teamwork than the other team, which had a main shooter. From observing the last game I was able to take more mental reps and slow the game down when I subbed in today, which I think contributed to my performance. We need to rely more on our teamwork and communication,” said Kaesser.

“The keys to coming up with the ‘W’ is just playing our game, playing together, and communicating. When we don’t let outside forces dictate our game plan, everything else flows,” said Stewart.