Eagles finish tourney trip at .500
- Updated: January 2, 2022
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
BUENA PARK (12-30-2021) — Following a huge victory over Valencia, a statement win, the Granite Hills Lady Eagles would have their hands full in Orange County as they faced the 12-6 South Gate Lady Rams.
The Lady Eagles had some very difficult opponents on the four-game road trip, as they would finish the trip 2-2. However, don’t read too far into the records, as this Lady Eagles team was quite resilient, and to come home with a 7-7 record, anyone who is observant, and has followed this girls’ basketball, knows how much of a struggle this program has had.
As we look back to the 2018-19 schedule, under then-first year head coach, Brianna Martinez, the team had a 2-21 finish. A phenomenal coach who is now an Assistant Coach at CSUSB, also the program’s recruiting director, while also overseeing the academics and camps.
Coach Jermani Stewart came on as the head coach in 2019-20, worked hard, and knew what type of hard work, and how she had her work cut out for her.
Coach Stewart was a 5-foot-10 forward at San Diego Christian College. In 2012-13, Stewart played her third season at San Diego Christian College. In 2011-2012, Stewart played in 31 games, averaging 6.5 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game.
In the 2019-20 season, as the head coach of the Lady Eagles, Granite would finish 8-12.
Thus far, the best talent and team she has had to date, all her hard work has most definitely paid off, as she holds a 7-7 record overall, until the Lady Eagles resume play, Friday, Jan. 7. at Steele Canyon, at 5:30 p.m.
As expected, the Lady Eagles and Lady Rams were tied at 20-all at intermission.
Unfortunately for Granite, the Lady Ram defense and offense came to play in the second half, holding Granite to a mere 13 points total and taking advantage of the Eagle defense.
To put up 23 points on behalf of the Lady Rams, and slam the door on the visiting Lady Eagles, 43-33.
Jade Hughes put up 20 points, with six field goals and 8-for-8 free throws.
