Patriots pluck Cards in shootout
- Updated: January 10, 2022
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
CHRISTIAN 64, HOOVER 63
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (1-7-2022) — Winning two of their last three contests, not to mention holding their own and even leading the first quarter in a well-played loss to the Cathedral Catholic Dons, the Christian High Patriots were more than qualified to take on the Hoover Cardinals (9-6).
With a record of 4-10 coming into the home contest, the numbers on paper are not too kind to the eyes, nor do they tell the real story of how much improved the Christian Patriots have been in the last month. Including a few losses in mid-December between 4-to-6 points, playing great ball on both sides, just ran out of time when playing catch up.
A league opener is exactly what the host Patriots were in need of, and against an opponent with a better record on paper, but a winnable game if you were to question Christian High head coach Tim Brown and his group, full of optimism and the improved play, with a sprinkle of confidence to get the job done.
Both the visiting Hoover Cardinals and the host Christian Patriots came out firing in the first quarter of play, with the hosts on top at the end of one quarter, 15-13.
Leading the way through the first quarter offensively, of course, Patrick Perez, with a three-pointer, a two-point field goal, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. Not far behind was Isaiah Givens with 1-for-1 from two-point range and a three-pointer from downtown.
Christian led at the end of the second quarter, 34-30.
Once again, Perez led the offensive points in the second quarter, going 4-for-4 from the field for eight points.
As for the visiting Cardinals, junior Ozzeno Diallo was a superstar in the first half with 16 total points, hitting 4-of-4 from the field, along with two three-pointers, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Christian came out in the third quarter on a mission, which showed in the 19-12 offensive hot hands of the Patriots, as well as the defense, held the Cardinals to 12.
On Saturday, the Patriots were up for another challenge, taking on Moorpark, of the Coastal Canyon League.
However, the Musketeers’ Lucas Fenske poured in 33 points as the Pats fell 83-51 to fall to 5-11 overall.
Moorpark’s Samson Hall added 25 points as he and Fenske outscored the Patriots combined.
Perez scored 15 points to lead CHS in a game that was played at Pacifica Christian High as part of a day-long, multi-team event.
Givens scored all 10 of his points in the second half, while Mini Mesghenna added eight points.
Hunter Provience was dominating the boards with 17 total rebounds, while Perez added 15 rebounds.
