Patriots play tough but come up short
- Updated: January 13, 2022
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (1-11-2022) — The record on paper doesn’t tell the whole story of this young Christian High Lady Patriot varsity basketball qquad with a record of 4-10. It doesn’t help your cause either when you are facing a Scripps Ranch team that is 11-3, either.
That also depends on who you are asking. If you are asking this young Christian Lady Patriots team, they would much rather face the tough, talented squads like the Falcons.
It was definitely a tale of two halves. It was definitely in favor of the visiting Falcons. A much-improved group as they had last played the Cathedral Catholic Dons, who absolutely dismantled this young Lady Patriots team, 78-36, just a week ago.
The ladies played a little lethargic, to be expected after seven days of not actually competing.
Whatever head coach Vickie Carrington discussed with her young athletes, truly made a difference as the Lady Patriots came out in the second half with some fire, not quite enough, however, to overcome, especially the fouls. The fouls definitely cost this capable and ever-improving wquad from completing their quest and defeating a good team, according to their record anyhow.
The visiting Falcons were not as impressive as their record would show, a good team would suffice as a true description of this year’s Scripps Ranch team.
However, as aforementioned, the Lady Pats shot themselves in the foot one too many times.
When you continue to do so versus a team like the Falcons, they will hang around, as they did, and never allowed the host Patriots to take the lead at any point, even as they improved in the second half.
JP Melvin had one of her best performances on the evening, at the boards, driving into the paint, and just playing an overall great game.
Melvin was 3-of-8 from the field, 3-for-6 from two-point range, grabbing seven rebounds, and a steal, but just so full of energy, in the second half especially.
“I had a rough start to this game, however, I turned the game around once I noticed I wasn’t involving myself as part of the team,” said Melvin. “I just think we should have got back on defense in transition, as that is where they were able to get all of their easy buckets. But we played really hard as a team, and that is all that matters.”
Alyssa Speers also showed her downtown shooting skills amongst her other talents on the evening.
Speers was 4-for-7 from the field, 1-of-2 from two-point range, with three three-pointers, two rebounds, a steal, and a blocked shot.
“As a whole, I think we can work on our teamwork, but we did a lot better communicating and working together on defense. I felt that my confidence and energy truly came from God, because I just felt great from the start of our game. I just can’t put a finger on why. I think our attitudes drastically improved. Our spirits were high and really helped us play together. We played well, but just came up a few points short. However, if we work hard and really focus, I know we can come back stronger next time,”: said Speers.
Koko Akridge always has a Midas touch, either on defense or offense, in just about every game.
Akridge was 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-3 from two-point range, with two three-pointers, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Last, but definitely not least, is the always fiery Amyaha Walker.
Walker had 2-of-2 free throws made, but it is all the great passes and speed she adds to being on the floor.
“We all played very well, we allowed them to get ahead in the first half but didn’t give up. I believe we fought until the very end. Once we work on all of our rotations and getting everyone involved on defense and offense, we will be unstoppable. We did have some fouls, but shouldn’t have let that top our game. This was honestly a winnable game, there was nobody on Scripps Ranch that was an overpowering player. They were good. We need to fix some of the minor mistakes, and we will be unstoppable. Mark my words, we will be ready for them the next time,” said Walker.
Coming up, the Christian Lady Patriots will face Fallbrook at the Ryan Center, on Monday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Fallbrook is currently 6-6.
