Monarchs prove might over Braves
- Updated: January 16, 2022
Monte Vista and El Cajon Valley jostle for the ball on Friday. / Dave Dickens
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
MONTE VISTA 67, EL CAJON VALLEY 34
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (1-14-2022) — Prior to the beginning of the action on Friday night, Monte Vista head coach Mike Tully was concerned with the shape of his team after almost two weeks without competing or practice. It didn’t take but about thirty seconds into the contest to see the hunger and energy these Monarch boys had as they licked their chops.
The El Cajon Valley Braves had seen more action than the Monarchs, even as recent as hosting the Granite Hills Eagles in a loss, and a win over Castle Park.
However, the Monarchs were still coming into the contest at 11-4.
There was no rust on the wheels of this energy bus from Monte Vista.
At the end of the first quarter of play, the host Monarchs already had 23 points and would add 18 in the second quarter, for an incredible 41-9 lead at the half.
Brandon Tully played like his usual offensive self putting up 15 total points, along with a three-pointer in that 15 points. Marco Bahlin also ended up with three three-pointers for nine points in the first half.
The Braves would have a better second half of scoring, however, most of those points came as the Monarch bench came in for some playing time to add to the lead also.
El Cajon Valley hit a few nice shots but just turned the ball over way too many times.
The Braves put up 23 points in the second half, which was impressive as the Monarchs were held to 26 total in the second half.
Ultimately the Monarchs played a very impressive first half offensively and played a decent defense for the duration as well, ultimately taking care of the visiting Braves, 67-34.
Brandon Tully led his Monarchs with 19 points.
Isaiah Hilke was also impressive with 15 points.
“Our defense was the key in this game. Most of our shots weren’t falling in so we knew we had to score around the basket. We have to take league game by game and focus on each game in order to win the (Grossmont Hills) League,” said Hilke.
