After pause, Monarchs play back-to-back
- Updated: January 18, 2022
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EASTLAKE (1-15-2022) — The Monte Vista Monarchs (13-4) played a great tune-up game on Friday night against the El Cajon Valley Braves. Started off smoking the Braves, 41-9, after a half, and still pulled off the win convincingly, 67-34.
It appeared that the Monarch offense would be able to take that same intensity to Eastlake, however in reality, it was the defense that created the scoring opportunities in the win over the Braves, just last night.
You never know what some of these records on paper really establish, as some of these South Bay teams play some pretty tough competition throughout the season. Eastlake (9-7) seemed as if they would be a similar opponent for the visiting Monarchs, up 12-0 to start the game and 27-14 with three minutes left in the second quarter, but ran out of gas.
Eastlake ended the half on an 11-3 run, to cut the lead to five at the half.
The Monarchs were outscored 19-6 in the third quarter, which was the difference. The team is really just trying to get back into basketball shape after too much time off and not working due to medical.
The Titans ended up with the win, 60-52.
“Eastlake is a very good team, they had beat Mater Dei the night before, we played well just not un great shape yet,” said Monte Vista head coach Mike Tully.
Brandon Tully was in his usual offensive shape, however, with 31 total points on the evening, three three-pointers on the evening, 11 field goals, while Chris Lybarger had nine total points, one three-pointer, and three two-point field goals.
“I just think it was the fact of not being able to practice or play due to guys with medical issues. The first quarter we came out hard, playing great. We let them come back (with an) 11-3 run at the end of the second quarter. Still up, we lost it getting tired. The team played hard, just not being in shape got the best of us today,” said Brandon Tully
