Eagles, fans send Norsemen message
- Updated: January 23, 2022
Valhalla and Granite Hills on Friday. / Dave Dickens
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
GRANITE HILLS 70, VAHLALLA 55
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (1-21-2022) — If ever there was a rivalry game, this was the game to attend on Friday evening.
After suffering back-to-back losses, even worse, to league opponents, an unfortunate nail-biting loss to the Helix Highlanders, 62-59, in a wild game, and also more recently to the Grossmont Foothillers, 61-50, and at home in front of the largest crowds for prep basketball in the East County this season, Friday’s game was also a must-win and a redemption game for the Granite Hills Eagles (12-5, 1-2 Grossmont Hills League) against another talented league foe, the Valhalla Norsemen (8-7, 1-0 GHL).
Talk about one of the closest and one of the most competitive leagues this year.
Valhalla was on the other end of the spectrum as the Norsemen had just defeated a league opponent, the West Hills Wolf Pack, 52-43.
For the Eagles, Derek Edmond led the charge most definitely on offense with 31 points but also had six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Eagles’ win without the Edmond brothers leading the charge.
Tre Edmond scored the second-most total points with 13, perfect at the free-throw line with 8-for-8, five rebounds, and a steal.
Towards the end of the third quarter, but especially mid-fourth, the Norsemen were on a pretty good run, even with the press being put on Valhalla, was almost scoring at will, and even with the speedy and noble sophomore sensation Isaiah Hasten, Valhalla would tip the ball several times and several Eagles, as well, taking a Norsemen net.
Hasten did have nine points, an outstanding night at the boards with 16 rebounds, four steals, three blocked shots. Just played outstanding defense.
Another big note on the night, freshman Lathan Fry played his first varsity basketball game.
Fry had two three-pointers and a two-point field goal for eight total points and five rebounds.
Granite Hills head coach Dan Duffy was impressed with this kid the first night out.
“It was definitely a big win because they are a league opponent. The crowd does make it more fun, especially when both sides are so loud and going back and forth. Whatever opponent comes for us next we will be ready for them. I’m glad we took this game as we needed this one badly. Lathan played great tonight, he is like a little brother to me. It’s really awesome to be able to see him out there making shots like that,” said Derek Edmond.
Granite did take care of business with a 70-55 win.
*** PLEASE STAY TUNED AFTER HIGHLIGHTS FOR POST-GAME INTERVIEW WITH FRESHMAN LATHAN FRY.
