Ali, De Leon, drain clutch shots for M.V.

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: January 14, 2023

Monte Vista High file photo by Nick Pellegrino

2022-23 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

ECS staff report

SPRING VALLEY — Monte Vista guard Helan Ali drained a go-ahead, 3-point basket with 14 seconds remaining, then the Monarchs withstood a final Point Loma shot at the buzzer to tip the visiting Pointers, 35-33, in Saturday’s (Jan. 14) holiday weekend non-league ballgame.

Counting down the final seconds, Point Loma seemed destined to collect the victory.

“Angelina De Leon made a 3-point shot with a minute to go to take the lead, but then Point Loma banked in a 3-pointer with about 30 seconds to play,” said Monarchs head coach Sabrina Jimenez. “But Helan came through with a contested three with 15 seconds left.”

Point Loma called a timeout to set up a final shot , but the buzzer-beating mid-range jump shot to force overtime bounced off the rim to give Monte Vista (12-5 overall) the triumph.

Ali paced the Monarchs with 12 points, while De Leon added 11, giving Monte Vista seven wins in eight outings, Point Loma slipped to 3-6.