Highlanders climb summit, share GHL baseball crown

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: May 14, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

East County Sports.com

FLETCHER HILLS — Since the Covid-19 pandemic ended, the Helix Highlanders have come close to capturing the Grossmont Hills League, but always fell just short — until Thursday.
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The Scotties wasted little time by opening with nine straight runs, able to finally climb the summit by winning “at the top of the Grossmont summit” by whipping arch-rival Grossmont, 18-2, at Gizoni Field.

The triumph allows Helix to share the GHL championship with Granite Hills, both at 10-2 in league action. The Scotties previously captured four straight crowns from 2016-19.

Grossmont was holding on with Helix through two scoreless innings, but a heads-up play turned into disaster.

The Scotties attempted a double-steal, but with no defender covering third base, the catcher’s smart throw went top second base in hopes to catch the trailing runner napping.

Instead, no middle infielder was there, the ball sailed into center field, and Helix took a 1-0 lead — an advantage which went to 9-0 at the struggling Hillers continued to seek answers.

Romeo Briones followed with a two-run single. Late, a bases-loaded walk forced home a run.

Looking ahead to next week’s CIF-San Diego Section playoffs, Briones only pitched four innings, allowing just one run on one hit.

On offense, a trio of juniors — left fielder Kie Smith, shortstop Jake Johnson and third baseman Ben Willians — each clouted home runs.

Senior Elijah Martinez led with three RBI. Smith and Williams scored three times.

The 18 runs by Helix was the most against Grossmont since the mid-1970s,

Grossmont (11-17) has dropped 9-of-10 since upsetting Granite Hills, 12-4, on Apr. 21.

— Nick Pellegrino