Cougars’ late surge stuns No. 13 Bishop’s

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL

STEELE CANYON 66, No. 13 BISHOP’S 59

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY — Steele Canyon has spent the first month of the season proving it can play with anybody. On Thursday night, the Cougars delivered their biggest proof yet.

Behind a determined second-quarter swing and a composed finish, Steele Canyon knocked off No. 13 Bishop’s, 66–59, at home, handing the ranked Knights a rare setback and adding a signature win to what has already been one of the more unpredictable starts in the San Diego Section.

EARLY HOLE, BIG RESPONSE

Bishop’s arrived with its ranking and a fast start to match. The Knights blasted out to leads of 15–4 and 17–8, taking control of the game’s opening stretch and closing the first quarter up 17–11.

But the Cougars flipped the momentum in the second period. Steele Canyon posted a 24–12 advantage in the frame — turning a slow start into a 28–23 halftime lead. It was the first major swing of a game that would feature several.

BISHOP’S PUSHES BACK — BUT STEELE DOESN’T FOLD

The Knights regrouped in the third behind the production of Romeo Wright, Jojo Bryant, and Zach Chen, and Bishop’s clawed back in front. Their 18–15 third-quarter edge cut Steele Canyon’s advantage and briefly restored control for the visitors.

But Steele Canyon didn’t waver.

By the early fourth quarter, the Cougars had retaken momentum, pushing ahead 57–51 with 4:43 remaining. The hosts held strong inside the final minutes, closing with a 16–12 fourth-quarter edge to secure the upset.

COUGAR SCORING CORE DELIVERS

Steele Canyon’s win was powered by its 2027 trio of Chayse Miles, Chris Alexander, and Alex Andrews, who combined for 48 points in a breakout performance. Their production was enough to withstand a massive night from Bishop’s standout Romeo Wright, who posted 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The victory not only toppled a ranked opponent — it served as another data point in what has been one of the county’s most battle-tested early schedules.

Through the first month, Steele Canyon has taken on playoff-caliber teams nearly every night. Their 6–5 record is deceiving; almost every game has been close, and the Cougars have shown the ability to challenge opponents across divisions.

Here’s how their season has unfolded:

Key Results

• L 54–49 vs. Rancho Christian — tight season opener vs. a strong program

• W 70–68 vs. West Hills — first win, a two-point thriller

• L 86–85 (3OT) vs. University City — instant classic, one-point triple-OT loss

• W 52–46 vs. Patrick Henry

• W 67–50 vs. Escondido Charter

• W 68–55 vs. Eastlake — three straight wins

• L 61–56 at Maranatha Christian — competitive road loss

• L 61–30 at Sage Creek — only lopsided setback so far

• W 65–49 vs. Canyon Hills — bounce-back home win

• L 44–40 at Army–Navy — defensive battle on the road

• W 66–59 vs. No. 13 Bishop’s — their biggest result yet

The Cougars now sit at 6–5, but with multiple narrow losses and a résumé packed with decent competition, Steele Canyon has established itself as a capable threat well before league play.

A SIGNATURE WIN AT THE RIGHT TIME

Taking down a ranked Bishop’s team gives Steele Canyon a momentum boost heading into the heart of December — and serves notice that the Cougars’ tough schedule is already paying dividends.

It wasn’t just an upset. It was the most complete example yet of the Cougars’ resilience:

• rallying from early deficits

• responding to second-half surges

• and executing late against a ranked opponent

A month into the season, Steele Canyon has shown it can play from behind, win close contests, and now — beat Top-15 programs.

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