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Wolf Pack shock Helix in overtime Grossmont stands alone on top of GHL table

El Capitan's Tyson Kygar (32) goes for the goal, challenged from behind by Thomas Butler of Mount Miguel. The visiting Matadors won, 62-47. (Photo by Leslie Autry)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-12) — For all of the robust effort put forth by Steele Canyon High's defense in the first half against host Granite Hills, the Cougars' offense failed to maintain their end of the workload.

Eleven turnovers kept the team from taking the lead during Friday's (Feb. 10) Grossmont Hills League contest. However, since the Eagles registered just a single steal on their opponent's mistakes, that meant the Cougars were simply giving the ball away on unforced miscues due to traveling or throwing the ball out of play.

"It's a little bit frustrating, but we have confidence in each other, and we have confidence that we can play like we have been the last couple of games," said Cougars junior CASEY BALIKIAN. "And we came out like that in the second half."

When Steele Canyon finally took care of the basketball, they also went on to take care of Granite Hills, 49-43. The triumph offset a triple-double by Eagles center SCOTT ATKINSON, who produced 19 points, 14 rebounds and blocked 11 shots.

Eagles' Williams avoids Sig Alert

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-12) — Traffic snarls and typical evening commute congestion on area freeways left Granite Hills High junior SKYLAR WILLIAMS to wonder if she would ever reach her school's gymnasium on time for Friday's (Feb. 10) Grossmont Hills League contest with Steele Canyon.

"I wasn't here in the first half because we had problems on the freeway so we showed up late, so I don't know what happened in the first half," said Williams. "All I know is, our press was good – something we've been working on – and our transition was much better."

When Williams arrived, just a few minutes remained in the first half, so she could only contribute just a single basket prior to intermission, giving the Eagles a mild 20-14 cushion.

But with Williams available for the entire second half, Granite Hills' offense proved its usual productive self, pouring in 42 points over the final two periods to pull away for a comfortable 62-31 triumph over the Cougars.

COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Mount Miguel alum Miller returns home
for San Diego State's annual 'Pink' game

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (2-9-12) — Former Mount Miguel High standout DANIELLE MILLER, a member of the UNLV Rebels women’s basketball team, will be coming to San Diego on Saturday (Feb. 11) for a Mountain West Conference game against the SDSU Aztecs (17-5) at 2 p.m. in the Viejas Arena. Tickets are $6.

Helix' Pruitt offers football camp (Today) FLYER

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-3-12) — San Jose State bound wide receiver-defensive back JIMMY PRUITT, a member of the state bowl football champion Helix Highlanders, is offering a youth football clinic for area residents as part of his senior class project.

What's Happening in El Cajon (Feb. 9 update)

Oil, Filter Recycling every Saturday in February

Valentine's Day Arts & Crafts Party For Kids

Tossing a Frisbee illegal on L.A. beaches
Footballs banned, too, unless you pay for a permit

Youth of the Year nominations now being accepted

The Griffins' Cody Wittick (12) skies for the basket, while Cody Bermudes attempts to take the charge for Cuyamaca. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

MEN'S BASKETBALL
Ash treys help Griffins
smoke MiraCosta

© East County Sports.com
OCEANSIDE (2-11-12) — A third-place finish and a possible SoCal men’s basketball regional playoff berth are not out of reach for the Grossmont College Griffins, who skipped past host MiraCosta, 75-56, in Friday’s (Feb. 10) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action.

TREVON ASH landed seven 3-pointers on his way to a 24-point finish.

It was the fourth straight win for the Griffins (12-11, 9-6 PCAC), who need a win over San Diego Mesa in their Friday (Feb. 17) regular-season finale to clinch at least third place in the PCAC standings.

David Rhoden collected the victory after tossing three innings of shutout relief vs. Pasadena. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

BASEBALL
Baseball dream comes true for Lockey

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-12) — Facing the classic childhood dream situation – bases loaded, two outs, and here comes the 3-2 pitch – Grossmont College catcher BRIAN LOCKEY bombed a 3-run double to center field, allowing the Griffins to snag a 9-8 verdict over visiting Pasadena in a non-conference game Friday (Feb. 10).

For Lockey, who batted 3-for-4 with four RBI against the Lancers, the only deviation on his big hit: it came in the bottom of the 8th inning instead of the 9th.

But that was okay after Grossmont relief pitcher AARON AYON took the mound. He struck out the first two batters he faced, eventually saving the game for fellow bullpen mate DAVID RHODEN, who tossed three frames of shutout ball on just three hits.

Grossmont's Karli Bull reaches base following her double down the right field line vs. Santa Ana. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

WOMEN'S FASTPITCH
Another ranked foe downs GC

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-12) — Santa Ana College pitcher Kaitlyn Hooper matched her fall ball performance.

After falling to Grossmont College, 3-1, last autumn, the sophomore again limited the Griffins to three runs on eight hits. But this time, the 5th-ranked Donas’ offense erupted for double-digits to take Friday's (Feb. 10) 11-3 non-conference decision.

The three runs by Grossmont (3-5) was a season-low after the team was scoring at a near-record rate entering the ballgame.