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EAST COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL - 2006-07

NAVIGATION
Merlino ticketed for Whittier

© East County Sports.com
WHITTIER (5-6-07) -- Steele Canyon High forward TINA MERLINO, who was named to the All-East County third-team for the 2006-07 season, will continue her basketball career at Whittier College.

The 6-foot-1 senior led the Cougars to a 16-13 record this past season, leading all East County players with a .540 shooting percentage while ranking second in rebounds as 12.3 per contest. Merlino also paced Steele Canyon in scoring, ranking 10th in the region at 13.4 points per outing.

Coaches placed Merlino on the All-Grossmont South League second team.

Whittier's Poets went 12-13 last season, finishing 5-9 in the SCIAC. Merlino should move into the line-up quickly, as the team graduates five seniors from a roster which also included seven freshmen.


Fri., Mar. 30
Senior All-Star Game
(At Mira Mesa)
NORTH 77, SOUTH 65

NORTH (77) -- Cara Breite (Mt. Carmel) 3 1-6 9, Jenna Breite (Mt. Carmel) 1 1-2 3, Tiffany Hunter (Fallbrook) 2 5-6 10, Sage LeBlanc (Valley Center) 1 0-1 3, Katie Girten (Westview) 0 0-0 0, Carly Lackey (La Costa Canyon) 4 1-3 11, Liz Moten (Torrey Pines) 1 3-4 5, Kristin Marquardt (El Camino) 2 0-0 4, Kathleen Roerhkasse (The Bishop's) 3 2-2 8, Sabrina Valenzuela (Brawley) 1 0-0 3, Nabila Gaines (Calipatria) 2 2-2 6, Ali Pia (Parker) 1 8-8 10, Phylicia Egbuna (Horizon) 2 1-1 5. Totals 23 24-33 77.

SOUTH (65) -- Justine Chacon (Mira Mesa) 1 1-3 3, Te'ahnalin Harris (Kearny) 1 1-3 3, Danisha Corbett (Montgomery) 4 4-7 13, Lashawn Johnson (Mount Miguel) 2 0-0 4, Paris Johnson (San Diego HS) 8 3-6 19, Brittany Palmer (Eastlake) 0 1-2 1, Precious Robinson (Mount Miguel) 1 7-10 9, Morgan Sabala (Granite Hills) 1 0-1 2, Nicole Salem (Our Lady of Peace) 0 0-0 0, Erica Sanchez (Eastlake) 3 1-1 7, Ashley Rogers (Kearny) 1 1-2 4, Chelsea Jugo (Morse) 0 0-0 0. Totals 22 19-35 65.

North All-Stars.......... 41 36 -- 77
South All-Stars.......... 31 34 -- 65

Paris Johnson (S). 3-point goals -- Cara Breite (N) 2, Carly Lackey (N) 2, Sage LeBlanc (N) 1, Tiffany Hunter (N) 1, Sabrina Valenzuela (N) 1, Danisha Corbett (S) 1, Ashley Rogers (S) 1. Total fouls -- North 26, South 30. Fouled out -- none. Technicals -- none.

Tiffany Hunter (Fallbrook), with 10 points, four rebounds and a steal was named the MVP for the North while Paris Johnson (San Diego HS), who had 19 points, was the South's MVP. Katie Girten (Westview) won the 3-point shooting contest, making 13 in the finals while Sage LeBlanc (Valley Center) had 10.


East County trio named to All-County Team

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (3-25-07) -- Mount Miguel High's PRECIOUS ROBINSON and DANESIA WILLIAMSON joined La'KENYA SIMON-WEST of Grossmont among the 10 players honored with a first-team berth on the All-CIF team in basketball for the 2006-07 season

Paris Johnson of San Diego High was voted the player of the year, while Lori Morris of Montgomery was tabbed coach of the year.

Joining the trio with second-team berth were Grossmont center THERESE REIDEL and Helix forward BRITANY WILLIAMS.

The San Diego Hall of Champions is pleased to announce the official All-CIF teams for the San Diego Section, which have been selected under the auspices of the Hall of Champions since 1960.

The All-CIF teams, with the exception of wrestling, are selected by a vote of a media panel with input from coaches. The All-CIF wrestling team is determined by the champions of each weight class at the Masters tournament.

For a list of honorees in all winter sports, visit the Hall's website, at www.sdhoc.com.

2006-07 ALL-CIF SAN DIEGO SECTION BASKETBALL TEAM
Selected under the auspices of the San Diego Hall of Champions

FIRST TEAMSECOND TEAM
Dominique Conners, Jr., La Jolla Country Day
Danisha Corbett, Sr., Montgomery
Paris Johnson, Sr., San Diego High
Victoria Lippert, So., Cathedral Catholic
Brittany Palmer, Sr., Eastlake
Precious Robinson, Sr., Mount Miguel
Kathleen Rohrkasse, Sr., The Bishop’s
La’Kenya Simon-West, Sr., Grossmont
Danesia Williamson, So., Mount Miguel

Lauren Zaniboni, Sr., Torrey Pines
Cara Breite, Sr., Mt. Carmel
Jenna Breite, Sr., Mt. Carmel
Cheyenne Curley-Payne, So., Eastlake
Janae Fulcher, Jr., La Jolla Country Day
Amanda Gray, Sr., Ramona
Tiffany Hunter, Sr., Fallbrook
Therese Reidel, Sr., Grossmont
Erika Sanchez, Sr., Eastlake
Raquel Tucker, Sr., Crawford
Brittany Williams, Jr., Helix

Foothillers' Simon-West tabbed
East County Player of the Year

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-14-07) — Grossmont High senior La’KENYA SIMON-WEST has been selected the All-East County Sports.com Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8 guard, who will attend Oregon State on a basketball scholarship next fall, led East County in three offensive categories this season.

Simon-West’s 25.4 scoring average was tops in the region, as was her 75.4 free throw shooting percentage. She also broke the Grossmont High record with 104 3-pointers, which ranks third all-time in the San Diego CIF record book.

East County Sports.com Coach of the Year honors go to Grossmont High’s TIM JOLLETT for the second year in a row. Jollett led the Foothillers to their first Grossmont North League title and a school record 24 wins in 30 games.

EastCountySports.com Rookie of the Year honors go to Mount Miguel sophomore guard DANESIA WILLIAMSON, who averaged 15.2 points per game for the 27-5 Matadors. Williamson’s name can be found in almost every statistical category this season.

Mount Miguel senior center PRECIOUS ROBINSON was the only player to earn All-East County Sports.com first team honors for the second straight season.

Helix guard BRITTANY WILLIAMS moved up from All-East County Sports.com second team a year ago to first team this year, as did Simon-West.

Grossmont’s THERESE RIEDEL, who earned East County Sports.com Rookie of the Year in 2005, also made first team, as did Williamson.

2006-07 ALL-EAST COUNTY
GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Selected by East County Sports.com
Pos
First TeamSchoolHgt.Year
F
Precious RobinsonMount Miguel6-0Senior
G
La’Kenya Simon-WestGrossmont5-8Senior
C
Therese Riedel Grossmont6-4Senior
G
Danesia WilliamsonMount Miguel5-5Soph.
G
Brittany WilliamsHelix5-10Junior
Player of the Year -- La’KENYA SIMON-WEST, Grossmont
Rookie of the Year -- DANESIA WILLIAMSON, Mount Miguel
Coach of the Year -- TIM JOLLETT, Grossmont
Pos
Second TeamSchoolHgt.Year
F
Mele Leasau Helix6-0Senior
C
Danielle Balough Santana 5-6Senior
G
Morgan SabalaGranite Hills5-6Senior
G
Ashley DuffyEl Capitan5-9Soph.
F
LaShawn JohnsonMount Miguel5-10Senior
Pos
Third Team SchoolHgt.Year
G
Jem AfusiaHelix5-10Senior
F
Autumn SpikesMount Miguel6-1Junior
G
Marilyn NaderhoffWest Hills5-7Frosh
F
Tina MerlinoSteele Canyon6-1Senior
G
Tina RiosGrossmont5-3Junior

2006-07 ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS (Selected by coaches)
All-Grossmont North League
Pos
First TeamSchool
Hgt.
Year
G
La’Kenya Simon-WestGrossmont
5-8
Sr.
C
Therese RiedelGrossmont
6-4
Sr.
G
Tina RiosGrossmont
5-3
Jr.
G
Ashley DuffyEl Capitan
5-9
So.
C
Danielle Balough Santana
5-9
Sr.
Player of the Year - La’KENYA SIMON-WEST
Championship Team — GROSSMONT
Pos
Second Team School
Hgt.
Year
G
Michelle Gonzalez Grossmont
5-2
Sr.
G
Kimberly ClarkWest Hills
5-9
Fr.
G
Marilyn Naderhoff West Hills
5-7
Fr.
F
Jamie FergusonEl Capitan
5-8
Jr.
F
Ashley Baker Santana
6-0
Sr.

All-Grossmont South League
Pos
First TeamSchoolHgt.Year
G
Precious RobinsonMount Miguel6-0Sr.
G
Danesia Williamson Mount Miguel5-5So.
G
Brittany Williams Helix5-10Jr.
C
Mele Leasau Helix6-0Sr.
G
Morgan Sabala Granite Hills5-6Sr.
Player of the Year - PRECIOUS ROBINSON
Championship Team — MOUNT MGIUEL
Pos
Second Team SchoolHgt.Year
F
Autumn SpikesMount Miguel6-1Jr.
F
LaShawn JohnsonMount Miguel5-10Sr.
F
Jem AfusiaHelix5-10Sr.
F
Molly HillenbrandGranite Hills6-0Jr.
F
Tina MerlinoSteele Canyon6-1Sr.
Pos
Third Team SchoolHgt.Year
C
Amy Sylvester Granite Hills6-1Jr.
C
Bree Martin Valhalla5-10Sr.
G
Samantha Beasley Steele Canyon5-7Sr.
C
Victoria Murphy Mount Miguel5-5Sr.
G
Sinoi Leasau Helix5-7So.

Matadors fall short against Santa Margarita

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-11-07) — Sophomore guard DANESIA WILLIAMSON probably won’t be named the MVP of the Mount Miguel basketball team this season.

Top: Mount Miguel's Precious Robinson gets
to the rim for two points in the CIF regional semifinals against Santa Margarita. Bottom:
LaShawn Johnson with the entry pass.
(Photos by Joe Fejeran)
But rarely has the swift point-guard’s presence been missed by the Matadors more than it was in Saturday’s (Mar. 10) Southern California CIF Regional semifinal 47-41 playoff loss to Santa Margarita.

Williamson, who scored 50 points in two previous playoff games and has a 15.2 average for the season, watched from the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Thursday’s quarterfinal win over Hanford.

Although no one can say for sure what value Mount Miguel ’s game suffered in her absence, fact is the Matadors (27-5) shot more than 21 percentage points poorer against Santa Margarita (15 for 44) than they did Hanford.

“Not having Danesia hurt us, but we missed too many lay-ups and put backs we should have made,” Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL said.

Senior center PRECIOUS ROBINSON, the Matadors’ leading scorer (17 ppg) was limited to 8 points on 2-for-10 shooting by the taller Eagles (27-5). Robinson did block 6 shots and collect 8 rebounds in her joust with 6-3 Santa Margarita center Whitney Wood. Robinson did most of her work during the first half when the officials kept their whistles in check. Neither team reached the bonus during the first two periods.

For some reason, the officials called a tighter game in the second half. That opened the door for Wood to become more aggressive, as she scored 18 of her 22 points in the final two quarters. A 79 percent free throw shooter, Wood was a perfect 10 from the foul line and made 4 of 8 field goals after the break.

Santa Margarita (27-5) snapped a 41-41 deadlock by scoring the final six points during the last two minutes.

LaSHAWN JOHNSON led Mount Miguel with 12 points, all coming on four 3-pointers.

The Eagles held a wide advantage in shooting touch as they made 17 of 34 tries from the floor and all 13 free throws. Mount Miguel was 6 for 12 from the charity stripe.

In his seven years at Mount Miguel , Sandoval owns an overall 180-39 record, seven Grossmont South League championships, four San Diego CIF titles and has taken his teams as far as the SoCal Regionals on two occasions.

“The kids had a fantastic year,” Sandoval said, “So there is nothing for them to hang their heads about.”

Mount Miguel scoring: LaShawn Johnson 12, Autumn Spikes 9, Precious Robinson 8, Marnesha Hall 6, Tori Murphy 3, Coco Fountain 3.


Bullpups are beaten beagles
Matadors unim-press-ed in victory

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-9-07) — Not many teams have dared to challenge the Mount Miguel Matadors with full court pressure.

Apparently the Hanford Bullpups of Central Valley CIF Section never got that memo.

The Bullpups were snapping at the Matadors heels all night during Thursday’s (Mar. 8) CIF Southern California Regional quarterfinal game. Hanford did have success, as Mount Miguel turned the ball over 24 times. But Mount Miguel proved why it is the No. 1 seeded team in the SoCal event by pounding out an 81-64 victory.

While the Matadors (27-4) threw the ball away a little bit more than usual, they also shot well above their season average, hitting 31 of 56 shots (55 percent) to thwart the upset bid by Hanford (23-6).

PRECIOUS ROBINSON, a 6-foot senior forward, was solid in the middle for the Matadors, connecting on 11 of 16 shots from the floor and 5 of 6 free throws for 27 points. More than that, though, Robinson hauled in 16 rebounds, blocked 7 shots, dished 3 assists and made 2 steals.

Robinson admitted that one of Mount Miguel ’s short-comings came at the free throw line where the Matadors missed 18 of 34 chances.

DANESIA WILLIAMSON, the Matadors’ sophomore floor leader, hit 10 of 19 shots from the floor and half of her 10 free throws to match Robinson’s 27 points. Eight of Williamson’s points came off of her 6 steals.

“This was a very physical game,” said Robinson. “They came with it but we came ready too.”

Williamson wound up face down on an attempted scoring drive with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter. After a 5 minute delay she was helped from the court with an unexplained knee injury.

“Danesia getting hurt certainly didn’t help us,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “It doesn’t look good, but we’ll see. She has loose cartilage in her knee. When she twisted it she said she heard a pop. Our trainer thinks it might be a mild-sprain ACL. So we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

AUTUMN SPIKES added a stealth 13 points and 5 rebounds for the Matadors.

Mount Miguel hit 14 of 19 shots from the floor in the opening quarter to take a 30-17 lead. Hanford never got closer than 9 points thereafter.

Williamson was the Matadors’ scoring pillar in the opening 8 minutes, as she tallied 16 points.

If she is unable to go against Santa Margarita on Saturday (Mar. 10) at Mount Miguel , it will add more pressure on senior guard VICTORIA MURPHY, whose specialty is defense.

Murphy was harassed by Hanford all night, which caused her to make more turnovers than usual and diluted her defensive prowess. Even so, Murphy managed 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists to go along with 4 points.

Sandoval noted that Santa Margarita’s game is a half-court offense focused upon pouring on the pressure inside the paint. While that may sound ferocious, the Matadors welcome the challenge, given the circumstances.

“They want to drop back into a 3-2 zone and don’t pressure like Hanford does,” said Sandoval. “Santa Margarita goes 6-2, 6-2, 6-foot on the front line. So bringing the ball up should not be a major problem for us, whether it’s Tori (Murphy) or LaSHAWN JOHNSON.”

Johnson, who has been bothered by nagging injuries most of the season but has missed very little playing time, handed out 8 assists in the victory over Hanford.

Another key to Mount Miguel ’s future success is MARNESHA HALL, who contributed 5 points – including one long-range 3-pointer – 8 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench. Hall, a 6-foot senior, will probably start against Santa Margarita if Williamson can’t answer the bell.

Mount Miguel scoring: Danesia Williamson 27, Precious Robinson 27, Autumn Spikes 13 (5 reb.), Marnesha Hall 5, Tori Murphy 4, LaShawn Johnson 3 (4 reb., 3 stl.), Coco Fountain 2.


Tritons face Scotties' best shot

© East County Sports.com
SAN CLEMENTE (3-7-07) — After Saturday’s (Mar. 3) forgettable performance in the San Diego CIF Division I finals, the Helix Highlanders were given little to no chance of pulling off an upset in Tuesday’s (Mar. 6) CIF Southern California Regional opener.

The Highlanders, who committed 36 turnovers in a 61-47 loss to Eastlake in the SDCIF championship game, pushed the Tritons of San Clemente to the limit before falling, 73-65.

With 4 minutes left Helix (23-9) was down by 5 points. The Highlanders stole the ball and raced down the court only to miss the lay-up. On their next possession San Clemente hit a 3, and Helix was forced to foul.

“This was hands down one of the best games we’ve played all season,” said Helix coach TRINA MERIDETH.

She couldn’t say the same about the officiating.

“The referees were terrible,” Merideth grumbled.

Perhaps she had just cause. The Tritons of Orange County went to the free throw stripe 25 times and made 23. Helix, by comparison, was 3-for-3 in free throws.

Helix fell behind early, as the Tritons led 22-16 after one quarter.

“It was like playing at Duke,” Helix assistant coach WILLY HATHAWAY said. “The crowd was on its feet the whole game.”

That did not seem to rattle the Highlanders, who received 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals from junior guard BRITTANY WILLIAMS.

The Highlanders scrambled back, to lead 32-30 at intermission. Steadied by their solid play in the first half, the Highlanders kept challenging the favorites and remained tied 48-48 with eight minutes to go.

“I feel they really underestimated us,” Merideth said. “We came out fired up. We stayed with them the whole game. We were able to get up and down the floor with them.”

Where the Highlanders could not keep pace was at the free throw line.

“That was the difference,” Hathaway said.

Senior MELE LEASAU concluded her Helix career with a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Hitting the long ball is another reason the Highlanders were able to stay in the game. JAZ AFUSIA hit a trio of triples and her sister JEM AFUSIA netted a pair as did SINOI LEASAU. Williams hit one trey, giving Helix eight for the game.

Despite ending the season with consecutive losses, Merideth was pleased by the Highlanders’ overall finish.

“We had a good season, we accomplished a lot and surprised a lot of people,” she said. “I’m pleased with the way the ladies played all season. I’m looking forward to next season already.”

Helix scoring: Brittany Williams 28, Jaz Afusia 11, Mele Leasau 10, Sinoi Leasau 10, Jem Afusia 6.


Matadors: State title contenders
Mount Miguel gains top seed in Southland

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-5-07) — It was no surprise that the Mount Miguel Matadors were awarded the No. 1 seed in the Division III Southern California CIF Regional playoffs.

The Matadors (26-4), who have won 17 straight and 20 of their last 21 games, will host the Hanford Bullpups (23-5) in the opening round of the SoCal playoffs on Thursday’s (Mar. 8).

But before the Matadors take the floor, SDCIF Division I runner-up Helix (23-8) travels to San Clemente (26-5) for Tuesday night’s (Mar. 6) opening round of the SoCal playoffs.

“We’re just glad to still be playing,” said Helix coach TRINA MERIDETH. “I think we’ll be ready to play. I know we didn’t have that great a game in the (San Diego Section) finals (a 61-47 loss to Eastlake ). But the pressure when we go to San Clemente won’t be on us.”

Mount Miguel, meanwhile, makes its sixth straight appearance in the SoCal Regional playoffs as the decisive favorite for the first time. Only once has Mount Miguel reached the SoCal championship game (2005).

“To be honest, we expected to be the No. 1 seed,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “Playing the first two rounds at home, I like our chances (of reaching the SoCal finals).”

If the Matadors do win their first two playoff games, they will play in the SoCal championships on Saturday (Mar. 17) at UCLA.

Of course the Matadors must first muzzle the Hanford Bullpups and then most likely will have to defeat perennial power Santa Margarita Saturday night (Mar. 10) in Spring Valley.

“We have to take advantage of being the only San Diego team to gain a No. 1 seed,” Sandoval said.


Matadors breeze to CIFSDS crown

© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (3-4-07) — It has been said that high school teams suffer a shooting breakdown when they are assigned to play on a college basketball court. It seems simple enough because it’s only a difference of 10 feet.

The Usual Suspects
The high school court is 84 feet in length; the college and professional courts are 94 feet in length. All are 50 feet wide.

Although the top-ranked Mount Miguel Matadors (26-4) are averaging more than 64 points per game this season, they could hardly be classified as a sharp-shooting outfit.

Mount Miguel's Precious Robinson is blocked
by a Lady Dons defender, so she passes for
the assist in the Matadors' 55-39 triumph.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)

When Mount Miguel faced off against Cathedral Catholic (26-5) in Saturday’s (Mar. 3) San Diego CIF Division III finals at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, the Matadors seemed unfazed by the extra distance they had to go to down the Dons 55-39 to claim their fourth SDCIF title in the last five seasons.

Instead of battling the usual depth perception problem that comes with playing in a vast arena, the Matadors moved closer to the basket. Not only did they shoot 43 percent (23 of 51) as a team, they scored 31 points on shots that could be considered lay-ups.

Guard DANESIA WILLIAMSON dropped in 9 of 15 shots and 4 of 6 free throws for 23 points to pace the Matadors. More than half of her points came off of transition baskets.

Senior PRECIOUS ROBINSON scored the majority of her 21 points inside the lane, hitting 8 of 15 attempts from the floor and 5 of 8 free throws. Robinson also had 10 rebounds, two less than game leader and teammate AUTUMN SPIKES.

“We’re glad to be here, we’re glad to win, and now we want to take a look at state to see what we can do,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

The Matadors – who never trailed – broke a 19-19 tie with an 18-4 run. Cathedral never got closer than 7 points after that.

Mount Miguel will find out Sunday (Mar. 4) night its opponent in the Southern California Regionals. One thing is certain: the Matadors, who have won 17 straight and 20 of their last 21, will have a home game on Thursday (Mar. 8) night.

Mount Miguel scoring: Danesia Williamson 23 (3 stl.), Precious Robinson 21 (3 blk.), LaShawn Johnson 2, Autumn Spikes 2 (4 stl.), Victoria Murphy 2 (4 stl.), Marnesha Hall 2 (5 reb.), Coco Fountain 2, Cindy Ekweozor 1.

Eastlake guard Cheyenne Curley-Payne (12)
forces her way into the lane, colliding with
Helix' Sinoi Leasau (21). Leasau was called for
the blocking foul; Eastlake won the CIF crown.
(Photos by Adolfo Villanueva)
EASTLAKE 61, HELIX 47 — It's one thing to exploit an opportunity, but what Eastlake High did to Helix in the SDCIF Division I title game was another.

Moments after Highlanders standout BRITTANY WILLIAMS went to the bench with an early second foul, the Titans turned an early 10-point deficit into a shocking 31-17 lead -- a remarkable 26-2 scoring run -- thanks to a stifling zone press defense, racing to the section championship with a comfortable 61-47 decision Saturday (Mar. 3) at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion.

Forcing turnovers over eight straight possessions, Eastlake lured Helix into its trap by allowing the Highlanders to dribble into defenders rather than utilizing their height advantage and a longer 94-foot college-size court by passing over the top.

The strategy earned the Titans (28-4) their fourth section title and proved redemption for a side which fell in last season's title contest to San Diego . Meanwhile, the bright lights at USD proved too much for a Helix squad (23-8) playing for the championship for the first time in more than 25 seasons.

“ Brittany is our point guard, hands down,” said Helix coach TRINA MERIDETH who’s Highlanders are short on depth. “When she’s not in there, that’s when the dynamics change. You know, we struggle when we get in foul trouble. And that can really change the momentum, as it did today.”

Williams scored six of her nine points in the opening 6:10, when Helix commanded a 15-5 lead, as she and teammate JEMINY AFUSIA drove the ball straight to the basket. But when Williams collected her second foul a little over a minute later, a confident Highlanders side which had won 16 of their last 19 starts suddenly were no match for Eastlake 's speed.

The Highlanders also saw starter SINOI LEASAU retreat to the bench with her third foul in the opening quarter.

Helix turned the ball over 22 times in the first half – and 36 times in the game – as Titans guard Brittany Palmer registered six steals to go along with her 16 points.

In what was an otherwise long afternoon for the Highlanders, Jem Afusia enjoyed an outstanding game, hitting seven of 14 shots – two of them triples – for team high 16 points. She also had eight rebounds – four less than team leader Mele Leasau.

Both teams will advance to Tuesday's (Mar. 6) Southland regionals of the CIF state championship. Eastlake will play at home, while Helix, due to an expanded tournament bracket starting this season, could play home or on the road despite the loss.

Helix scoring: Jeminy Afusia 16, Mele Leasau 9, Brittany Williams 9 (5 ast., 7 stl.), Jazlyn Afusia 7, Nydah Royster 4, Sinoi Leasau 2.


A quarter-century later
Highlanders gain CIF finals berth

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-28-07) -- The last time the Helix Highlanders played for a San Diego CIF girls basketball championship was in 1981. Current Helix boys basketball coach JOHN SINGER was doing double duty at the time, directing the boys in the winter and the girls in the spring.

Grossmont's La'Kenya Simon-West
sinks a short, baseline jump shot.
(Photo by Chris Edwards)
ADDITIONAL GAME PHOTOS HERE

Although Singer’s girls lost to Patrick Henry in the 1981 SDCIF 2A championship game, a year earlier the Highlanders had beaten those same Patriots 41-40 to capture the second girls basketball title in school history.

More than a quarter-century later, the Scotties will seek their third overall title after skating past visiting Fallbrook, 56-46, in Tuesday's (Feb. 27) Division I semifinals at Caledonia Gym.

Helix (23-7), the second-seed, will battle top-seeded Eastlake (27-4) in Saturday's 6:05 p.m. (Cox Cable 4) title game at USD's Jenny Craig Pavilion.

BRITTANY WILLIAMS poured home a game-high 29 points for the Highlanders, which led practically wire-to-wire. Besides 2-all, the only time the Warriors were even close came at the close of the first period, when Natalie Zepada tossed in a halfcourt shot at the buzzer to level the contest at 12-all.

However, when the Scotties opened the second period on a 12-4 run -- half of the points courtesy of Williams -- Helix went on to its sixth consecutive triumph and 11th win in the last 12 outings.

Both coaches attempted different versions of the same defensive strategy, but Williams & Co. made the necessary adjustments on offense to avert the opponent's attempt to clog the lane.

"We usually tend to get into foul trouble, so there have been scenarios where they get charges on us," noted Williams. "So we had to stop-and-pop it."

Many of Williams' points came by penetrating the lane, but when the extra Warriors defenders moved into position to take the charge, Williams would pull up and sink an array of unchallenged 10-to-12 footers.

"They were really smart -- that girl would stop and get in position to take the charge," noted Helix coach TRINA MERIDITH. "I told Brittany that two points is more important than an offensive foul, and she really listened and really played great offensively."

Meanwhile, on the other end, a Helix scouting report noted that only three of Fallbrook's starters scored on a regular basis, so the two remaining Highlanders defenders covering the non-shooters cheated inside.

"We knew they had three top-notch scorers," Meridith explained. "So the goal was, especially in the first half with Liz (ELIZABETH CALDWELL), was have her play what we call 'door defense' and not guard anybody -- just sit in the middle and create some cluster."

Included was a risky charge created by SINOI LEASAU, who missed last Friday's quarterfinals with a mild concussion. However, she stood her ground inside and forced the turnover when Fallbrook guard Katie Gangnath stormed into her.

Leasau was okay following the violent collision just 2:47 into the ballgame, but Gangnath missed the remainder of the period after wrenching her back.

"Sinoi usually gets charges like that-- it really helped us -- so that our game goes up even more," said MELE LEASAU, who posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, plus blocking four Fallbrook shots. "That gave us the hype to go on."

Added Meridith, "That's not the girl you want taking a charge right now, but she did and it was a huge swing."

Then Williams found the lane to the basket, including a sequence of three straight drives, capped by a behind-the-back move to avert an attempt at the steal. She continued with a crossover dribble for the dramatic layin.

Early in the fourth period, Caldwell stepped into a passing lane for a steal. The ball went to reserve guard NYDAH ROYSTER, who tossed a long, downcourt pass to Williams for the breakaway layin. The transition basket pushed the Scotties' lead to 48-29, sealing their invitation to the section final.

"It feels great -- I feel honored because Helix hasn't won it in a long, long time," added Mele Leasau.

Meanwhile, the Helix boys -- still coached by Singer -- seeks to gain its own berth in the section final, giving the school an opportunity to claim championships for both genders in the same season.

"That would be nice if we both just took it home -- that would be great," added Williams.

By reaching the SDCIF finals, Helix will receive an automatic berth to the Southern California Regionals next week.

“This whole thing is a little surreal,” said Merideth. “It hasn’t hit me yet that we are going to the playoffs.

For the record MARIANNE LOFTIS guided Helix into their first ever SDCIF girls championships in 1975 and 1976. The Highlanders came up short in 1975, but defeated Fallbrook for the 1976 crown.

Helix scoring: Brittany Williams 29 (8 reb.), Mele Leasau 13 (12 reb., 4 blk.), Jeminy Afusia 8, Sinoi Leasau 4 (10 reb.), Elizabeth Caldwell 2.

Foothillers center Therese Reidel (right) gets to this rebound before Montgomery's Felicia Pet can. The Aztecs nipped Grossmont, 57-56.
(Photo by Greg Eichelberger)

MONTGOMERY 57, GROSSMONT 56 – What had become the finest season in Grossmont High girls basketball history came to an abrupt ending in Tuesday’s (Feb. 27) San Diego CIF Division II semifinals.

The top-seeded Foothillers (24-6) led the majority of the night against visiting Montgomery, but blew an 8-point lead in the final nine minutes to allow the Aztecs (20-9) to continue on to USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion for Friday’s (Mar. 3) Division II championship game.

Grossmont used a 10-0 scoring run to turn a 2-point deficit into a 43-35 advantage with less than a minute to go in the third quarter. Instead of building on that momentum, the Foothillers surrendered 5 points in 35 seconds to keep the Aztecs in contention.

Montgomery, not known for its 3-point shooting prowess, burned the Foothillers for 10 triples over the course of the night. The biggest trey belonged to Felicia Pet, who connected with 38 seconds remaining to give the Aztecs a 55-53 advantage.

“I just can’t believe that they hit all those 3s,” said Grossmont coach TIM JOLLETT of the Aztecs. “Even so, our defense held them to just three points more than the first time we played them (and won 65-59).”

Jollett did not fault his team’s defense for the stunning loss. What irked him most was the fact that the Foothillers shot only 33 percent (22 of 66) from the floor – and committed 19 turnovers.

“We were averaging less than 10 turnovers a game,” he said. “Tonight we committed 19 against a team that wasn’t pressing us. And our guards only made 3 of 25 shots. You can’t have numbers like that and expect to win.”

On the upside for the Foothillers was the sparkling performance by La’KENYA SIMON-WEST. The Oregon State-bound Simon-West, who suffered a meniscus tear Feb. 9 against El Capitan , returned to the lineup for the first time and appeared to be close to full strength.

Simon-West scored a game-high 29 points on 11 of 20 shooting from the floor, which included 6 triples. The East County 3-point shooting leader concluded her senior season with 104 treys, which broke CHRISTINA ADAMS’ Grossmont High record and anchored Simon-West in third place in the SDCIF record book.

“That’s cool,” exclaimed Simon-West. “I know that I did something that will be in the record books for awhile so people can remember me for this season. But I can’t leave my teammates out because without them I would have never gotten this record.”

Grossmont’s season could well have continued had Jollett’s strategy in the final 14 seconds been executed in the manner he designed it.

Montgomery was leading 57-54 when the Foothillers inbounded the ball in the front court.

“The ball was supposed to go to me,” said Simon-West, who was 6 of 13 from 3-point range. I was supposed to get a screen at the top of the key, but it wasn’t there so I picked up my dribble way too soon.”

That created panic and junked Jollett’s design for a shot that would have created overtime.

Instead of shooting, Simon-West gave up the ball to TINA RIOS, who seemed surprised when she received an unplanned pass from Simon-West. Not knowing how much time was on the clock, Rios threw up a desperation shot that was way short of the mark.

Grossmont’s PHYLICIA SCHULTZ grabbed the airball and banked in a shot as the buzzer sounded, leaving the Foothillers one point short.

Senior THERESE RIEDEL scored 12 points, cleared 16 rebounds, blocked 3 shots and made 3 assists for the Foothillers.

“It’s hard to lose a game so close,” Simon-West said. “But we had a great season and went farther than a lot of people expected us to.”

Grossmont scoring: La’Kenya Simon-West 29 (10 reb.), Therese Riedel 12, Phylicia Schultz 6 (5 reb.), Tina Rios 5 (4 ast., 5 reb.), Michelle Gonzalez 4 (7 ast., 5 stl., 8 reb.).

MOUNT MIGUEL 64, BRAWLEY 22 – Game after game, the Matadors continue to prove they are the elite girls basketball team in the San Diego Section.

No matter how high the stakes, the No. 1 ranked Matadors (25-4) always seem to rise to the occasion. In Tuesday’s (Feb. 27) SDCIF Division III semifinals Mount Miguel led 16-0 before the (25-5) Wildcats could leave a mark on the scoreboard.

Although there are cynics and critics of coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL’s Matadors – no doubt due to their continuous success – they cannot argue with the fact that Mount Miguel has won 16 straight and weighs in as a primary Division III contender for the state championship.

Can you say envy?

Even though this was a semifinal playoff game, the talent level at Mount Miguel allows Sandoval to rotate his players without losing an ounce of quality.

Senior PRECIOUS ROBINSON rolled a quiet double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while blocking 5 shots and recording 5 steals.

COCO FOUNTAIN came off the Mount Miguel bench to contribute 13 points – the majority coming from a trio of 3-pointers – and 4 steals.

Steady senior LaSHAWN JOHNSON did not log record-breaking numbers, but in her allotted playing time contributed 8 points, 6 assist and 5 rebounds.

“We had a real good first quarter, then we kinda got complacent in the second quarter,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “We go through that sometimes where we have droughts. But we can usually pick it up. We’re just trying to get ready for the championship game against Cathedral. The kids know the last four or five opponents have not been good teams. Their mindset is going to be totally different on Saturday.”

Mount Miguel scoring: Precious Robinson 18, Coco Fountain 13, Danesia Williamson 9 (3 stl.), LaShawn Johnson 8, Autumn Spikes 6 (9 reb., 4 blk., 4 stl.), Marnesha Hall 6, Victoria Murphy 2, Trina Clark 2.

Shae Bass of Santana is on the drive in Tuesday's semifinalds at Cathedral Catholic.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 61, SANTANA 44 – The No. 3 seeded Sultans went toe-to-toe with host No. 2 seed Cathedral Catholic in Tuesday’s (Feb. 27) SDCIF Division III semifinal until the third quarter when the Dons embarked on a 19-7 scoring run to decide the issue.

The game was knotted at 16-all after one period before Cathedral (26-4) crept in front 28-26 by intermission.

An emotional turning point that occurred in the final seconds of the opening half was a 3-point bucket by Cathedral that turned a deficit into a lead for the Dons.

“The game was decided in the third quarter,” said Santana coach JIM MOTTERSHAW. “We came out tired in the third quarter. We turned the ball over too much and didn’t shoot well at all.”

With 5 minutes remaining, Santana (24-8) was still in contention, trailing only 51-43. The Sultans were forced to foul and Cathedral made a bunch of free throws and had two breakaway lay-ups as well.

“This was not a 17 point game, not at all,” emphasized Mottershaw.

Senior ASHLEY BAKER spearheaded Santana with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and a block. The tallest of the Sultans at 6-foot, Baker was 4 for 8 from the floor and 4-4 from the free throw line.

DANIELLE BALOUGH was held well below her average, finishing with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Senior point guard SHAE BASS concluded her varsity career with 8 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Sophomore JAMIE ELIAS added 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Sultans.

“We had a very exciting year. This team exceeded all my expectations,” said Mottershaw.

Santana scoring: Ashley Baker 12, Danielle Balough 11, Jamie Elias 9, Shae Bass 8, Nicole Brzeczek 4.


Ice-cold Highlanders heat it up

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-25-07) -- It wasn't the calm before the storm, it was more like an ice storm before the calm.

"We came out cold, freezing cold," deadpanned Helix High coach TRINA MERIDITH. "I don't think we forced anything, we just hurried our shots."

Mele Leasau of Helix skies above the crowd
to grab the rebound against Escondido.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
In fact, the lone basket of the second quarter by the frosty Highlanders was a layin by BRITTANY WILLIAMS with 13 seconds remaining, ending a near 9-minute drought without a field goal.

But when the Scotties exploded out of the gate in the second half by scoring on 10 of their first 11 possessions, a 9-point deficit reverted into a 13-point advantage, as Helix went on to eliminate visiting Escondido, 58-49, in Friday's (Feb. 23) quarterfinals of the CIF-San Diego Section Div. I championship.

It was an amazing turnaround.

"With the hype of this game, we weren't missing shots short, we were missing them long," added Merideth about a 7-for-39 (17.9 percent), first-half shooting performance. "So you know the adrenaline and the nerves were going."

But when a calm came over the Scotties and the shots started to fall, the defense, in turn, did even better. Escondido was blanked for the first 4:08 of the second half, thanks to a simple change in philosophy.

"I have to give a compliment MELE LEASAU," added Merideth. "She said to me, 'Coach, what about a 2-3 zone?' and I said, 'Well, let's do it.'"

"Mel loves the game of basketball and I appreciate her input -- and it was the right decision."

The ensuing 19-2 run to start the half (24-2 including five straight points to close the first half) turned a 25-16 deficit -- and with it images of last season's upset loss to Montgomery , also in the quarterfinals -- into a commanding 40-27 lead.

Helix (22-7) will host Fallbrook in Tuesday's (Feb. 27) semifinals at Caledonia Gym. The Warriors (24-6) advanced by upsetting 3rd-seeded Poway , 64-52. The other half of the draw stayed true to form, with 4th-seeded San Diego going to top-seeded Eastlake for the berth in the Division I final at USD's Jenny Craig Pavilion on Sat., Mar. 3 at 6 p.m.

The Highlanders defeated Fallbrook, 42-29, in the teams' season opener back on Nov. 27 in Sportland Classic tournament play.

Junior guard BRITTANY WILLIAMS, the Grossmont South League scoring champion, was among the guilty parties in missing a series of close-range shots. But when she started to penetrate the lane, then dished the ball off to open teammates before the Cougars could double-up on Williams, everything suddenly reversed; Helix seemingly couldn't miss.

Leasau and Williams drained short jumpers to tie the game at 25-all, Leasau scored on a putback -- one of 18 offensive rebounds gathered by Helix -- for the lead, then Williams found JAZ AFUSIA open in the corner for a baseline 3-point goal.

Even a pair of Escondido timeouts failed to slow Helix, as sophomore guard NYDAH ROYSTER hit three straight outside jumpers for seven of her nine points from off the bench, as the hosts rolled up 27 points in the third period to grab a commanding 48-33 cushion.

Helix guard Brittany Williams.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)

"We wanted it more than Escondido, so we took it to them -- it was important to us," said Royster. "Coach just told us to take our time with our shots, then we started to make them."

Royster and ELIZABETH CALDWELL were key components, receiving additional minutes due to the absence of SINOI LEASAU, who suffered a mild concussion in Helix' opening-round triumph over La Costa Canyon.

"It was hard playing without Sinoi, but our players came off the bench for us," noted JEM AFUSIA. "Nydah made some big shots, SAM VICK came in with a steal -- we just put it down and carried it the rest of the way to secure the win."

"Oh, my gosh, we came out a little shaky, but we pulled it out because we had some key points from off the bench -- it changed the whole pace of the game."

Williams paced Helix with a game-high 23 points, but her other numbers proved more significant, collecting eight rebounds, eight steals and five assists.

"That first half seemed very long. We just couldn't put the ball into the hoop -- the ball just couldn't go in," noted Williams. "But lots of people stepped up. Nydah is only a sophomore, but made some big shots, and Jeminy came in when we were in foul trouble."

Helix scoring: Brittany Williams 23 (7 reb., 8 stl.), Mele Leasau 13 (12 reb., 3 blk.), Nydah Royster 9 (4 reb.), Jaz Afusia 5 (6 ast., 5 reb.), Jeminy Afusia 5 (8 reb.), Elizabeth Caldwell 3.

GROSSMONT 83, UNIVERSITY CITY 39 – Playing without East County scoring leader La’KENYA SIMON-WEST for all but two minutes of Friday’s (Feb. 23) San Diego CIF Division II quarterfinal, the top-seeded Foothillers proved that they are not a one-player team as they demolished the Centurions (17-13).

Junior TINA RIOS, a 5-foot-3 guard, scored a career-high 25 points – most of it coming on 7 triples – as the Foothillers (24-5) won going away.

“I think it’s important that our girls proved they can still win without one of the best players in the county,” said Grossmont coach TIM JOLLETT. “We played a great all-around game, especially offensively. I guess this goes to show that the system we run is something that our kids believe in.”

Grossmont connected on 13 of 29 shots from above the arc (45 percent) and made 34 of 78 shots overall (44 percent).

“If we shoot like that, we’re going to be awful hard to beat,” Jollett said.

Senior THERESE RIEDEL posted a strong double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds while blocking 5 shots and recording 6 steals.

“Therese showed why she’s a Division I player,” said Jollett of the 6-foot-4 Riedel, who will play at the University of Idaho next season.

“She has the best hands for a post player of anyone I’ve ever coached,” said the veteran Jollett. “She was really on top of her game today. Not just her shooting, but the way she crashed the boards and ran the floor.”

Grossmont’s MICHELLE GONZALEZ continues to prove that height is not everything when it comes to basketball. The 5-foot-2 senior made 11 steals, crashed the boards for 14 rebounds and scored 8 points in one of her best games every.

Playing only a quarter and a half, HEATHER SPRINGE scored 8 points on 4 of 10 shooting, made 4 steals and grabbed 3 rebounds for the Foothillers.

Simon-West, who averaged 26 points during the regular season, made a cameo appearance in the final two minutes. The senior guard, who was hobbled with a sore knee, took only two shots and both were on-the-mark 3-pointers.

The Oregon State-bound Simon-West now has 98 treys, which is two shy of the Grossmont High record.

“It was good to get her out there, even for as little as it was,” said Jollett. “When she hit that first 3 in the fourth quarter, the crowd went crazy.”

“All I can say about Simon-West at this point is she’s day-to-day,” he continued. “We hope to have her, but we can’t be sure.”

Grossmont will host No. 4 seed Montgomery (19-9) in Tuesday’s (Feb. 27) Division II semifinal. The Foothillers edged the Aztecs 65-59 in a regular season meeting.

Grossmont scoring: Tina Rios 25, Therese Riedel 21, Michelle Gonzalez 8, Heather Springe 8, La’Kenya Simon-West 6, Phylicia Schultz 6, Shandis Rios 3, Marcee Fitzpatrick 3, Allie Baxter 3.

Santana center Ashley Baker (left) duels Kearny's Te'ahnalin Harris for the rebound.
(Photo by Greg Eichelberger)
SANTANA 66, KEARNY 52 – An 8-0 run in the second quarter keyed the Sultans’ come-from-behind victory over visiting Kearny in Friday night’s (Feb. 23) San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinal in Santee.

DANIELLE BALOUGH, probably the smallest post player in the SDCIF at 5-foot-6, came up big once again for Santana (24-7). Balough made 11 of 26 shots from the floor and 10 of 14 free throws on her way to a 32 point finish.

“I’m just amazed at what she can do inside,” said Santana coach JIM MOTTERSHAW. “The post play was extremely physical on both sides.”

While Balough was mixing it up inside, Santana’s 6-foot senior ASHLEY BAKER was a force for the Sultans, gathering 11 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 assists and 3 steals.

“Balough and Baker played great post defense,” Mottershaw noted.

Senior floor leader SHAE BASS handed out 11 assists, blocked 3 shots, grabbed 5 rebounds and finished with 9 points for the Sultans.

The third seeded Sultans were coming off a 10-day break, having played their last regular season game on Feb. 13, and being awarded a bye.

“The kids really suffered from having been off that long,” said Mottershaw.

That was evident in the first quarter as Kearny claimed an 18-15 lead. After that, though, the game belonged to Santana.

Santana, which has won the last two SDCIF Division III titles, advances to the semifinals on Tuesday (Feb. 27) at No. 2 seed Cathedral Catholic (25-4) at 7 p.m.

Santana scoring: Danielle Balough 32, Ashley Baker 11, Shae Bass 9, Nicole Brzeczek 8 (5 reb.), Brianna Padilla 4, Miki Sankary 2.

MOUNT MIGUEL 61, SAN MARCOS 14 – After rolling to a 7th straight Grossmont South League championship, the top-seeded Matadors (24-4) proved themselves playoff-ready Friday night (Feb. 23) opening post-season play with a San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinal cakewalk over visiting San Marcos.

The Matadors led 28-0 three minutes into the second quarter before the Knights (17-14) converted a free throw.

Mount Miguel led 37-8 by intermission and 51-10 after three quarters.

“We pressed them the whole first half,” said Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “We forced them into 39 turnovers.”

PRECIOUS ROBINSON paced the Matadors with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals.

MARNESHA HALL knocked down 12 points and made 4 steals, while DANESIA WILLIAMSON pitched in 11 points, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Despite the lop-sided win, which will send the Matadors into Tuesday’s (Feb. 27) semifinals against Imperial Valley League champion Brawley (25-4) at 7 p.m. in Spring Valley , Sandoval wasn’t overly pleased.

“It’s hard to complain, but we weren’t as sharp as I’d like us to be,” he said.

VICTORIA MURPHY did not contribute to the scoring, but helped blank San Marcos scoring leader Diana Espinoza, who came into the game averaging 12.4 ppg.

Mount Miguel scoring: Precious Robinson 14, Marnesha Hall 12, Danesia Williamson 11, Coco Fountain 7, LaShawn Johnson 5 (4 reb., 3 stl.), Trina Clark 4, Autumn Spikes 4 (5 reb., 3 stl.), Janelle Stroud 4.

WESTVIEW 48, WEST HILLS 45 – Not many people gave the visiting Wolf Pack a chance to win Friday’s (Feb. 23) San Diego CIF Division II quarterfinal game against No. 3 seed Westview.

West Hills (17-13), which trailed by 11 points after one half, was clinging to a 44-43 lead with 3:40 remaining.

Westview, one of the top free throw shooting teams in North County, was only 8 of 18 against the Wolf Pack. That nearly cost the Wolverines (23-7) the game.

A basket by Brittany Zych gave Westview a 45-44 edge with 2:50 remaining.

“It seemed like nobody could score in the last part of the game,” said West Hills assistant coach SIG CHABROWSKI. “We were ‘this close’ to tasting victory.”

With Westview leading 46-44, senior MUAAU NADERHOFF hit one of two free throws with 8 seconds left.

Knowing the time was running out, West Hills had to foul.

It was sound strategy but the Wolverines’ Katie Girten swished a pair of free throws in the final 3 seconds giving Westview the win.

Freshman MARILYN NADERHOFF paced the Wolf Pack with 17 points, the majority of it coming on 11 of 13 free throw shooting. She also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and a trio of steals.

Senior MUAAU NADERHOFF settled for 10 points as she was triple-teamed by Westview defenders.

Had it not been for SHELBY RUSSO’s two 3-point connections, the Wolf Pack would have been 1 for 18 for shots from above the arc.

It was the second time in two years that Westview has eliminated West Hills from the SDCIF playoffs. The Wolverines knocked the Pack out in the first round 50-30 last year.

West Hills scoring: Marilyn Naderhoff 17, Muaau Naderhoff 10, Shelby Russo 8, Sherika Miller 4 (5 reb.), Kimberly Clark 2 (6 reb.), Mariah Bennett 2 (5 reb., 3 ast., 2 stl.), Ashley Alderton 2.


Williams' quad fuels Helix

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-21-07) -- Helix High junior BRITTANY WILLIAMS has scored more points, grabbed as many rebounds, defended just as effectively, and passed the ball with stunning precision. However, Williams never put together all four elements better than in Tuesday's (Feb. 20) San Diego CIF Division I playoff opener against La Costa Canyon.

El Capitan's Ashley Duffy goes baseline around a Conquistadors defender. Serra won, 51-39.
(Photo by Greg Eichelberger)
Williams logged a rare quadruple-double, collecting 20 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals in dominating the second half to allow the second-seeded Highlanders (21-7) to pull away and trounce the Mavericks, 69-51, at Caledonia Gym.

"It all came together in the end -- they couldn't keep up with our speed," said Williams, who seemingly found the open teammate every time La Costa Canyon tried to double-team her. "We just tried to get our post players the ball."

By the time Williams collected her seventh assist, Helix mounted a 13-point lead. The Mavericks (9-17) made one strong run to move to within 37-36 midway through the third period, when Carly Lackey scored eight of her 16 points.

La Costa Canyon 's comeback was fueled but some nice post-to-post passing. But when Helix switched briefly into a zone defense, it kept the Mavs away from the basket.

"We were helping out, but our rotation wasn't quite there while they were rotating right on the money," noted Helix coach TRINA MERIDITH. "But once we got the rebound, we made clean passes -- we were on our game-- and we beat them down the court."

An unrelenting transition game saw the Scotties close the contest on a 32-15 run over the final 12 minutes.

And Williams was at the center of the action.

"She consistently comes every night ready to play," added Meridith. "And she does a lot of good thing on our behalf which makes other players on our team better."

"Brittany's been a huge asset and she's been perfecting her game all year."

Many of Williams' teammates were amazed as she elevated her game up a level in time for the postseason.

"Brittany came out ready -- she doesn't normally come out like this -- but she was really prepared for tonight's game," noted JEM AFUSIA, who finished with 15 points and took a charge on defense to help ignite Helix’s closing sprint. "I'm real proud of her. She did a really good job moving the ball."

SINOI LEASAU added 13 points for the Scotties, while JAZ AFUSIA had 10. MELE LEASAU finished with nine points and 10 rebounds, even missing a good portion of the second quarter after taking an accidental elbow to the jaw.

“La Costa Canyon was a very tough team to play,” said Merideth. “They are a very structured and well-disciplined team. I had a lot of pre-game jitters, but we came out and played a great game overall.”

For the Mavericks, Lindsay Wofford matched Lackey with 16 points, while point guard Cha-Cha Simpson posted 10 assists, but only two in the second half.

La Costa Canyon scoring: Lindsay Wofford 16, Carly Lackey 16, Melissa Murray 9, Cha-Cha Simpson 4, Charlotte Ashbrunner 3, Julie Koopmans 2, Anna Wofford 1.

Helix scoring: Brittany Williams 20, Jem Afusia 15, Sinoi Leasau 13, Jaz Afusia 10, Mele Leasau 9, Elizabeth Caldwell 2.

WEST HILLS 62, SAN PASQUAL 38 – Sometimes being young is not a bad thing. West Hills, which had lost three of its last four regular season games, might want to salute its youth-laden team after Tuesday’s (Feb. 20) San Diego CIF first-round Division II victory over visiting San Pasqual (13-15).

The Wolf Pack (17-12) jumped on top 20-12 and never let go.

Freshman SHERIKA MILLER turned in a clutch double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Pack. Miller connected on 7 of 11 shots from the floor and all 3 free throws for 18 points.

Senior MUAAU NADERHOFF added 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assist and a pair of blocks for West Hills. Her freshman sister MARILYN NADERHOFF chipped in 8 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

“We started out slow and then picked up the pace,” said West Hills assistant coach SIG CHABROWSKI.

West Hills’ zone press seemed to confuse San Pasqual.

“We got lots of turnovers and turned them into easy baskets,” said Chabrowski.

It was not the best of shooting nights for West Hills, which made only one of 15 shots from above the arc.

But the Wolf Pack did pound the boards, collecting 45 caroms for a decisive edge.

West Hills scoring: Sherika Miller 18, Muaau Naderhoff 11, Mariah Bennett 9, Marilyn Naderhoff 8, Corryn Kivett 5, Kimberly Clark 4 (4 stl.), Leilani Yawn 4 (5 reb.), Shelby Russo 2, Ashley Alderton 1.

PALO VERDE 56, CHRISTIAN 52 – They put in eight hours of driving time – four hours each way – and 401 miles on their odometer just to compete in Tuesday’s (Feb. 20) first round of the San Diego Section Division IV playoffs in Blythe.

The Patriots (13-14) led Imperial Valley League champions Palo Verde (20-8) by a score of 26-23 at halftime, but seemed to run out of gas during the final 16 minutes.

From a statistical point of view, the Patriots can blame their inept shooting from the free throw line for the loss. Christian missed 21 of 37 chances from the free throw stripe.

From a physical standpoint, the loss of starting point guard, freshman MELODY CRISWELL, who went down in the third quarter with a sprained ankle and did not return.

Despite her early exit, Criswell led Christian scorers with 14 points, including 6 of 10 free throw shooting. Her sister, junior RACHEL CRISWELL assumed the role of point guard and finished with 9 points. All but two of her markers came on 7 of 8 free throw shooting.

“It was a tough way to go out,” said Christian coach CORI ESPELET. “Obviously our free throws hurt us, and so did losing Melody. We had 32 turnovers, and that didn’t help.”

Senior SARAH SEYMOUR concluded her high school basketball career with 11 points and 11 rebounds. She also blocked 5 shots and made 3 steals.

“It was a good season,” said Espelet. “It was hard to end on a game like this when it was so close.”

Christian scoring: Melody Criswell 14, Sarah Seymour 11, Rachel Criswell 9, Emily Reed 8, Nichole Miller 8 (10 reb.), Allie Scott 2.

EL CAMINO 58, GRANITE HILLS 38 – Senior MORGAN SABALA completed her four-year varsity career with 14 points – the majority coming on 4 triples – as host El Camino captured the San Diego Section Division I opener in Oceanside.

Sabala concluded her career with 179 three-point buckets, including 62 this season. Her four-year total ties Sabala with Santana’s CATHY BASS for third in the Grossmont Conference record book. Sabala and Bass are tied for 7th on the San Diego Section record annals.

El Camino decided this one early as the Wildcats (15-9) led 24-6 after one quarter and 39-14 by intermission.

“El Camino jumped out on us early,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER. “We made a lot of mistakes with the ball. We looked a little nervous out there and they took advantage of it.”

Granite Hills Junior AMY SYLVESTER rolled a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds (and made 3 steals) for the Eagles (16-13).

“Morgan and Amy gave us everything they had tonight,” Parker added. Overall we grew a lot as a team this season, and we expect to grow more next season.”

Granite Hills scoring: Morgan Sabala 14, Amy Sylvester 10, Molly Hillenbrand 4, Katrena Gabardi 4, Lauren Bender 4 (6 reb., 4 stl.), Sabrina Jimenez 2 (3 reb., 3 ast.).

El Capitan's Samantha Spring (right) seeks to score while avoiding the block attempt by Serra's Ashley McWhorter. The visiting Q's upset the Vaqueros, 51-39, at Cook Gym.
(Photo by Greg Eichelberger)
SERRA 51, EL CAPITAN 39 – It wasn’t a question of effort or playing hard. Host El Capitan (12-14) was a perfect 10 in that category during Tuesday’s (Feb. 20) opening round of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs.

Time and time again during the frustrating loss Vaqueros first-year head coach JASON CAVAZOS threw his hands in the air then covered his eyes as he slumped back into his seat.

El Capitan marksmen connected on only 15 of 65 shots from the floor (23 percent), and missed 8 of 13 free throws in what resulted in a frustrating season-ending loss.

“We got what we wanted, high percentage shots, but just couldn’t finish,” Cavazos said.

Those disturbing numbers peaked during the second quarter when Serra (15-12) gained an 11-1 scoring edge for a 21-15 halftime lead.

Although finishing on the high end, Serra did not strike gold with its offensive thrusts. The Conquistadors converted only 18 of 54 shots (33 percent), but did manage to make the most of its free throws, hitting 11 of 14.

Sophomore ASHLEY DUFFY paced the Vaqueros – as usual – with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

VALERIE LOGEL, the lone senior on the El Capitan roster, gave a fierce effort, tallying 8 points and 13 rebounds.

“Shooting like we did just doesn’t make it in the playoffs,” said Cavazos. “Hopefully our girls remember this bitter taste when we begin next season.”

El Capitan scoring: Ashley Duffy 18, Valerie Logel 8, Liana Pitman 7, Jamie Ferguson 3 (8 reb.), Sam Spring 3 (4 reb.).

Sam Beasley (3) of Steele Canyon rejects this shot by University City's Malinda Richard.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)

UNIVERSITY CITY 63, STEELE CANYON 37 – It’s hard to imagine, considering Tuesday’s (Feb. 20) San Diego Section Division II playoff opener at University City, that a team could come out “flat” in a sudden-death affair.

But that’s what Steele Canyon coach FRANK QUINONES saw from his Steele Canyon ballclub, which was outscored all four quarters in a season-ending loss.

“It was horrible,” Quinones summarized. “We had 37 turnovers."

University City (17-12) led 32-13 at halftime.

“We were flat in the first three quarters,” noted Quinones, who saw the Centurions take a 46-21 advantage after three periods. “We finally decided to start playing in the fourth quarter but it was too late.

TINA MERLINO, one of the most consistent players in East County , came through with 12 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Cougars (16-13).

Freshman JANVIER BARBARIN, who was sidelined for much of the Grossmont South League season, crashed the boards for a team-high 12 rebounds but scored only 4 points.

Senior guard SAMANTHA BEASLEY contributed 7 points, 4 assists and 3 steals in her final basketball game at Steele Canyon.

The Cougars return nine varsity players next season.

“We have a young team and there were a lot of butterflies out there,” he commented. “We have a lot of work to do this summer.”

Steele Canyon scoring: Tina Merlino 12, Samantha Beasley 7, Janvier Barbarin 4, Samantha Silva 4, Belinda Pickens 3, Xanning Tyler 3, Briana Eiter 2, Katerina Snew 2.

MONTGOMERY 76, VALHALLA 29 – Even though host Montgomery is seeded fourth in the San Diego Section Division II playoffs, there are those who believe the Aztecs (18-9) are capable of running the table.

Montgomery took its first step toward a possible title by stomping on visiting Valhalla (8-17) in a game that was decided by halftime on Tuesday (Feb. 20).

The Aztecs led 24-9 after one quarter then limited the Norsemen to a single point in the second period to stand on top of a 40-10 bulge by intermission.

“ Montgomery came out and took us out of our game,” said Valhalla coach JON OWENS. “They pressed us and we couldn’t handle it.”

Steady senior BREE MARTIN rolled a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to pace Valhalla .

None of the other Norsemen scored more than 4 points, although sophomore EMILY ROBERTS contributed 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Senior SARA STANINGER did not score but blocked 5 shots to raise her season total to 56, which ranks 4th in East County.

“Bree and Sara finished their careers with the best season possible,” said Owens. “They were our leaders all season on and off the court. They did everything asked of them. It was a real pleasure to coach them this year. I’m going to miss them.”

Valhalla scoring: Bree Martin 16, Amy Woods 4, Kelanie Blackwell 2, Emily Roberts 2, Megan Tex 2, Kelsey Cartmill 2, Laurel Scovie 1.


© 2014 East County Sports
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2006-07 STANDINGS
Grossmont North League
School
W
L
W
L
Pct.
Grossmont
8
0
24
6
.800
Santana
5
3
24
8
.750
El Capitan
4
4
12
14
.462
West Hills
3
5
17
13
.567
El Cajon Valley
0
8
2
24
.077

Grossmont South League
School
W
L
W
L
Pct.
Mount Miguel
10
0
27
5
.844
Helix
8
2
23
9
.719
Granite Hills
6
4
15
13
.538
*Steele Canyon
4
6
16
13
.552
Valhalla
2
8
8
17
.320
Monte Vista
*inc.forfeit win from Hilltop
0
10
4
24
.143

Central League
School
W
L
W
L
Pct.
Crawford
8
2
18
10
.643
Coronado
8
2
17
12
.586
Christian
6
4
13
14
.481
Madison
4
6
9
15
.375
Hoover
2
8
7
14
.333
Clairemont
2
8
5
18
.217

CIF SOUTH REGIONAL
DIVISION III
Sat., Mar. 10 -- Semifinals

(5) Santa Margarita (27-4) 47, (1) Mount Miguel (27-5) 41

Thurs., Mar. 8 -- Quarterfinals
(1) Mount Miguel (27-4) 81, (8) Hanford 64

DIVISION I
Tue., Mar. 6 -- First Round
(3) San Clemente 72, (14) Helix (23-9) 68


CIFSDS PLAYOFFS
Championships (at USD)
Fri., Mar.2
DIVISION II
(2) Mt. Carmel (23-7) 60, (4) Montgomery (20-10) 49

DIVISION V
(1) Calvin Christian (14-9) 48, (2) Christian Life (17-10) 35

Sat., Mar.3
DIVISION I

(1) Eastlake (28-4) 61, (2) Helix (23-8) 47

DIVISION III
(1) Mount Miguel (26-4) 55, (2) Cathedral Catholic (26-5) 39

DIVISION IV
(1) La Jolla Coutnry Day (22-7) 45, (3) Francis Parker (15-12) 38

Tue., Feb. 27 -- Semifinals
DIVISION I

(1) Eastlake (27-4) 51, (4) San Diego (23-5) 47
(2) Helix (23-7) 56, Fallbrook (24-7) 46

DIVISION II
(4) Montgomery (20-9) 57, (1) Grossmont (24-6) 56
(2) Mt. Carmel (21-7) 50, (3) Westview (23-7) 43

DIVISION III
(1) Mount Miguel (25-4) 61,
(4) Brawley (25-5) 22
(2) Cathedral Catholic (26-4) 61, (3) Santana (24-8) 44

DIVISION IV
(1) La Jolla Coutnry Day (21-7) 52, (4) The Bishop's (21-10) 33
(3) Francis Parker (15-11) 58, (2) Marian Catholic (28-2) 43

DIVISION V
(1) Calvin Christian (13-9) 33, (4) Tri-City Christian (8-14) 27
(2) Christian Life (17-9) 63, SD Jewish Academy (17-8) 35


Thurs., Feb. 22 -- Quarterfinals
DIVISION V
(4) Tri-City Christian (8-13) 40, Escondido Adventist (15-10) 37
SD Jewish Academy (17-7) 49, Julian (12-13) 46 (OT)

Fri., Feb. 23 -- Quarterfinals
DIVISION I

(1) Eastlake (26-4) 60, El Camino (15-10) 42
(4) San Diego (23-4) 53, Torrey Pines (20-11) 47 (OT)
Fallbrook (24-6) 64, (3) Poway (21-7) 52
(2) Helix (22-7) 58, Escondido (18-9) 49

DIVISION II
(1) Grossmont (24-5) 83, University City (17-13) 39
(4) Montgomery (19-9) 62, Ramona (21-8) 58
(3) Westview (23-7) 48, West Hills (17-13) 45
(2) Mt. Carmel (21-7) 66, Serra (14-13) 52

DIVISION III
(1) Mount Miguel (24-4) 61, San Marcos (17-14) 14
(4) Brawley (25-4) 58, Our Lady of Peace (17-9) 54
(3) Santana (24-7) 66, Kearny (20-10) 52
(2) Cathedral Catholic (25-4) 72, Crawford (18-10) 34

DIVISION IV
(1) La Jolla Coutnry Day (20-7) 69, Coronado (17-12) 21
(4) The Bishop's (21-9) 60, Horizon (19-9) 48
(3) Francis Parker (14-11) 77, Palo Verde (20-9) 25
(2) Marian Catholic (28-1) 51, Santa Fe Christian (21-7) 31

DIVISION V
(1) Calvin Christian (12-9) 59, Vincent Memorial (9-14) 31
Escondido Adventist (15-9) at (4) Tri-City Christian (7-13), Thursday
SD Jewish Academy (16-7) at (3) Julian (12-12), Thursday
(2) Christian Life (16-9) 56, San Pasqual Academy (12-15) 30


Tue., Feb. 20 -- First Round
DIVISION I
(1) Eastlake (25-4) 75, Rancho Bernardo (11-17) 53
El Camino (15-9) 58, Granite Hills (15-13) 38
Torrey Pines (20-10) 60, Carlsbad (15-14) 36
(4) San Diego (22-4) 71, Chula Vista (16-12) 47
(3) Poway (21-6) 60, Morse (13-14) 42
Fallbrook (23-6) 67, Mira Mesa (13-14) 48
Escondido (18-8) 53, Vista (16-12) 48
(2) Helix (21-7) 69, La Costa Canyon (9-17) 51

DIVISION II
BYE -- (1) Grossmont (23-5)
University City (17-12) 63, Steele Canyon (16-13) 37
Ramona (21-7) 67, Scripps Ranch (11-14) 52
(4) Montgomery (18-9) 76, Valhalla (8-17) 29

BYE -- (3) Westview (22-7)
West Hills (16-12)
62, San Pasqual (13-15) 38
Serra (15-12) 51, El Capitan (12-14) 39
BYE -- (2) Mt. Carmel (20-7)

DIVISION III
BYE -- (1) Mount Miguel (23-4)
San Marcos (17-13) 44, San Dieguito (11-11) 38
Our Lady of Peace (17-8) 47, Clairemont (5-18) 20
BYE -- (4) Brawley (24-4)

BYE -- (3) Santana (23-7)
Kearny (20-9) 55, La Jolla (11-12) 36
Crawford (18-9) 42, Valley Center (15-14) 49
BYE -- (2) Cathedral Catholic (24-4)

DIVISION IV
BYE -- (1) La Jolla Coutnry Day (19-7)
Coronado (17-11) 51, Canyon Crest (7-17) 48
Horizon (19-8) 68, Imperial (18-9) 20
(4) The Bishop's (20-9) 78, Preuss (13-8) 35

(3) Francis Parker (13-11) 96, Mountain Empire (10-6) 8
Palo Verde (20-8) 56, Christian (13-14) 52
Santa Fe Christian (21-6) 60, Calipatria (17-12) 43

BYE -- (2) Marian Catholic (27-1)

DIVISION V
BYE -- (1) Calvin Christian (11-9)
Vincent Memorial (9-13) 50, Midway Baptist (9-12) 47 (OT)
Escondido Adventist (15-9) 40, San Diego Academy (7-14) 28
BYE -- (4) Tri-City Christian (7-13)

BYE -- (3) Julian (12-12)
SD Jewish Academy (16-7) 47, Foothills Christian (9-7) 45
San Pasqual Academy (12-14) 51, Borrego Springs (12-11) 29
BYE -- (2) Christian Life (15-9)

REGULAR SEASON
WEEK 1
Fri., Nov., 24
Coronado Thanksgiving Tournament

Kearny 64, Christian 27
Ramona 70, Christian 32
Grossmont Thanksgiving Classic
Valhalla 37, Castle Park 17
Granite Hills 53, EC-Southwest 37

Sat., Nov., 25
Grossmont Thanksgiving Classic
Granite Hills 63, Clairemont 33
Morse 52, Valhalla 38
Coronado Thanksgiving Tournament
Our Lady of Peace 56, Christian 21
Chula Vista 48, Christian 24

Mon., Nov., 27
Sportland Classic

Helix 42, Fallbrook 29
Mount Miguel 64, Patrick Henry 22
Steele Canyon 52, Sweetwater 41
West Hills 82, Mission Bay 19
Eastlake 62, Grossmont 58
Escondido 63, Granite Hills 49
San Pasqual 54, Monte Vista 19

Tue., Nov., 28
Rancho Bernardo Invitational

El Capitan 46, Horizon 39
Sportland Classic
Granite Hills 52, Mira Mesa 48

Wed., Nov., 29
Sportland Classic

Hilltop 58, Steele Canyon 44
Santana 65, Point Loma 36
Eastlake 52, Helix 45
Monte Vista 37, SD-Southwest 32
Christian at La Costa Canyon, cancelled

Thurs., Nov., 30
Grossmont Thanksgiving Classic

San Marcos 58, Granite Hills 40
Canyon Crest 58, Valhalla 31
Sportland Classic
Santana 66, Serra 37
Helix 59, Hilltop 55

Fri., Dec., 1
Rancho Bernardo Invitational

El Capitan 51, Rancho Buena Vista 45
Sportland Classic
Mount Miguel 61, Mira Mesa 36
Fallbrook 54, Steele Canyon 18
Santana 74, Scripps Ranch 50
Grossmont 71, Helix 55
Coronado Round Robin Tournament
University City 70, Monte Vista 43

Sat., Dec., 2
Grossmont Thanksgiving Classic

Carlsbad 47, Valhalla 25
Granite Hills 71, El Centro-Central 48
Sportland Classic
Fallbrook 63, West Hills 61 (OT)
Monte Vista 44, Point Loma 37
Coronado Thanksgiving Tournament
Imperial 26, Christian 24

WEEK 2
Mon., Dec. 4
Sportland Classic

Patrick Henry 48, Steele Canyon 47 (OT)
Mount Miguel 45, West Hills 23
Grossmont 68, Escondido 49
Coronado Round Robin Tournament
La Jolla 36, Monte Vista 26

Tue., Dec. 5
Sportland Classic

Scripps Ranch 55, Christian 30
West Hills 50, Patrick Henry 40
Eastlake 62, Santana 60
Sweetwater 67, Monte Vista 41
Vista 58, Granite Hills 46
Rancho Bernardo Invitational
Poway 47, El Capitan 38
Non-League
Mar Vista 59, El Cajon Valley 11

Wed., Dec. 6
Sportland Classic

Mount Miguel 69, Scripps Ranch 30
Cathedral Catholic 55, Helix 48
Granite Hills 68, Sweetwater 42
Bonita Vista 42, Monte Vista 18
Non-League
West Hills 59, Ramona 57

Thurs., Dec. 7
Sportland Classic

Mount Miguel 70, Bonita Vista 29
Christian 70, San Ysidro 50
Grossmont 62, Torrey Pines 59 (OT)
Santana 69, SD Southwest 28
San Marcos 52, Steele Canyon 46

Fri., Dec. 8
Sportland Classic
Granite Hills 60, Christian 48
Rancho Bernardo Invitational

Championship: El Capitan 72, Murrieta Valley 47
Coronado Round Robin Tournament
Mar Vista 46, Monte Vista 40
Non-League
Clairemont 57, El Cajon Valley 11

Sat., Dec. 9
Sportland Classic, At Mount Miguel

White Division Championship
The Bishop's 62, Santana 54
Red Division Championship
Grossmont 68, Cathedral Catholic 52

Mon., Dec. 11
Coronado Round Robin Tournament

Madison 57, El Cajon Valley 7
Non-League
Santana 60, Hilltop 45
Westview 61, Monte Vista 21
Grossmont at La Costa Canyon, moved to Dec. 21

Tue., Dec. 12
Mount Miguel Invitational

Helix 76, SD-Southwest 20
San Diego 56, El Capitan 46
West Hills 66, Monte Vista 21

Wed., Dec. 13
Kiwanis Tournament

Grossmont 59, Canyon Crest 31
Mount Miguel Invitational
Helix 51, San Diego 46
Montgomery 73, West Hills 51
El Capitan 76, SD-Southwest 36
Patrick Henry 61, Monte Vista 17
Non-League
Christian 63, Holtville 22

Thurs., Dec. 14
Kiwanis Tournament

Grossmont 70, Mira Mesa 45
San Dieguito Mustang Classic
Tri-City Christian 39, El Cajon Valley 29

Fri., Dec. 15
Mount Miguel Invitational
El Capitan 63, Bonita Vista 56
Helix 62, Poway 39

Ramona 48, West Hills 28
Rancho Buena Vista 60, Monte Vista 13
San Diego-Imperial Valley Pre-Christmas Tournament
Santana 68, EC-Central 28
OLP 45, Christian 43
Kiwanis Tournament
Torrey Pines 56, Grossmont 47
Non-League
Preuss 35, El Cajon Valley 23

Sat., Dec. 16
Kiwanis Tournament

3rd Place: Grossmont 46, La Costa Canyon 36
Mount Miguel Invitational

Championship: Helix 68, Cathedral Catholic 48
El Capitan 43, Patrick Henry 32
West Hills 54, San Diego 38
Monte Vista 38, SD Southwest 37
Coronado Round Robin Tournament
Monte Vista 38, Julian 33
San Diego-Imperial Valley Pre-Christmas Tournament

Santana 79, Otay Ranch 27
Santana 2, Mission Bay 0 (forfeit)
Brawley 37, Christian 22
Christian 40, Southwest EC 30
San Diegutio Tournament
San Dieguito 45, El Cajon Valley 22

WEEK 4
Mon., Dec. 18
Nike Tournament of Champions, Phoenix

Desert Vista 62, Mount Miguel 59
San Diego/Imperial Valley Pre-Christmas Tournament
Christian 43, Mission Bay 19
Santana 76, Our Lady of Peace 48
Coca Cola Classic
Alameda 62, Steele Canyon 28

Tue., Dec. 19
Nike Tournament of Champions, Phoenix

L.A. Marlborough 64, Mount Miguel 53
San Diego-Imperial Valley Pre-Christmas Tournament

Christian 58, Otay Ranch 52
Championship: Santana 63, Brawley 29
Coca Cola Classic
Steele Canyon 54, Rim of the World 36
Non-League
Helix 60, Montgomery 44
Sweetwater 58, Valhalla 47

Wed., Dec. 20
Nike Tournament of Champions, Phoenix

The Branson School 47, Mount Miguel 44
Crawford Tournament
La Jolla 35, El Cajon Valley 15
Coca Cola Classic
Steele Canyon 53, Coachella Valley 40

Thurs., Dec. 21
Coca Cola Classic
3rd Place: Steele Canyon 31, Palm Springs 25
Crawford Tournament
Hoover 43, El Cajon Valley 34
Nike Tournament of Champions, Phoenix
Mount Miguel 58, Campbell County (Gillette, Wyo.) 44
Non-League
Grossmont 69, La Costa Canyon 47

Fri., Dec. 22
Crawford Tournament

El Cajon Valley 53, Vincent Memorial 32
Valley Center 48, El Cajon Valley 18
Non-League
Montgomery 48, El Capitan 38

Sat., Dec.23
Crawford Tournament

San Ysidro 41, El Cajon Valley 35

WEEK 5
Tue., Dec. 26
Montgomery Holiday Invitational
Soldatna (Alaska) 53, El Cajon Valley 20
Steele Canyon Holiday Prep Classic
Varsity Division
Valley Center 57, Valhalla 42
Steele Canyon 44, Brawley 42
Ayala Best of the West Tournament
West Hills 45, Pomona-Ganesha 34

Wed., Dec. 27
Ayala Best of the West Tournament

West Hills 35, La Mirada 28
Steele Canyon Holiday Prep Classic
NCAA Division

Granite Hills 53, Pitt Meadows (Canada) 36
Marian Catholic 51, El Capitan 40
Santana 70, Patrick Henry 42
WNBA Division
Canyon Springs 58, Helix 56
Clovis West 59, Grossmont 55
Varsity Division
Valhalla 60, Otay Ranch 54
West Coast Jamboree, at Oakland
Mount Miguel 39, J.W. North 37
Montgomery Holiday Invitational
Crawford 61, El Cajon Valley 18

Thurs., Dec. 28
Ayala Best of the West Tournament

West Hills 61, Bloomingdale 34
Steele Canyon Holiday Prep Classic
NCAA Division

Granite Hills 58, San Pedro 34
Vista 37, El Capitan 36
Santana 75, University City 39
WNBA Division
Grossmont 56, Villa Maria (PA) 41
Helix 55, McLean (VA) 44
Varsity Division
Steele Canyon 66, San Ysidro 28
Montgomery Holiday Invitational
Kearny 53, El Cajon Valley 15
West Coast Jamboree, Oakland
Mount Miguel 41, Peddie School (NJ) 35

Fri., Dec. 29
Steele Canyon Holiday Prep Classic
NCAA Division

San Juan Capistrano-Junipero Serra 55, El Capitan 43
Escondido 47, Granite Hills 45
Santana 75, Rancho Buena Vista 40
WNBA Division
Helix 73, Reseda 17
Grossmont 87, L.A.-King Drew Medical 51

Varsity Division
Steele Canyon 49, Castle Park 29
Steele Canyon 53, San Dieguito Academy 33
Valhalla 43, Madison 41
West Coast Jamboree, Oakland
Mount Miguel 59, Sacramento 49
Ayala Best of the West Tournament
Channel Islands 48, West Hills 40
Montgomery Holiday Invitational
Point Loma 49, El Cajon Valley 27

Sat., Dec. 30
Steele Canyon Holiday Prep Classic

NCAA Division
Patrick Henry 55, Granite Hills 52 (OT)
El Capitan 56, El Paso-Parkland 41
Semifinal: Santana 65, Escondido 53
Championship: Marian Catholic 83, Santana 50
WNBA Division
Third: Helix 55, Grossmont 49
Varsity Division
Santa Fe Christian 61, Valhalla 45
Championship: Santa Fe Christian 64, Steele Canyon 58
West Coast Jamboree, Antioch
Platinum Div.. Championship: Brea Olinda 60, Mount Miguel 47
Ayala Best of the West Tournament
Third: Jarupa Valley 54, West Hills 49

WEEK 6
Wed., Jan. 3
Grossmont Conference

West Hills 66, Monte Vista 19
Santana 50, Helix 39
Non-League
Steele Canyon 61, Otay Ranch 52
Hoover 54, El Cajon Valley 22

Thurs., Jan. 4
Non-League

Christian 50, Holtville 14

Fri., Jan. 5
Grossmont Conference

El Capitan 58, Monte Vista 14
Grossmont 64, Granite Hills 31
Helix 64, West Hills 46
Santana 60, Valhalla 15

Sat., Jan. 6
Non-League

Grossmont 63, Our Lady of Peace 50
San Diego-Imperial Valley Shootout
At El Centro-Southwest
Valhalla 61, Holtville 32
West Hills 83, Palm Desert 41
Steele Canyon 36, EC-Southwest 33

WEEK 7
Mon., Jan. 8
Grossmont Conference

Santana 59, Steele Canyon 46
Granite Hills 54, El Capitan 44
West Hills 64, Valhalla 24
Castle Park 47, El Cajon Valley 41

Tue., Jan. 9
Non-League

Christian 44, Calvin Christian 40
Oceanside at Monte Vista, rescheduled for Jan.10

Wed., Jan. 10
Non-League

Oceanside 51, Monte Vista 28

Fri., Jan. 12
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 75, West Hills 40
Santana 62, El Cajon Valley 8
Grossmont South League
Granite Hills 66, Valhalla 31
Mount Miguel 84, Steele Canyon 28
Helix 62, Monte Vista 18
Central League
Coronado 38, Christian 35
Clairemont 48, Madison 45
Crawford 66, Hoover 21

Sat., Jan. 13
Elite Classic,
At La Jolla Country Day
Mount Miguel 80, Las Vegas-Bishop Gorman 72
Non-League
Cathedral Catholic 53, Grossmont 49

WEEK 8
Tue., Jan. 16
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 69, Santana 49
El Capitan 60, El Cajon Valley 16
Grossmont South League
Granite Hills 46, Steele Canyon 26
Mount Miguel 76, Helix 49
Valhalla 58, Monte Vista 44

Thurs., Jan.18
Central League
Christian 35, Hoover 27

Fri., Jan. 19
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 50, El Capitan 33
Santana 79, West Hills 62
Grossmont South League
Mount Miguel 61, Granite Hills 23
Steele Canyon 49, Monte Vista 34
Helix 78, Valhalla 34
Central League
Coronado 51, Madison 32
Crawford 67, Clairemont 40

Sat., Jan.20
San Diego-Imperial Valley Shootout

At Valhalla
Steele Canyon 60, Holtville 16
West Hills 87, Julian 17
Valhalla 45, El Centro-Central 39
Non-League
Grossmont 62, Westview 43
Mount Miguel 70, Ontario-Colony 50

WEEK 9
Tue., Jan. 23
Grossmont North League
Santana 68, El Capitan 48
West Hills 55, El Cajon Valley 15
Grossmont South League
Steele Canyon 56, Valhalla 27
Mount Miguel 96, Monte Vista 22
Helix 59, Granite Hills 50
Central League
Crawford 57, Christian 45
Coronado 44, Clairemont 21
Madison 48, Hoover 45

Fri., Jan. 26
Grossmont North League

West Hills 57, El Capitan 53
Grossmont 60, El Cajon Valley 9
Grossmont South League
Helix 74, Steele Canyon 43
Mount Miguel 81, Valhalla 20
Granite Hills 52, Monte Vista 28
Central League
Christian 52, Madison 47
Hoover 56, Clairemont 54 (OT)
Coronado 46, Crawford 43

Sat., Jan. 27
Non-League

Grossmont 65, Montgomery 59

WEEK 10
Mon., Jan. 29
Grossmont Conference

Mount Miguel 74, Santana 25
Helix 73, El Capitan 41
West Hills 52, Granite Hills 44
Central League
Christian 46, Clairemont 34
Coronado 43, Hoover 34
Crawford 66, Madison 24

Wed., Jan. 31
Grossmont Conference

El Cajon Valley 38, Monte Vista 37
Mount Miguel 57, El Capitan 25
Santana 51, Granite Hills 38

Fri., Feb. 2
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 79, West Hills 40
Santana 56, El Cajon Valley 16
Grossmont South League
Mount Miguel 67, Steele Canyon 30
Helix 63, Monte Vista 15
Granite Hills 62, Valhalla 48
Central League
Christian 24, Coronado 23
Madison 33, Clairemont 30
Crawford 68, Hoover 43

Sat., Feb. 3
Non-League

Grossmont 71, Ramona 44

WEEK 11
Tue., Feb. 6
Grossmont North League

El Capitan 57, El Cajon Valley 27
Grossmont 69, Santana 37
Grossmont South League
Granite Hills 50, Steele Canyon 31
Mount Miguel 62, Helix 45
Valhalla 46, Monte Vista 36
Central League
Crawford 61, Christian 42
Coronado 45, Clairemont 29
Hoover 52, Madison 47

Fri., Feb. 9
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 53, El Capitan 48
Santana 58, West Hills 43
Grossmont South League
Mount Miguel 58, Granite Hills 32
Helix 76, Valhalla 33
Steele Canyon 56, Monte Vista 17
Central League

Christian 56, Hoover 27
Crawford 70, Clairemont 46
Coronado 53, Madison 25

WEEK 12
Tue., Feb. 13
Grossmont North League

El Capitan 57, Santana 54 (OT)
West Hills 65, El Cajon Valley 28
Grossmont South League
Steele Canyon 53, Valhalla 47
Mount Miguel 80, Monte Vista 9
Helix 56, Granite Hills 52
Central League
Christian 56, Clairemont 42
Coronado 48, Hoover 30
Madison 61, Crawford 59

Thurs., Feb. 15
Non-League

Valhalla 41, Julian 28

Fri., Feb. 16
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 65, El Cajon Valley 16
El Capitan 48, West Hills 46
Grossmont South League
Helix 78, Steele Canyon 40
Mount Miguel 97, Valhalla 11
Granite Hills 60, Monte Vista 34
Central League
Madison 46, Christian 40
Crawford 52, Coronado 38
Clairemont df. Hoover
END REGULAR SEASON