No, it's not the Hindu goddess Durga, it's just a bunch of arms reaching for the basketball during the game between Valhalla and Grossmont. Durga is Goddess of Victory of Good over Evil. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-16-13) — With so many issues seemingly going against West Hills High, senior forward EMILY COLE ignored them all and proved why she may be the best player in the Grossmont Hills League this season.

Cole poured home a game-high 20 points Friday (Feb. 15), including important baskets in the second and third quarter, when the 8th-ranked Wolf Pack pulled away to trump 7th-rated Granite Hills, 53-38, forging a co-championship between the schools on the final day of the regular season with 9-1 GHL records.

"We had to rebound more and be more aggressive on defense," said Cole, who is headed to Division I Cal State Northridge in the fall. "Because of that, we played with a lot more confidence."

West Hills (22-5 overall) already dropped an overtime decision to the Eagles, then were missing a key starter due to an infraction in a contest earlier in the week against Helix. Still, the Pack maintained their focus and did the simple things on defense to register numerous steals.

"Everyone needed to chip in a little bit – it wasn't about any one player," added West Hills’ ARIELLE BOWERS. "It was a group effort to compensate for our missing player by keeping our composure."

Following a back-and-forth first half, Cole nailed a 3-point shot early in the second half for a 25-22 lead, a cushion the Pack would maintain the rest of the way.

Part of the reason was the West Hills defense, who allowed just a single bucket through three periods to Eagles scoring leader SKYLAR WILLIAMS. And with no one else picking up the slack, Granite Hills (23-6) was limited to its third-lowest scoring total of the season.

The Pack pulled away with winning the final minute of each quarter.

To close the half, Cole nailed a straight-away triple, then sank a 3-ball from the wing. The third quarter saw Bowers sink a driving layin while being fouled for a traditional 3-point play with 2.5 seconds remaining, followed by another Cole triple to open the fourth. West Hills then closed the contest on a 13-6 run to close out a solid Senior Night performance.

West Hills: Emily Cole 20 (10 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 13 (10 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Bailey Albers 9 (6 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Arielle Bowers 5 (5 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Kylie Cristini 4 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), J’Ana Diamond 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Katie Byrd (1 reb, 1 stl).

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 16, Leena Alyashaa 6, Anna Viettry 4, Deajanae Harvey 3, Micayela Hernandez 3, Madison Lumb 2, Mariah Vanlandingham 2, Raelleah Leceur 2.

HELIX 55, STEELE CANYON 37 – LAYLA CUNNINGHAM, SHIRAH HANCOCK and CHANELLE WARD all registered double-doubles as Helix slid past visiting Steele Canyon in Friday’s (Feb. 15) Grossmont Hills League finale.

By winning the Highlanders finished third (16-8, 5-5 GHL).

Cunningham scored a team high 18 points, snared 10 rebounds, notched 5 steals, dished 3 assists and blocked 2 shots to lead the Highlanders. She had plenty of help as Hancock punched in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Ward landed 12 points and collected a game high 15 rebounds to go along with 3 steals and a block.

One of the highlights of the game was a 50-foot buzzer beater at the end of the third quarter by Cunningham.

MONIQUE VAN paced the fourth place Cougars (15-17, 4-6 GHL) with 18 points, plus 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.

“Overall for the first year in I’m pretty satisfied with where we ended up,” said Cougars coach TERRY YOUNG. “We’ll be very young but I’m excited about the young ladies coming out next year.”

Helix: Layla Cunningham 18 (10 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk), Shirah Hancock 17 (10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Chanelle Ward 12 (15 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (8 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk), Dana Anderson 2 (7 reb), Dominique Jones 2 (4 reb), Ebony Jones (7 reb, 2 blk), Fuafiva Pulu (1 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 18 (5 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Rachel Beasley 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Tiana Teo 7 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos 2 (5 reb, 1 stl, 3 blk), Isabella Welch 2 (8 reb, 3 stl), Sydney Williams (3 reb).

VALHALLA 46, GROSSMONT 34 – Valhalla produced one of its best balanced attacks in Friday’s (Feb. 15) regular season finale by knocking off the visiting Foothillers in Grossmont Hills League action.

KANDICE KALASHO nailed a trio of treys for a game-high 15 points to go along with 5 steals for the Norsemen (9-15, 3-7 GHL) on Senior Night.

MARY CHARLES chucked in 13 points, speared 7 rebounds and handed out 2 assists, while SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP had 11 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for Valhalla .

The Norsemen took a 24-13 halftime lead and never looked back against the Foothillers (0-10, 2-22 GHL).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 15 (5 stl), Mary Charles 13 (7 reb, 2 ast), Shyla Criger-Philipp 11 (15 reb, 4 ast), Tiana Silver 6 (7 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Molly Lindsay 1.

Grossmont: No report.

MOUNT MIGUEL 72, EL CAJON VALLEY 24 – The season finale at Mount Miguel was as expected as the Matadors concluded their Grossmont Valley League season by routing visiting El Cajon Valley.

It was 45-14 by halftime for the 13-time Grossmont League champion Matadors, who own a 117-1 league record during ROBBIE SANDOVAL’s 13 year reign as coach.

ZARIA BRANCH scored 15 points in the opening quarter and finished with 24 tallies and 10 rebounds for Mount Miguel , which sports a 16-9 record overall at the moment.

Mount Miguel: Zaria Branch 24 (10 reb), Deijah Blanks 13, Brooklyn Miller 12, Kamree Harrison 10, Breahna Jones 8, Dejanay Pope 3, Cierra Conwright 2.

El Cajon Valley: No report.

MONTE VISTA 48, SANTANA 34 – The Santana Sultans could not survive 29 turnovers and shot only 22 percent from the field as they succumbed to Monte Vista in Friday’s (Feb. 15) final game of the Grossmont Valley League season.

Santana: Emily Kloss 9 (1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Sydney Blackburn 7 (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Savanah Fenn 7 (1 stl), Ariel Rasmusson 4 (9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk), Gretchen Hudson 3 (8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Taylor Estes 2 (1 ast, 3 stl), Kylie Brase 1 (4 reb, 1 stl), Kayti Grable 1 (7 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Bridgette Fries (3 reb).

Monte Vista : No report.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-13-13) — In what’s been the ultimate frustration, the Grossmont Foothillers came up short in overtime in a 43-41 loss to visiting Steele Canyon on Tuesday (Feb. 12) in a Grossmont Hills League game.

Twice the Foothillers (2-21, 0-2 GHL) have lost to the Cougars (15-16, 4-5 GHL) by two points.

“I don’t know what it is but that guy has got my number,” said Steele Canyon coach TERRY YOUNG. “No matter what we do, they’re right on our heels.”

“This loss was a tough one to swallow,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “We lost BRIA (MILLER) in the first quarter to a wrist injury then she fouled out in the third quarter. MEGAN REDDECLIFF and DANIELLE DAVIS stepped up for us offensively.”

The Foothillers were 10-for-23 on free throws. “It killed us,” Bickford noted.”

“ Davis grabbed a missed shot at the end of the fourth quarter and put it in with one second to end the fourth,” Bickford said. “We had the last possession under our basket with 2.2 seconds left and failed to get a shot off.”

RACHEL BEASLEY put the nail in the coffin when she hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to seal the victory for Steele Canyon .

“TIANA TEO was outstanding on defense the whole game,” Young said.

MONIQUE VAN led the Cougars with 19 points, while ISABELLA WELCH grabbed 10 rebounds.

Grossmont was led by BRIA MILLER, who scored 15 points, while DANIELLE DAVIS hauled down 14 rebounds.

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 19 (5 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Isabella Welch 7 (10 reb, 1 stl), Tiano Teo 6 (2 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Rachel Beasley 5 (1 reb, 1 stl), Alexis Ramos 3 (7 reb), Jule Loibel 1 (5 reb, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson (2 stl).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 15 (4 reb, 2 stl), Danielle Davis 7 (14 reb), Megan Reddecliff 5 (9 reb), Christina Valdez 2 (5 ast, 1 stl), Lane Griffith 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Keanna Lovelace 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Julia Naranjo 2 (3 reb), Lauren Weigel 2 (2 reb, 1 ast), Theresa Mapp (1 reb, 2 ast).

KEARNY 49, CHRISTIAN 47 – In a battle for the Central League championship Christian came up short in a road loss to the champion Komets Tuesday (Feb. 12).

JILLIAN SEXTON led the Patriots with 17 points, while CHAYAN LOWERY had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks for Christian (12-10, 9-3 CL).

“We had a chance,” said Patriots coach THOMAS LOWERY. “The officials were horrific. They should never have been sent to cover a (league) championship game. We played good enough to win but bad enough to lose. They didn’t lose the game; we did. I’m proud of my girls.”

Christian: Jillian Sexton 17 (3 reb, 1 ast), Chayan Lowery 16 (10, 3 ast, 6 blk, 1 stl), Hayley Cruz 7 (4 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Anaya Tobiason 5 (1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Taylor Miller 2 (1 ast), Kayla Kruel (3 reb).

Senior Night at Granite Hills honored the Eagles' (l-r) Skylar Williams, | Kayla Hawkins, Mariah Vanlandingham, Anna Viettry and Leena Alyashaa. (Photo by GHHS parent)

It was no contest as the Eagles took a 41-16 halftime lead over the Norsemen (2-7, 8-15 GHL).

SKYLAR WILLIAMS led the Eagles with 29 points, hitting 13 of 16 shots from the field. She was 3-for-5 from 3-point range, grabbed 7 rebounds, made 5 steals and dished 3 assists.

ANNA VIETTRY added 12 points, hitting 6 of 12 from the floor and dishing 7 assists and 3 steals.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 29 (7 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Anna Viettry 12 (4 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl), Mariah Vanlandingham 9 (3 reb, 2 blk), Kaylla Hawkins 6 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Raelleah Leceur 5 (3 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Valerie Renfrow 3 (1 reb), Deajanae Harvey 2 (1 reb, 1 blk, 5 stl), Leena Alyashaa 2 (6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Emma Kubari 2 (1 stl), Madison Lumb 2 (1 reb).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 9 (1 ast, 4 stl), Mary Charles 8 (1 ast, 1 stl), Shyla Criger-Philipp 5 (12 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Tiana Silver 4 (2 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Bianca Gorges 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Molly Lindsay (2 reb, 1 stl), Sarah Federico 2.

WEST HILLS 59, HELIX 25 – EMILY COLE scored 20 points to lead West Hills past visiting Helix on Tuesday (Feb. 12) to set up Friday’s finale for the Grossmont Hills League title.

The Wolf Pack will face Granite Hills with a winner-take-all contest on Friday (Feb. 15) at 5:30 p.m. in Santee .

One problem for the Pack will be the loss of HALEY FORSBERG, who was ejected due to a scrap with Helix’ HAYLEY SINGER, which led to ejection for both players. No question that will hurt the Pack in the rematch with Granite Hills, which the Pack lost 59-54 in the first round in overtime.

West Hills gained a 34-10 scoring advantage against the Highlanders in the second half to put Tuesday’s game away.

“We played a very good second half tonight,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “JESSICA SCOTT played well down low and Emily Cole shot the ball well.”

Helix, which was never in contention, was led by CHANELLE WARD with 9 points and 8 rebounds.

“We have a lot of work to do in the offseason,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “I’m looking forward to it. We’re going to get after it again.”

West Hills: Emily Cole 20 (9 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 14 (5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Bailey Albers 14 (2 stl), J’Ana Diamond 5 (9 reb, 4 stl), Katie Byrd 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Brandi McCrystal 2 (3 reb), Kylie Cristini 2 (2 ast), Arielle Bowers (1 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Megan Scott (1 reb).

Helix: Chanelle Ward 9 (8 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 7 (2 reb), Shirah Hancock 5 (3 reb, 1 ast), Layla Cunningham 4 (3 ast), Hayley Singer (7 reb), Dana Anderson (2 reb), Emani Carpenter (2 reb).

SANTANA 63, EL CAJON VALLEY 30 – Santana took a 22-3 lead in the first quarter of Tuesday’s (Feb. 12) Grossmont Valley League and never looked back.

“We had a good team game tonight,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “Everybody played and our defense went well. We were able to share the ball very well.”

EMILY KLOSS paced Santana (11-14, 4-3 GVL) with 16 points, and KAYTI GRABLE contributed 13. ARIEL RASMUSSON had 10 points and made 10 assists, while SYDNEY BLACKBURN dished 10 assists and BRIDGETTE FRIES grabbed 10 rebounds.

El Cajon Valley had a couple of very good players,” Clark said. “We did a nice job of shutting down their top players and sharing the ball and making good shots. We were patient.”

Santana: Emily Kloss 16 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Kayti Grable 13 (3 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Ariel Rasmusson 10 (10 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk), Taylor Estes 9 (3 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 1 bk), Savanah Fenn 6 (13 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Sydney Blackburn 2 (10 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kylie Brase 2 (5 reb, 1 blk), Gretchen Hudson (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Bridgette Fries 1 (10 reb, 1 ast), Madison Barry (1 stl, 1 blk).

El Cajon Valley. No report.

MONTE VISTA 59, EL CAPITAN 36 – Monte Vista outscored the Vaqueros across the board to maintain their hold on second place in Tuesday’s (Feb. 12)

Grossmont Valley League race.

JESSICA DIPRIMA led the Vaqueros (6-18, 1-7 GVL) with 16 points.

“I felt like the last two times we’ve played we done better,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “We made an improvement on the last time we played Monte Vista. The kids have worked hard and kept their enthusiasm up. These are a great group of kids.”

El Capitan: Jessica Deprima 16, Hiwalani Sierra 4, Cierra Cutler 3, Mariel Vega 3, Hannah Sessions 2, Kim Galvan 2, Katie Davidson 2, Kassidy Kygar 2, Meg Lima 1, Kira Lopez 1.

Monte Vista : No report.

Since the 2000-01 season, Mount Miguel High has posted an incredible 116-1 record en route to 13 league straight titles, capped by Friday's clincher against arch-rival Monte Vista. (MMHS courtesy photo)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (2-9-13) — Visiting Mount Miguel High clinched its 13th straight league championship Friday night (Feb. 8) by mowing down Monte Vista 55-43 in a Grossmont Valley League showdown.

Under coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL the Matadors’ all-time league record stands at 116-1.

In the last seven years, Mount Miguel has gone undefeated in their league championship run.

“We don’t want to be the team that lets down the past players,” said DEIJAH BLANKS who scored 22 points in Mount Miguel ’s latest victory. “There’s always a little pressure to keep the streak going without letting anybody down. I guess you could say that’s a positive influence.”

Blanks scored 16 points in the second half as the Matadors secured their overall record of 15-9.

“You know one thing I have to say, Monte Vista’s kids play hard and clean,” Sandoval said of the Monarchs (19-6, 4-2 GVL).

ZARIA BRANCH, who sat out most of the 3rd quarter with their fourth foul, scored 15 points for Mount Miguel , while BROOKLYN MILLER chipped in 10 markers for the Matadors.

“Monte Vista came out with a bunch of junk defenses, like they always do,” Sandoval said. “We knew they would but it took us until the 3rd quarter to come out with some real intensity.”

Mount Miguel led 29-27 early in the 3rd period, then burst to a 40-30 advantage.

A 3-point play by Monte Vista’s FELICIA PORTER (18 points) cut the Matadors edge to 44-39 with 7:30 remaining.

A bucket by JAZMINE BRADLEY (11) made it 46-41 followed by a jumper by SUNCERI COFIELD left the Monarchs behind only 46-43 with 5:40 remaining.

After that the game belonged to Mount Miguel , which scored 9 of the final 11 points.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 22 (2 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 15 (3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Brooklyn Miller 10 (2 reb, 1 stl), Kamree Harrison 6 (1 reb, 1 ast), Dejanay Pope (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Breahna Jones 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Rozlyn Pierce (1 reb, 1 blk).

Monte Vista: Felicia Porter 18, Jazmine Bradley 11, Monica Williams 5, Kayla Harrell 6, Abigail Vargas 3, Sunceri Cofield 2. No stats reported.

CHRISTIAN 47, MADISON 35 – CHAYAN LOWERY had a career outing with 33 points, 16 rebounds and 8 blocks as the visiting Patriots passed Madison Friday night (Feb. 8) in a Central League contest.

Christian broke the game open with a 20-8 second quarter burst.

“At the halftime we decided we were going to clamp down on defense, apply a lot more pressure,” said Patriots coach THOMAS LOWERY. “In the 4th quarter we fouled and they made some free throws.”

“Chayan put game on her back,” coach Lowery said. “She was taking hits at the free throw line and kinda took over the game for us.”

Christian will face league-leading Kearny on Tuesday (Feb. 12) for their final regular season game. If the Patriots win they will gain a become co-champions with Kearny .

“They have one loss and we have two,” said coach Lowery. “They beat us early in the season but we hope to be ready.”

Christian: Chayan Lowery 33 (16 reb, 2 ast, 8 blk), Hayley Cruz 9 (5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Jillian Sexton 2 (2 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Anaya Tobiason 2 (2 ast, 4 stl), Taylor Miller 1 (9 reb, 1 blk), Melina Jones (1 reb).

GRANITE HILLS 69, HELIX 24 – Powerhouse Granite Hills blew past Helix in Friday’s (Feb. 8) Grossmont Hills League game to run its Grossmont Hills League record to 9-0 and overall mark to 23-4.

The Eagles took a 15-5 first quarter lead and led 35-13 at halftime. It only got worse after that as SKYLAR WILLIAMS scored 22 points and recorded 8 steals.

Williams made 8 of 11 shots from the field and 6 of 9 from the free throw line.

DEAJANAE HARVEY added 15 points and 8 steals in the rout of the Highlanders (15-7, 4-4 GHL), while ANNA VIETTRY chipped in 11 and LEENA ALYASHAA popped in 12.

SHIRAH HANCOCK led Helix with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

“My girls have got to get mentally tough,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “When they get down 10-12 points they have to get better at the mental part of the game. Some of the girls, when they look at the scoreboard, they get depressed. We’ll get better.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 22 (6 reb, 4 ast, 8 stl), Deajanae Harvey 15 (2 reb, 3 ast, 8 stl), Anna Viettry 11 (2 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl), Leena Alyashaa 12 (6 reb, 1 stl), Micayela Hernandez 7 (2 reb, 1 ast), Mariah Vanlandingham 2 (5 reb), Madison Lumb (2 reb), Raelleah Leceur (8 reb, 1 stl).

Helix: Shirah Hancock 12 (10 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Layla Cunningham 4 (2 reb, 1 ast), Chanelle Ward 3 (8 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Hayley Singer 2 (7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (2 reb), Dana Anderson 1 (8 reb), Emani Carpenter (5 reb, 1 stl), Dominique Jones (3 reb), Brittany Jones (3 reb).

WEST HILLS 46, GROSSMONT 10 – The Wolf Pack utilized Friday's (Feb. 8) Grossmont Hills League contest more like an extended practice to ruin Senior Night for the Foothillers.

"Our coach (RYAN KINSER) wants us to not only run our offense, but to run it perfectly," said senior EMILY COLE, who paced the Wolf Pack with 18 points. "We are concerned about being ready when we play tough teams like Granite Hills or anyone in the playoffs."

The Wolf Pack (20-5 overall, 7-1 GHL) opened with a 5-0 run before CHRISTINA VALDEZ (hit a baseline shot for Grossmont. West Hills then outscored the Hillers, 21-2, to close the half, ignited when Cole nailed a pair of 3-point shots, then J’ANA DIAMOND connected on a pair of shots from the paint.

The Foothillers (2-20, 0-8) knew it wasn't their night when a 3-point goal by BRIA MILLER was ruled a 2-pointer late in the first quarter, then West Hills' defense tossed a second-quarter shutout at Grossmont.

With the triumph, West Hills (115 wins in previous five seasons) reached the 20-win plateau for the fifth time in six seasons.

West Hills: Emily Cole 18 (3 reb, 3 stl, 2 blk), J’ana Diamond 9 (3 reb, 1 stl), Haley Forsberg 8 (8 reb, 6 stl, 3 blk), Bailey Albers 5 (2 reb, 2 stl), Jessica Scott 2 (6 reb, 3 stl), Megan Scott 2 (1 ast), Katie Byrd 2, Arielle Bowers (10 reb, 1 ast), Justine Fordyce (3 reb), Brandi McCrystal (2 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 4, Christina Valdez 2, Lauren Weigel 2, (No.11) 2.

SANTANA 22, EL CAPITAN 17 – This Grossmont Valley League game obviously was not about offense before a Friday night (Feb. 8) full house at Santana.

But the Sultans, led by the 7 points and 14 rebounds by KYLIE BRASE, were able to pull out the victory.

“It was a defensive struggle on Senior Night, which always adds a different dynamic,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “It’s a distraction but one that is worthwhile.”

“The thing I took from the game was MADDY BARRY came off the bench and was spot on. She was the key to getting us the victory. She was defending their best players (JESSICA DIPRIMA) and did a nice job.”

“It wasn’t a high scoring game but it was a very close game,” Clark said. “ El Capitan played very well, had some good effort from the beginning to the end.”

Santana: Kylie Brase 7 (14 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Kayti Grable 5 (13 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Sydney Blackburn 4 (4 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Gretchen Hudson 2 (3 reb), Ariel Rasmusson 2 (3 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk), Savanah Fenn 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Madison Barry (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Vernonica Martinez (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Emily Kloss (2 reb, 1 ast), Bridgette Fries (2 reb).

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 9, Cierra Cutler 3, Katie Davidson 3, Valeria Garay 2.

Valhalla's Kandice Kalasho (right) fires a pass which gets deflected by Monique Van (23) of Steele Canyon (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

STEELE CANYON 65, VALHALLA 47 – SHYLA CRIGER-PHILIPP rolled an impressive double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds but it wasn’t enough to sidetrack Steele Canyon in Friday’s (Feb. 8) Grossmont Hills League game.

“SHYLA PHILIPP had a big game for us,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU.

MARY CHARLES contributed 12 points for the Norsemen.

Valhalla: Shyla Criger-Philipp 17 (14 reb), Mary Charles 12 (4 ast, 2 stl), Kandice Kalasho 7 (3 stl), Molly Lindsay 6 (6 reb), Tiana Silver 3 (3 stl, 6 ast), Bianca Gorges 2 (4 reb), Jessica May (4 reb), Sarah Federico (3 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 21 (9 reb, 10 ast, 5 stl), Alexis Ramos 16 (7 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Jule Loibl 12 (4 reb, 2 stl), Rachel Beasley 9 (2 reb, 2 stl), Tiana Teo 6 (1 reb, 2 ast), Isabella Welch 2 (7 reb, 2 stl), Shelby Johnson 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Sabrina Stocker (1 reb).

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-6-13) — One of the finest players in East County history, JERICA WILLIAMS, tried her hand at coaching in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) Grossmont Valley League game.

Williams, an outstanding player at Mount Miguel High (Class of '06) who accepted a scholarship to UCLA, proved she’s not a bad coach either, as the Mount Miguel Matadors mauled Santana 76-36 in a GVL contest.

“I’ve been a bench coach the whole year,” said Williams. “It was fun to be able to make all the decisions myself.”

Mount Miguel led only 12-11 after one quarter before creating a 27-9 run in the second period.

“Initially we were in a man press and then went to a 2-2-1 zone press in the second quarter,” Williams said, which helped the Matadors to a 39-20 halftime lead.

It was a typical balanced offense for Mount Miguel led by DEIJAH BLANKS, who paced the Matadors with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists.

KAMREE HARRISON pitched in 14 points and ZARIA BRANCH chipped in with 11 for the Matadors.

KAYTI GRABLE led Santana with 9 points.

Williams was in the coaching seat in place of veteran ROBBIE SANDOVAL, who was dismissed due to a double technical foul in the previous game.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 22 (14 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl), Kamree Harrison 14 (1 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Zaria Branch 11 (4 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 9 (6 reb, 4 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 8 (2 reb), Brooklyn Miller 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Breahna Jones 5 (3 reb, 2 stl).

Santana: Kayti Grable 9, Taylor Estes 6, Sydney Blackburn 5, Kylie Brase 4, Gretchen Hudson 4, Bridgette Fries 4, Ariel Rasmusson 3, Savanah Fenn 2, Emily Kloss 1.

GRANITE HILLS 73, STEELE CANYON 27 – SKYLAR WILLIAMS scored 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 4 assists and made 3 steals as the Eagles blew out Steele Canyon in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) Grossmont Hills League encounter.

It was a good shooting match for Williams who made 9 of 15 shots from the floor.

DEAJANAE HARVEY was also on the mark, nailing 5 of 6 shots from the floor and 3 of 5 free throws on her way to a 13 point mark, which equaled ANNA VIETTRY’s points. Viettry also had 9 assists.

Not to be overlooked was the 12 points contributed by LEENA ALYASHAA, who also had 4 rebounds and 2 assists for Granite Hills.

Granite Hills: Skylar Williams 20 (8 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Anna Viettry 13 (3 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl), Deajanae Harvey 13 (4 reb, 3 stl), Leena Alyashaa 12 (4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Kaylla Hawkins 4 (3 reb), Micayla Hernandez 4 (1 reb), Raelleah Leceur 4 (3 reb), Madison Lumb 2 (2 reb), Mariah Vanlandingham 2 (2 reb), Emma Kubari (2 reb, 1 ast), Valerie Renfrow (1 blk).

Steele Canyon: No information reported.

WEST HILLS 65, VALHALLA 29 – BAILEY ALBERS, a hard-nosed sophomore, led visiting West Hills with 20 points in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) Grossmont Hills League romp over Valhalla .

“Bailey Albers played a very solid game, did a nice job attacking basket,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

The Wolf Pack gained a 39-10 advantage over the Norsemen in the final two periods.

“We started off with low energy and poor effort,” said Kinser. “We played much better in the second half.”

HALEY FORSBERG poured in 15 points and had 7 steals, while JESSICA SCOTT and J’ANA DIAMOND each chipped in with 11 points.

West Hills: Bailey Albers 20 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Haley Forsberg 15 (3 reb, 7 stl, 1 blk), Jessica Scott 11 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk), J’Ana Diamond 11 (5 reb, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal 4 (6 reb, 2 stl), Emily Cole 4 (2 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk), Megan Scott (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Arielle Bowers (1 ast, 2 stl), Katie Byrd (1 reb).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 12, Mary Charles 7, Shyla Criger-Philipp 2, Tiana Silver 2, Molly Lindsay 2, Mackenzie Castro 2, Jessica May 2.

HELIX 47, GROSSMONT 23 – A first-quarter blitz by the Helix Highlanders resulted in a lopsided victory over archrival Grossmont in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) Grossmont Hills League contest.

The Highlanders (15-6, 4-3 GHL) led 32-10 by halftime so the issued was decided.

SHIRAH HANCOCK had 14 points and 7 rebounds to pace Helix. LAYLA CUNNINGHAM dished 10 assists and CHANELLE WARD grabbed 9 rebounds.

“We tried to play mostly man-to-man,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “We played good as a team tonight.”

KRISTA POUMELE pitched in 11 points before she was injured.

“Krista Poumele hurt her knee when she took a charge,” Tabor said. “It may be an ACL tear. We’ll find out tomorrow. We’ll need her in the playoffs.”

“We played with no energy or passion in the 1st half,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “We came to play the 2nd half, but it is a 32 minute game.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 14 (7 reb, 1 ast), Krista Poumele 11, Chanelle Ward 6 (9 reb), Lisabella Lemusu 4 (4 reb), Layla Cunningham 4 (10 ast), Fuafiva Pulu 4 (2 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (5 reb, 1 ast), Hayley Singer (4 reb, 1 blk), Emani Carpenter (3 reb), Dominique Jones (1 reb).

Grossmont: Lauren Weigel 8 (6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Danielle Davis 5 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Christina Valdez 5 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Carly Lopez 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Keanna Lovelace 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Julia Naranjo 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Megan Reddecliff 1 (7 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Lane Griffith (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Bria Miller (2 reb, 1 stl), Theresa Mapp (1 reb, 1 stl).

CHRISTIAN 37, CORONADO 21 – CHAYAN LOWERY turned in a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds along with 8 blocks as the Patriots clubbed Coronado in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) game to remain in the chase for the Central League title.

League leading Kearny knocked off Clairemont to raise their record to 11-7.

“ Coronado was close until we ran a box-and-one on their best player,” said Patriots coach THOMAS LOWERY. “It worked.”

“ANAYA TOBIASON played man-to-man from the 3rd quarter on, on their best player,” the coach added. “It changed the whole tempo of the game. She did a great job.”

HAYLEY CRUZ added 10 points for the Patriots.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 11 (11 reb, 3 ast, 8 blk), Hayley Cruz 10 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Anaya Tobiason 6 (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Taylor Miller 6 (5 reb), Jillian Sexton 4 (2 ast, 2 stl).

EL CAJON VALLEY 49, EL CAPITAN 43 – El Cajon Valley knocked off El Capitan in Tuesday’s (Feb. 5) Grossmont Valley League game.

“We played terrible at the beginning of the game and gave them confidence,” said El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “It was Senior Night, which in my view is a distraction.”

El Capitan: Jessica Diprima 13, Katie Davison 12 Kiwalani Sierra 6, Kim Galvan 4, Rebecca Leonard 2, Valeria Garay 2, Kassidy Kygar 2, Tali Letoi 1, Ciera Cutler 1.

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

Top: The jump shot by Helix' Layla Cunningham. Bottom: The Scotties' Hayley Singer wins the tip. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

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LA MESA (2-2-13) — Helix High won’t win the girls basketball Grossmont Hills League championship, but coach PAT TABOR’s Highlanders have to be regarded as one of the most improved teams in the six team loop.

Another of the recognizably better teams than a year ago are the Valhalla Norsemen.

That’s why Friday’s (Feb. 1) match-up between the two teams came down to a single point.

The Highlanders, who led 37-33 in the waning moments, survived a 3-point shot from KANDICE KALASHO to squeeze out a 37-36 victory. By gaining the nod Helix improved to (14-6, 3-3 GHL.

Kalasho finished with a game-high 23 points, including 4 triples.

Excluding a forfeit, Valhalla is 8-12 on the floor and 2-4 in league.

“We came back a little bit in the fourth quarter,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LESEAU. “At the end Kandice Kalasho hit a three from the corner. The girls ran the play just the way we set it up, but there are no 4-point shots in basketball.”

Helix’s HAYLEY SINGER won the battle of the boards, collecting 14 caroms and blocking 3 shots. LAYLA CUNNINGHAM had 7 assists for the highlanders.

Helix: Krista Poumele 9 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Chanelle Ward 8 (7 reb, 1 stl, 2 blk), Layla Cunningham 8 (4 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl), Shirah Hancock 7 (6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Haley Singer 2 (14 reb, 4 stl, 3 blk), Dane Anderson 2 (3 reb), Raeshondra Dike’ 1 (1 ast, 1 stl).

Valhalla: Kandice Kalasho 23 (3 stl), Mary Charles 6, Shyla Criger-Philipp 3 (11 reb), Jessica May 2 (4 reb), Tiana Silver 2, Bianca Gorges (3 reb), Molly Lindsay (2 reb).

WEST HILLS 57, STEELE CANYON 18 – ARIELLE BOWERS has been asked to handle a lot of the ball handling duties for No. 8 ranked West Hills this season, and based on the Wolf Pack’s record (18-5, 5-1 GHL) she’s done a pretty good job.

Bowers put together one of her best shooting nights of the season in Friday’s (Feb. 1) Grossmont Hills League game at Steele Canyon, hitting 5 of 7 shots from beyond the arc on her way to a team best 17 points. Bowers also had 4 steals, as did BAILEY ALBERS.

West Hills put the clamps on Steele Canyon scoring machine, MONIQUE VAN, limiting the senior guard to 6 points. It was a rare off night for Van, who was presented a banner which will be hung in the Cougars’ gym, honoring her for being arguably the finest girls basketball player in Steele Canyon history.

“We played good defense tonight, held Van to only 6 points, which was our focus,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “I was happy with our overall effort.”

West Hills: Arielle Bowers 17 (4 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Emily Cole 13 (6 reb), Haley Forsberg 7 (7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk), Bailey Albers 7 (4 stl), Jessica Scott 5 (3 reb, 1 ast), J’ana Diamond 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Katie Byrd 2 (3 reb), Brandi McCrystal 2 (5 reb), Megan Scott (3 reb).

Steele Canyon: Monique Van 6 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Rachel Beasley 6 (2 reb, 1 stl), Isabella Welch 4 (2 reb), Alexis Ramos 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Tiana Teo (1 reb), Jule Loibl (3 reb, 1 stl), Sydney Williams (1 reb).

MONTE VISTA 52, EL CAJON VALLEY 25 – The Monarchs (19-4, 4-1 GVL) put this one away early, taking a 23-2 first quarter lead and never looking back in Friday’s ( Feb. 1) Grossmont Valley League game.

Monte Vista extended its advantage to 35-2 by halftime.

KAYLA KULHANEK rolled a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Monarchs.

Monte Vista: Kayla Kulhanek 16 (10 reb, 2 stl), Felicia Porter 6 (3 reb, 1 blk), Deborah Saltzen 6 (2 reb, 2 stl), Abigail Vargas 5 (1 reb, 6 stl, 2 ast), Heather Bell 5 (4 reb, 1 stl, 1 ast), Alex Wittmann 4 (3 reb, 1 stl, 1 ast), Kayla Harrell 4 (9 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk), Jazmine Bradley 2 (1 reb, 2 stl, 4 ast), Monica Williams 1 (4 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast), Sunceri Cofield (1 reb, 2 ast), Emma Pitoua (3 reb, 2 stl, 3 ast).

El Cajon Valley: No information provided.

CHRISTIAN 47, CRAWFORD 19 – Christian’s CHAYAN LOWERY reeled off a triple-double with 20 points, 20 rebounds and 11 blocks as the second-place Patriots (10-9, 7-2 CL) remained in hot pursuit of Central League leading Kearny (12-3, 8-1 CL) with Friday’s (Feb. 1) lopsided victory at Crawford.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 20 (20 reb, 11 blk, 3 ast, 1 stl), Hayley Cruz 9 (5 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Jillian Sexton 6 (4 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Taylor Miller 4 (2 stl, 1 blk), Kayle Kruel 3 (2 ast, 3 stl), Anaya Tobiason 3 (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Melina Jones 2 (3 reb, 1 blk, 3 stl).

MOUNT MIGUEL 64, EL CAPITAN 19 – DEIJAH BLANKS scored 25 points and KAMREE HARRISON chipped in 10 assists and 7 steals as the Matadors marched to the Grossmont Valley League victory on Friday (Feb. 2) in Lakeside .

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 25 (5 reb, 5 stl, 1 ast, 1 blk), Zaria Branch 18 (1 ast, 1 stl), Dejanay Pope 8 (7 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk), Brooklyn Miller 7 (1 ast), Kamree Harrison 4 (1 reb, 10 ast, 7 stl), Rozlyn Pierce 2 (3 reb, 1 stl).

El Capitan: Jessica Deprima 13, Cierra Cutler 4, Valeria Garay 1, Kassidy Kygar 1, Rebecca Leonard (3 reb).

Granite Hills' Anna Viettry on the breakaway for a layin to help defeat the Foothillers. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

“Granite is an elite Top 10 team in San Diego ,” said Grossmont coach JEFF BICKFORD. “Their pressure defense was difficult for us to overcome.”

Granite Hills: Skylar Willliams 28 (7 reb, 2 ast, 8 stl), Deajanae Harvey 20 (3 reb, 2 ast, 7 stl), Anna Viettry 19 (2 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Madison Lumb 4 (3 reb), Micayela Hernandez 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Leena Alyashaa 2 (3 reb, 1 stl), Emma Kubari 2 (1 reb), Mariah Vanlandingham (5 reb), Kaylla Hawkins (1 reb), Valerie Renfrow (1 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 7 (1 reb, 3 stl), Carly Lopez 4 (1 reb), Julia Naranjo 3 (1 reb), Lauren Weigel 2 (3 reb), Keanna Lovelace 2 (4 reb), Christina Valdez 1 (1 ast), Megan Reddecliff (3 reb).