Grossmont's Theresa Mapp (left) and Shyla Philipp of Valhalla do battle under the basket. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Santana's Emily Kloss poured home a game-high 19 points vs. Monte Vista. (Photo by Steve Brase)
Matadors roll to 14th and 74th By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (2-22-14) — The first assumption went out the window quickly when El Cajon Valley senior captain JOANNA DELA CRUZ registered the first points in Friday's (Feb. 21) Grossmont Valley League ballgame. It might have prevented another wire-to-wire run by visiting Mount Miguel, but the Matadors easily answered with 17 straight points en route to an 82-26 triumph, giving the Matadors a CIF San Diego Section record with their 74th consecutive league victory. Since the turn of the century, head coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL has propelled his team to league titles in each of his 14 seasons since 2000-01, posting a composite league mark of 125-1. Dela Cruz added a pair of 3-point shots from the wing in the first quarter, finishing with eight points. However, Matadors senior DEIJAH BLANKS countered with 16 points in the opening eight minutes, pushing Mount Miguel to a 37-10 cushion by the quarter and 59-13 by the half. Blanks finished with a game-best 28 points and six blocked shots, while teammate ZARIA BRANCH added 16 points. El Cajon Valley also posted the first four points of the fourth quarter – against the starters, too – with TONI ENGLAND leading the Lady Braves with 13 points, a dozen coming in the second half. The 14th straight league crown snaps the mark of 13, set by Holtville of the old Desert League (1984-96). The previous mark for consecutice wins in league was 66 by Point Loma during the Terry Mann era. Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 28 (14 reb, 6 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 16 (2 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk, 5 stl), Dejanay Pope 10 (11 reb, 5 ast, 5 stl), Kamree Harrison 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Satera Bates 5 (1 reb), Brooklyn Miller 4 (5 reb, 5 stl), Lani Tausaga 4 (5 reb), Amber Hard 4 (3 reb, 1 stl), Taylor Young 3 (3 ast, 1 stl). El Cajon Valley: Toni England 13, Joanna Dela Cruz 8, Ninwey Esho 4, Nashea Lampkin 1. SANTANA 49, MONTE VISTA 34 – EMILY KLOSS scored a game high 19 points to lead the Santana Sultans past Monte Vista in Friday’s (Feb. 21) Grossmont Valley League regular season finale. “We have been playing very good ball,” said Santana coach LARRY CLARK. “Emily Kloss played some very good defense. It’s been that way for a couple of months now. We can’t do without everyone participating and playing well.” Santana: Emily Kloss 19, Kylie Brase 8, Morgan Turner 6, Savannah Garcia 6, Dominique Morrison 5, Madison Barry 4, Savanah Fenn 1. Monte Vista: The Monarchs don't participate with East County Sports.com.
Christian freshman guard Brooke Owens drives to the basket against Crawford. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Eagles, Scotties share GHL crown

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-21-14) — Granite Hills High jumped out strong in Friday night’s (Feb. 21) Grossmont Hills League regular season finale, and maintained the lead throughout the encounter with West Hills at Granite Hills, finishing with a 53-38 victory.

“We had 35 turnovers and went 4-19 from the line, enough said,” came from Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER.

Granite Hills led 33-19 at the half. The Eagles were paced by DEAJANAE HARVEY, who rolled a double-double with a game high 15 points, 10 steels and 8 rebounds.

MICAYELA HERNANDEZ followed with 13 points and 5 steals.

“It was Senior Night and we were happy to get a win for MADISON LUMB, our only senior,” said Eagles coach JERRY PARKER. “We definitely did a better job of playing them this time.

“Ryan does a great job,” said Parker. “He’s definitely one of the better coaches in the league. I look forward to coaching against him.”

Granite Hills (9-1, 18-9) finished the regular season with a Grossmont Hills League co-championship with Helix (9-1, 23-7).

Granite Hills: Deajanae Harvey 15 (8 reb, 1 blk, 10 stl), Micayela Hernandez 13 (5 stl), Raelleah Moore 8 (4 reb, 1 stl), Sierra Rains 7 (3 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Emma Kubari 5 (1 reb, 1 blk, 6 stl), Justine Garde 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Delaney Casey 2, Anabel Rodriguez (5 reb), Madison Lumb (3 reb, 1 stl).

West Hills: No information was provided.

VALHALLA 42, GROSSMONT 23 – Valhalla was hot on the boards in Friday’s (Feb. 21) Grossmont Hills League regular season finale versus Grossmont.

Three of five Norsemen scored in double figures on the glass, and TIANA SILVER, who did not grab a rebound, made up for it with a game high 21 points.

SHYLA PHILIPP rolled a double-double of 10 points, 15 rebounds and 8 blocks, MOLLY LINDSAY grabbed 12 rebounds to go with her 5 points and 3 steals, JULIANNA QSAR hauled down 11 rebounds to go with 4 points, and BIANCA GORGES grabbed 8 boards.

The Norsemen led 19-9 at the half and, despite a spirited comeback by Grossmont in the third quarter when they scored 10 points to Valhalla ’s 13, the game was never in doubt.

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 21, Shyla Philipp 10 (15 reb, 8 blk), Molly Lindsay 5 (12 reb, 3 stl), Julianna Qsar 4 (11 reb), Bianca Gorges 2 (8 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 6, Lauren Weigel 6, Lydia Halcott 5, Keana Lovelace 4, Theresa Mapp 2.

HELIX 69, STEELE CANYON 29 – BRIAJUNAE SHEPARD scored a game high 16 points to pace Helix in Friday’s (Feb. 21) Grossmont Hills League regular season finale at Steele Canyon .

The Highlanders rolled over the Cougars without much resistance as only one quarter saw double digits from Steele Canyon .

“We’re better than average in the second half and I don’t know why that is,” observed Helix coach PATRICK TABOR, who saw his Highlanders pick up steam after intermission in the final two quarters. “We have five girls who can get double-doubles almost every time.”

"I've seen all the teams, but I don't think any of them are any better than we are," he added.

Freshman DESTINI ANDERSON rolled a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while CAMRYN OWENS popped in 11 points and dished 8 assists for Helix.

“Helix was all over the rebounding tonight,” admitted Cougars coach PETER RUIZ of the taller Highlanders.

JULE LOIBL made a brave stand for the Cougars, pitching in 15 points to lead.

Helix: Briajunae Shepard 16 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Destini Anderson 13 (10 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Camryn Owens 11 (2 reb, 8 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Shirah Hancock 9 (6 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Taliah Hooker 6 (1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk), Raeshondra Dike’ 4 (4 reb, 2 ast), Chyna Williams 2 (4 reb, 2 stl), Danielle Simmons (7 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Asia Duncan (3 reb, 2 stl), Ashley Smith (1 ast), Kyla Hooker (1 ast).

Steele Canyon: Jule Loibl 15, Ashley Tavizon 8, Shelby Johnston 2, Nicki DePaola 2, Victoria Ethridge 2.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
CRAWFORD at CHRISTIAN – No report was received for this Central League finale.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-21-14) — An early injury to CHAYAN LOWERY sucked the energy out of Christian’s offense and defense as the Patriots fell to Coronado 32-10 in Thursday’s (Feb. 20) Center League encounter.

Lowery was knocked to floor, falling on a knee. She was unable to finish the game. Before her injury she managed to get 6 rebounds and a block.

BROOKE OWENS scored 5 points, had 1 rebound and made 3 steals for Christian.

Christian: Brooke Owens 5 (1 reb, 3 stl), Kaylee Keith 4, Annie Atterbury (4 reb, 2 stl), Sage Salacup (2 reb), Chayan Lowery 1 (6 reb, 1 blk), Melanie Johnston (1 reb), Melina Jones (1 reb, 1 stl), Taylor Miller (3 reb, 1 stl).

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-19-14) — The Helix Highlanders, which at 8-1 are in a tie for first place in the Grossmont Hills League with Granite Hills, were on their game Tuesday night (Feb. 18) when they took on visiting West Hills, making it look easy as they raced to a 65-37 victory.

“We dominated from the start. My girls probably played their best game of basketball all year tonight,” said Helix coach PATRIK TABOR. “They are peaking at the right time, just before playoffs.

“We’re seeded at No. 3 in Division 2, just like I predicted,” Tabor said.

Helix led the Wolf Pack (17-10, 6-3 GHL) by a score of 35-13 at halftime. The third quarter was low scoring but the Highlanders had their reserves in the game in the fourth. It was too little too late for the Pack, even though they doubled Helix’s quarter scoring in the fourth.

“Every Helix strength is our weakness,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER. “It was a horrible match-up for us. Against most teams we can do things to slow them down, but we have no answer to Helix.”

“It was a disappointing outcome but we will re-group and compete on Friday (Feb. 21 – in the last game of the regular season).”

BRIAJUNAE SHEPARD led Helix with 12 points, and SHIRA HANCOCK added 11, while DESTINI ANDERSON pitched in 10.

For West Hills, BAILEY ALBERS led the Pack with 16 points.

Helix: Briajunae Shepard 12, Shirah Hancock 11, Destini Anderson 10, Irma Ealy 8, Camryn Owens 7, Danielle Simmons 4, Asia Duncas 4, Ashley Smith 4, Raeshondra Dike’ 3, Kyla Napier 2.

West Hills: Bailey Albers 16, Megan Scott 6 (9 reb, 1 ast), Carly Raley 2 (7 reb, 1 stl), Vivian Panella 3 (3 reb, 1 ast), Tila Whitaker 3 (1 reb, 2 stl), Tiffany Nugyen 3 (2 reb), Carly Raley 2 (7 reb, 1 stl), Jessica Fondas (1 reb, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal (1 stl).

GRANITE HILLS 61, VALHALLA 32 – The Valhalla Norsemen managed to stay with their Granite Hills opponents in Tuesday’s (Feb. 18) Grossmont Hills League play, with the Eagles edging the Norsemen just 12-10 at the end of the first quarter.

By halftime Granite Hills still held the edge but by a slim margin of 22-18.

In the third quarter, however, the Eagles poured on the coal and went on an 18-4 run over the Norsemen. It was more of the same in the fourth quarter as the Eagles went on to claim the victory.

DEAJANAE HARVEY paced Granite Hills (17-9, 8-1 GHL) with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 9 steals.

RAELLEAH MOORE rolled a double-double for the Eagles, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to go along with 4 steals and an assist.

The Eagles are currently tied with Helix for the GHL lead at 8-1 apiece.

TIANA SILVER led Valhalla with 11 points, while SHYLA PHILIPP hauled down 15 rebounds to go along with her 7 points, 5 blocks and 3 steals.

“The girls are really improving,” said Valhalla coach LOWE LEASAU. “Shyla Philipp had an outstanding game. It was Senior Night and Shyla, as our only senior, got flowers, hugs and cheers and a thumbs up from her coach.

“They’re giving me their effort and they are learning.”

Granite Hills: Deajanae Harvey 18 (7 reb, 1 ast, 9 stl), Raelleah Moore 10 (10 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Madison Lumb 8 (7 reb, 2 stl), Anabel Rodriguez 6 (7 reb, 2 blk), Sierra Raines 6 (3 reb, 1 stl), Michelle Tucker 5 (1 reb), Micayela Hernandez 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Delaney Casey 3 (4 reb), Justine Garde 2 (2 reb, 1 stl), Emma Kubari (1 reb, 1 stl).

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 11, Molly Lindsay 8 (5 reb), Shyla Philipp 7 (15, 5 blk, 3 stl), Bianca Gorges 6, Julianna Qsar (4 reb, 3 stl).

EL CAPITAN 32, MONTE VISTA 31 – The El Capitan Vaqueros played strong in the first three periods of Tuesday’s (Feb. 18) Grossmont Valley League encounter with visiting Monte Vista, leading by 4 points at intermission and taking the game to a 23-23 tie by the end of the third period.

At the end of the fourth quarter that’s when things got close.

With the Monarchs leading 31-30, El Capitan had a free throw with 10 seconds left but missed it and Monte Vista got the rebound. El Capitan fouled a Monarch, but she missed her shot. The Vaqueros got the rebound and called a time out.

“We called a play for CIERRA CUTLER to get the ball, but they denied her, so it went to KASSIDY KYGAR, who took it down the court to the free throw line, pulled up and hit a bank shot to win it,” said Vaqueros co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “It was a great play.”

“We won one game in league last year and won 4 this year, so we’ve improved,” Wilkerson said.

Cutler paced El Capitan with 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals.

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 17 (2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Mariel Vega 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Kassidy Kygar 4 (4 reb, 5 stl), Valeria Garay 3 (5 reb, 1 stl), Valerie Renfrow 2 (3 reb, 4 stl), Adalida Moore 2 (2 reb), MacKenzie Mead (2 reb).

Monte Vista: Is not a member of East County Sports.

SANTANA 86, EL CAJON VALLEY 47 – The Santana Sultans came out strong in Tuesday’s (Feb. 18) Grossmont Valley League encounter, doubling their advantage by halftime 44-22 over El Cajon Valley .

DOMINIQUE MORRISON paced Santana with 25 points, while SAVANNAH GARCIA added 12 and SIERRA SIMANEK pitched in 12.

“The girls did a good job getting the ball inside,” said Sultans coach LARRY CLARK. “They got the ball to the net.”

Morrison was 8-for-11 from the floor and 9 of 11 from the free throw line.

“My point guard, MARY GRACE RONQUILLO, hurt her ankle in practice and didn’t play tonight,” said El Cajon Valley coach MARC BOYKINS. “But other girls stepped up and everybody scored. It will hopefully bring some confidence going into the playoffs.

“TONI ENGLAND, one of our best players, got in foul trouble with 4 fouls. That hurt us a little bit. But getting the other girls in the game was good.”

JOANNA DELA CRUZ shared the lead with TONI ENGLAND for El Cajon Valley with 14 points apiece.

NINWAY ESHO added 13 points for the Braves.

Santana: Dominique Morrison 25, Savannah Garcia 12, Sierra Simanek 12, Morgan Turner 7, Savanah Fenn 7, Taylor Estes 6, Madison Barry 6, Kylie Brase 5, Emily Kloss 3, Khadizhat Dakaeva 3.

El Cajon Valley: Joanna Dela Cruz 14 (6 reb, 1 ast), Toni England 14 (5 reb), Ninwey Esho 13 (1 reb), Fareh Kannah 3 (3 reb), Nashea Lampkin 1 (5 reb, 1 stl), Mary Awedich 1 (1 reb, 1 stl), Raja-Nae Watson 1 (2 reb, 1 ast).

STEELE CANYON 38, GROSSMONT 27 – The Grossmont Foothillers trailed by just one point at halftime of Tuesday’s (Feb. 18) Grossmont Hills League contest at Steele Canyon, and maintained that edge through the third period.

In the fourth quarter, however, the Steele Canyon Cougars came on strong to pull away 16-4 and polish off their league opponents by an 11 point advantage.

“Both teams started out from the get-go really slow,” said Cougars coach PETER RUIZ. “In the fourth quarter our girls stepped up and took care of business. We made 5 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter.”

ASHLEY TAVIZON led Steele Canyon with 8 points and 5 rebounds.

KEANA LOVELACE paced Grossmont with 8 markers.

Steele Canyon: Ashley Tavizon 8 (5 reb, 1 blk), Nicki DePaola 7 (6 reb, 3 stl), Isabella Welch 6 (6 reb), Jule Loibl 6 (2 reb, 2 stl), Sydney Williams 4 (6 reb, 1 stl), Victoria Bott 2 (3 reb), Mikayla Merideth 2, Shelby Johnston 1 (1 stl).

Grossmont: Keana Lovelace 8 (1 stl), Lauren Weigel 6 (9 reb), Lane Griffith 6 (7 reb, 2 stl), Bria Miller 5 (2 reb, 5 stl), Hanna Hibbs 2.

KEARNY 45, CHRISTIAN 30 – The Christian High Patriots faced the Central League leading Komets (on Tuesday (Feb. 18) and despite the efforts of team leader CHAYAN LOWERY, who was double-teamed all night, wound up on the losing end of the night.

Lowery still managed to score 15 points, grab 8 rebounds, force 5 blocks and make 3 steals.

The Patriots (6-11, 4-5 CL) actually led 19-13 at halftime but the powerful Komets (15-5, 10-1 CL) opened up a 20-9 spread in the third quarter, leaving the battling Patriots trailing by only 7 points at the end of three periods.

The forth quarter, however, saw the Komets pull away and the Patriots could not overcome their momentum.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 15 (8 reb, 5 blk, 3 stl), Taylor Miller 9 (3 reb, 1 stl), Melina Jones 2 (5 reb, 3 stl), Annie Atterbury 2 (2 reb), Sage Salacup 2 (1 reb, 1 stl), Melanie Johnston (2 reb, 1 stl), Brooke Owens (4 reb, 3 stl).

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (2-16-14) — In a battle for Open Division seeding, the Mount Miguel Matadors squeezed out a 47-45 overtime victory against host Mater Dei Catholic on Saturday (Feb. 15) in a non-league contest.

Although the No. 2-ranked Matadors trailed the majority of regulation, and at one time were down 15 points to Mater Dei, DEIJAH BLANKS hit a runner racing across the key with 46 seconds to play, staking the Matadors to a 47-45 advantage in overtime.

Blanks carried the Matadors with 27 points, which she has done more often than not in the last month. She nailed three 3-pointers and 8 of 13 free throws on her way to her high point effort.

Mount Miguel had to rally from a 27-18 halftime deficit. The Crusaders led 31-16 in with five minutes to go in the third quarter.

“We turned up our game and were very aggressive,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL. “This is the ugliest win I’ve ever had.”

Once again DEJANAY POPE was a force with 14 rebounds for the Matadors.

Said Sandoval, “We know Bishop’s will be No. 1 seed in the Open Division. By winning this game we should be the No. 2 seed, but you never know with the power ratings.”

For Mount Miguel, the Matadors are 4-0 in overtime.

Mount Miguel closes its season at El Cajon Valley on Friday (Feb. 21) at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 27 (5 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Zaria Branch 9 (7 reb), Dejanay Pope 4 (14 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Kamree Harrison 4 (4 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Taylor Young 3 (3 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brooklyn Miller (3 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl).

HORIZON 61, HELIX 54 – Even though the Highlanders came up short against Horizon Christian on Saturday (Feb. 15) at Mater Dei Catholic in a non-league game, Helix coach PATRICK TABOR and his Highlanders were hardly destroyed.

The Highlanders (21-7) are becoming used to running with the elite.

They’ll be obliged to compete in Division 2, which will be no egg hunt.

But for now Tabor just wants to finish the season, which may net him a Grossmont Hills League championship.

“We did a good job – my babies did a good job,” declared Tabor. “I’m proud of them.

“We were in the game with seconds left and had to start fouling. We’re just getting ready for CIF. This was a good game for us but it doesn’t mean anything – just give me my seed in the playoffs and that’s good. My prediction is we’ll be 3rd and get home games.”

Helix: Shirah Hancock 17, Briajunae Shepard 13, Destini Anderson 10, Irma Ealy 6, Danielle Simmons 4, Raeshondra Dike’ 4.

The magic coin trick

No, Isabella Welch of Steele Canyon is not ahout to reveal a coin out of the ear from Valhalla senior Shyla Philipp (41), as the Norsemen finally won in overtime to cinch fourth place from the Cougars in Friday's Grossmont Hills League nail-biter.. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-15-14) — It was a battle of two top teams in the Grossmont Hills League Friday night (Feb. 14) as the Granite Hills Eagles (16-9, 7-1) conquered the unbeaten Helix Highlanders (21-6, 7-1) in a close encounter, 64-63 to leave the teams tied for first place in the GHL.

“I thought we could play with Helix. We just had to keep them off the boards and keep them out of transition,” said Granite Hills coach JERRY PARKER.

“We did a good job on (BRIAJUNAE) SHEPARD, keeping her out of the lanes,” Parker added. “We wanted to make her take difficult shots, and we did a pretty good job on it. It was a good game. I thought both teams made good shots.”

Despite the Eagles focus on Shepard, she still scored a team-high 20 points, even though she fouled out with a minute left to play.

DEAJANAE HARVEY topped all scorers with a rare quadruple-double of 24 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and 11 steals for Granite Hills.

“They came out with a good game plan tonight,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR of the Eagles. “It was back-and-forth all night. I truly believe (Parker’s) girls wanted it harder. They fought and scratched for 32 minutes.

“We haven’t learned that yet,” Tabor added. “It was a good loss for our program, because now my girls have been in a 12-game win streak, and now they know it hurts (to lose). It’s good for them going into the playoffs.”

A uniform number inadvertently left out of the Helix book led to a technical foul that resulted in the Eagles’ MICAYELA HERNANDEZ making a free throw. That one point was the difference in the game.

DESTINI ANDERSON rolled a double-double for Helix with 17 points and 15 rebounds. She also had 3 assists and 3 steals.

Newcomer IRMA EALY grabbed 11 rebounds for the Highlanders to go along with 8 points, 2 assists and a steal.

Granite Hills: Deajanae Harvey 24 (12 reb, 11 ast, 11 stl), Anabel Rodriguez 9 (4 reb, 5 blk, 1 stl), Micayela Hernandez 9 (5 reb, 1 stl), Sierra Rains 7 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Madison Lumb 6 (7 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Justine Garde 5, Raelleah Moore 2 (2 reb, Emma Kubari 2 (1 stl).

Helix: Briajunae Shepard 20 (1 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Destini Anderson 17 (15 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Irma Ealy 8 (11 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Shirah Hancock 7 (6 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Danielle Simmons 5 (5 reb, 1 stl), Camryn Owens 4 (1 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl), Raeshondra Dike’ (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl).

Valhalla guard Tiana Silver makes her move, then releases the shot in overtime to help the Norsemen to a 44-41 conquest of Steele Canyon. (Photos by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

TIANA SILVER gave Valhalla a 39-37 lead early in overtime.

MOLLY LINDSAY then hit a bucket for Valhalla to make it 41-37.

ISABELLA WELCH hit a pair of free throws to pull the Cougars to within 41-39 with 1:58 left in overtime.

Silver nailed a 3-pointer to give the Norsemen a 5-point spread.

Welch hit another bucket but it was too late for the Cougars as the Norsemen hung on to win it.

“We always believe we have a chance to win, and even when we fell behind we knew we could come back and win,” said SHYLA PHILIPP, who had just 3 points but 18 rebounds for Valhalla .

“If no one knew our individual records, you would have thought we were playing for a championship,” said Steele Canyon coach PETER RUIZ. “We did a pretty good job hold their leading scorer (Silver–23 points) to 2 points in the first half. She just went off in the 2nd half. We didn’t have an answer in the second half.

“We had an awesome first half but it didn’t carry over to the second.”

Loibl finished with 16 points and Welch with 11.

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 23, Molly Lindsay 8, Julianna Qsar 6, Shyla Philipp 3 (18 reb), Bianca Gorges 2, Alexandra Somo 2.

Steele Canyon: Jule Loibl 16 (3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Isabella Welch 11 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Ashley Tavizon 5 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Shelby Johnson 4 (2 reb, 1 ast), Sydney Williams 4 (1 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Victoria Bott (1 reb, 1 ast), Victoria Ethridge (1 stl).

SANTANA 54, EL CAPITAN 45 (OT) – The Sultans scored all 9 points in overtime to send the Vaqueros reeling in Friday’s (Feb. 14) Grossmont Valley League game.

It was quite a comeback for Santana, which trailed El Capitan by 10 points in the middle of the third quarter.

El Capitan was ahead by 2 points with 7 seconds left in regulation, when Santana’s EMILY KLOSS drove the length of the floor and made a basket to put the game into overtime.

“They got 9 points (in OT) and we got nothing,” summarized El Capitan co-head coach RICK WILKERSON. “We’ve come a long way. I’m really happy with the progress of the girls.”

In the overtime DOMINIQUE MORRISON hit a 3-pointer for the Sultans and Kloss nailed a bucket and a free throw, and SAVANNAH GARCIA pegged 2 free throws and TAYLOR ESTES hit another.

Santana freshman MORGAN TURNER led all scorers with 26 points, while Kloss finished with 12.

For El Capitan CIERRA CUTLER popped in 17 points, while KASSIDY KYGAR added 11 and VALERIA GARAY hauled down 11 boards.

Santana: Morgan Turner 26, Emily Kloss 12, Taylor Estes 7, Savanah Fenn 3, Savannah Garcia 2, Dominique Morrison 2, Madison Barry 2.

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 17 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Kassidy Kygar 11 (4 reb, 7 ast, 6 stl), Valeria Garay 4 (11 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Valerie Renfrow 4 (7 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Mariel Vega 1 (1 reb, 2 ast), Adalida Moore 1 (3 reb, 1 stl).

WEST HILLS 47, GROSSMONT 18 – West Hills blazed a trail past visiting Grossmont and never looked back in Friday’s (Feb. 14) Grossmont Hills League
encounter at West Hills.

BAILEY ALBERS led the Wolf Pack (17-9, 6-2 GHL) with 12 points, and VIVIAN PANELLA punched in 11 more, including a trio of 3-pointers.

West Hills: Bailey Albers 12 (4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk), Vivian Panella 11 (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Megan Scott 7 (6 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk), Brandi McCrystal 6 (6 reb), Tiffany Nugyen 4 (4 reb, 1 stl), Ali Lenhoff 4 (1 reb, 1 ast), Jessica Fondas 2 (5 reb, 1 ast), Tila Whitaker 1 (1 reb, 1 stl), Carly Raley (6 reb, 3 stl, 3 blk).

Grossmont: No information provided.

MOUNT MIGUEL 82, MONTE VISTA 21 – The Matadors continued their annual rout of Monte Vista in Friday’s (Feb. 14) Grossmont Valley League romp over the Monarchs.

Just because these two teams are in the same city, this is not a rivalry because the Matadors dominate from the opening tipoff.

DEIJAH BLANKS led the way with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 6 steals.

ZARIA BRANCH added 19 points, while SATERA BATES contributed 16 for the Matadors.

This game was merely a set-up for Saturday’s (Feb. 15) key encounter at Mater Dei at 7:30. This game will determine who is the top seeded team in the division playoffs.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 20 (8 reb, 5 ast, 2 blk, 6 stl), Zaria Branch 19 (6 reb, 5 ast, 6 stl), Satera Bates 16 (3 reb, 5 stl), Brooklyn Miller 8 (3 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Taylor Young 8 (2 reb, 1 blk, 3 stl), Dejanay Pope 7 (11 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 5 stl), Kamree Harrison 4 (2 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl).

© East County Sports.com
CLAIREMONT (2-14-14) — CHAYAN LOWERY, a 6-foot-3 senior, rolled a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, 10 blocks and 7 steals, leading visiting Christian to a 40-20 Central League victory over Clairemont on Thursday (Feb. 13).

Lowery was 8-19 from the floor, but faltered at the free throw line where she made only 2 of 9.

For Lowery, however, there was much more to this game than simply a victory. She has accepted a full-ride scholarship to The Master’s College of Santa Clarita.

Lowery, who averages 18 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocks per game, had several scholarship choices for her future according to her father and coach, THOMAS LOWERY.

“When we visited The Master’s, Chayan hit it off with the coaches and the players,” the elder Lowery said. “It was a comfortable fit. Point Loma Nazarene was also in hot pursuit, and Division I schools Liberty, Coastal Carolina and Fresno State all took a peek at her.

“We have our faith and we wanted to go to a school that preaches our faith,” said Coach Lowery.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 18 (13 reb, 10 blk, 7 stl), Taylor Miller 7 (1 reb, 2 blk, 6 stl), Suzie Webster 7 (1 reb), Brooke Owens 5 (2 reb, 1 blk, 2 stl), Sage Salacup 2 (3 stl), Kaylee Keith (3 reb, 1 stl), Melanie Johnston (1 reb, 2 stl), Kate Wnek (1 blk, 2 stl).

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (2-12-14) — MICAYELA HERNANDEZ led Granite Hills High with 18 points, while ANABEL RODRIGUEZ and BRIAJANAE HARVEY each contributed 16 points and 15 respectively. Rodriguez also added 10 rebounds as the Eagles overcame Steele Canyon, 72-37, in Tuesday’s (Feb. 11) Grossmont Valley League contest.

“For whatever reason, we play a good second half but can never get the first half going,” said Cougars coach PETER RUIZ. “We’re still pushing, still fighting.”

Steele Canyon was led by JULIE LOIBL with 7 points and 6 rebounds.

Granite Hills: Micayela Hernandez 18 (1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Anabel Rodriguez 16 (10 reb, 4 blk, 1 stl), Deajanae Harvey 15 (8 reb, 3 ast, 17 stl), Sierra Rains 7 (2 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Justine Garde 5 (4 reb), Emma Kubari 4 (3 reb, 2 stl), Michelle Tucker 4 (1 reb, 1 blk), Raelleah Moore 3 (6 reb, 5 stl), Delaney Casey (4 reb, 1 blk, 4 stl), Chase Robles (1 reb, 1 stl).

Steele Canyon: Jule Loibl 7 (6 reb), Isabella Welch 6 (6 reb), Sydney Williams 6, Nicki DePaula 6 (4 reb), Ashley Tavizon 4 (4 reb), Victoria Ethridge 6 (6 reb), Victoria Bott 2 (4 reb), Makayla Meredith 1, Shelby Johnson (3 reb).

WEST HILLS 53, VALHALLA 37 – BAILEY ALBERS led the way with 11 points as the West Hills Wolf Pack rolled over the Norsemen in Tuesday’s (Feb. 11)

Grossmont Hills League encounter.

The Pack took a 24-17 halftime lead before breaking the game open 33-17 after three periods.

JESSICA FONDAS ADDED 11 and VIVIAN PANELLA each add 11 points for West Hills (16-9, 5-2 GHL). MEGAN SCOTT chipped in with 10 points for the Wolf Pack

West Hills is in third place in the GHL league race.

TIANA SILVER led Valhalla with 19 points .

West Hills: Bailey Albers 11 (3 reb, 1 ast, 7 stl), Jessica Fondas 11 (2 reb), Vivian Panella 11 (4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl), Megan Scott 10 (3 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Ali Lenhoff 4 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brandi McCrystal 2 (6 reb, 1 stl), Clarissa Holder 2 (1 reb), Tiffany Nugyen (5 reb), Carly Raley (3 reb), Tila Whitaker (1 reb, 1 ast).

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 19, Molly Lindsay 9 (4 reb, 3 stl), Shyla Philipp 6 (8 reb, 3 blk, 4 stl), Julianna Qsar 3, Bianca Gorges (4 reb).

HELIX 77, GROSSMONT 26 – Helix took a 28-2 led in the first quarter of Tuesday’s (Feb. 11) Grossmont Hills League encounter with Grossmont.

DESTINI ANDERSON led the Highlanders with 18 points, while BRIAJUNAE SHEPARD pitched in 16 points and TALIAH HOOKER added 11 points.

BRIA MILLER led the Foothillers with 7 points.

Helix: Destini Anderson 18 (5 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Briajunae Shepard 16 (1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Taliah Hooker 11 (2 reb, 1 stl), Kyla Napier 9 (2 reb), Camryn Owens 7 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Shirah Hancock 5 (1 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Danielle Simmons 4 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Raeshondra Dike’ 3 (5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Asia Duncan 2 (3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl), Chyna Williams 2 (7 reb, 1 ast).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 7 (2 reb, 5 stl), Lauren Weigel 4 (4 reb), Martin Toma 3 (3 stl), Lane Griffith 4 (5 reb, 2 stl), Theresa Mapp 2 (3 stl), Hanna Hibbs 2, Keana Lovelace 2, Sierra Orseneli-Rivers 2 (1 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 75, SANTANA 34 – Mount Miguel coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL celebrated his 345th league victory as the Matadors mowed down Santana in a Grossmont Valley League victory Tuesday (Feb. 11).

DEIJAH BLANKSA and ZARIA BRANCH shared high point honors for the Matadors with 18 points apiece, while BROOKLYN MILLER added 13 and KAMREE HARRISON chipped in with 15.

Santana was led by SAVANNAH GARCIA with 10 points.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 18 (8 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Zaria Branch 18 (6 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk, 4 stl), Brooklyn Miller 13 (6 reb), Kamree Harrison 15 (5 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 6 (7 reb, 2 stl), Taylor Young 3 (2 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk, 3 stl), Satera Bates 1 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Amber Hard 2 (2 reb).

Santana: Savannah Garcia 10, Emily Kloss 8, Dominique Morrison 5, Morgan Turner 4, Taylor Estes 4, Kylie Brase 3.

EL CAPITAN 48, EL CAJON VALLEY 39 – El Capitan used a 16-1 first quarter run and VALERIA GARAY scored a career high 30 points to lead the Vaqueros to the Grossmont Valley League victory over El Cajon Valley on Tuesday (Feb. 11).

“Garay had 6 points in the first quarter, 13 in the second and 10 in the third quarter,” said Braves coach MARC BOYKINS. She was bigger and stronger then their inside people and she made her baskets.”

The victory left the Vaqueros in third place at (7-16, 3-3 GVL).

El Cajon Valley counterpunched with a 16-1 fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.

JOANNA DELA CRUZ knocked down 23 points to lead the Braves (3-17, 1-5 GVL) and she hit 3 triples and 10 of 12 free throws, and also recorded 8 steals.

“She should be a first team all-league player,” said Boykins of Dela Cruz. “She’s averaging around 20 points a game.”

TONI ENGLAND pitched in 10 points for El Cajon Valley .

El Capitan: Valeria Garay 30 (9 reb, 3 stl), Cierra Cutler 8 (1 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Kassidy Kygar 4 (2 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Mariel Vega 2 (2 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), Valerie Renfrow 2 (6 reb, 5 ast), Torrey Capoocia 2 (1 stl), MacKenzie Mead (5 reb, 1 ast), Adalida Moore (2 ast, 1 stl), Elizabeth Ramos (1 reb).

El Cajon Valley: Joanna Dela Cruz 23 (3 reb, 1 ast, 8 stl), Toni England 10 (5 reb, 4 stl), Mary Grace Ronquillo 3 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Ninwey Esho 2 (2 reb, 2 stl), Nashea Lampkin 1 (7 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl).

© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (2-9-14) — For the third game in a row DEIJAH BLANKS scored 25 points as the Mount Miguel Matadors clipped Cathedral Catholic 68-57 in overtime, Saturday (Feb. 8) at The Bishop’s School.

Her totals included a pair of treys and 5 of 7 free throw shooting against the Dons.

DEJANAY POPE had a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds, while ZARIA BRANCH struggled with foul trouble but still managed to score 10 points.

The Matadors (20-4) got burned from the free throw line where Cathedral’s Julianna Jones made 13 of 16 free throws on her way to a 17 point finish.

Mount Miguel was outscored from the free throw line in the first half 12-2, yet led 33-25 at intermission.

“Once the referees put their whistles in their back pockets, the game was pretty well played,” said Matadors coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL.

The Matadors outscored the Dons 13-3 in the extra session for the victory. Blanks added 6 points and Pope contributed 4.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 25 (8 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk, 2 stl), Dejanay Pope 20 (15 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Zaria Branch 10 (5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Brooklyn Miller 7 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Kamree Harrison 4 (6 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Satera Bates 2 (4 reb, 2 stl), Taylor Young (1 reb, 1 blk).

Valhalla's Shyla Criger-Philipp (left) gets boxed by Ashley Smith of Helix along the foul line. (Photo by Don DeMars Photiography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-8-14) — The Helix Highlanders took a commanding lead of 34-15 over Valhalla by halftime Friday (Feb. 7) in the Grossmont Hills League encounter.

DESTINI ANDERSON set the pace for the Highlanders (20-5, 6-0 GHL) with 26 points, and BRIAJUNAE SHEPARD added 12 more as Helix stampeded to a 68-29 victory over host Valhalla.

“We just continue to work on our man-to-man defense,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “Our girls still have to learn how to play tough. We tried to create fouls.”

Helix: Destini Anderson 26 (6 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl), Briajunae Shepard 12 (4 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl), Shirah Hancock 7 (2 reb, 4 stl), Raeshondra Dike’ 6, Danielle Simmons 5 (9 reb, 3 stl), Camryn Owens 5 (4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Tailah Hooker 3, Kyla Napier 2, Ashley Smith 2 (2 reb).

Valhalla: No information was provided.

GRANITE HILLS 51, GROSSMONT 16 – DEAJANAE HARVEY ran wild for Granite Hills with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 12 steals and 5 assists as the Eagles blew out Grossmont in Friday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Hills League
game.

MICAYELA HERNANDEZ led the Eagles’ supporting cast with 14 points.

Granite Hills: Deajanae Harvey 25 (10 reb, 5 ast, 12 stl), Micayela Hernandez 14 (1 reb, 2 stl), Raelleah Moore 6 (6 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl), Sierra Rains 6 (1 reb, 1 stl), Anabel Rodriguez 4, Emma Kubari (4 reb, 3 stl), Justine Garde 2 (2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Delaney Casey (3 reb, 2 stl).

Grossmont: Lane Griffith 4 (5 reb, 6 stl, 1 blk), Bria Miller 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Theresa Mapp 3 (3 stl), Lydia Halcott 2 (7 reb, 5 blk), Hanna Hibbs 2, Lauren Weigel 1 (5 reb), Martina Toma 1 (2 stl).

WEST HILLS 55, STEELE CANYON 14 – VIVIAN PANELLA scored 10 points and BAILEY ALBERS added 9 in Friday’s (Feb. 7) Grossmont Hills League game in Santee .

“We got off to a good start offensively,” said Wolf Pack coach RYAN KINSER. “We haven't shot the ball well lately but we did tonight. The girls played well tonight.”

West Hills: Vivian Panella 10 (2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), Bailey Albers 9 (2 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl), Megan Scott 8 (5 reb, 4 stl), Brandi McCrystal 8 (6 reb, 1 stl), Jessica Fondas 8 (1 reb, 4 stl), Tila Whitaker 7 (3 reb, 2 stl), Carly Raley 5 (4 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk), Clarissa Holder (5 reb, 1 stl),

Steele Canyon: Jule Loibl 5 (1 stl), Ashley Tavizon 4 (1 reb, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson 2, Nicki DePaula 2, Sydney Williams 1 (1 reb), Marie Estavillo (1 reb, 1 stl), Victoria Ethridge (1 reb, 1 stl), Isabella Welch (2 reb).

MOUNT MIGUEL 82, EL CAPITAN 12 – No further information was provided for this Grossmont Valley League game.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 25 (9 reb, 5 ast, 8 stl, 1 blk), Zaria Branch 18 (5 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Taylor Young 9 (1 ast, 1 stl), Kamree Harrison 8 (1 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl), Satera Bates 8 (2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 9 (9 reb, 4 stl), Brooklyn Miller 5 (1 ast).

El Capitan: Valeria Garay 4 (3 reb), Kassidy Kygar 4 (4 reb, 4 stl), Cierra Cutler 2, Mariel Vega 2, MacKenzie Mead (4 reb), Valerie Renfrow (2 ast), Adalida Moore (2 reb), Torrey Capoocia (1 stl).

MONTE VISTA 53, EL CAJON VALLEY 33 – No further information was provided for this Grossmont Valley League game.

In Memory of Costello Jersey retirement ceremony for late MMHS standout slated Friday (Click logo to enlarge)

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (2-6-14) — DEJANAY POPE produced a triple-double of 18 points, 14 rebounds and 13 steals as Mount Miguel clobbered visiting Kearny, 88-22, in Wednesday’s (Feb. 5) non-league action.

DEIJAH BLANKS rolled a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Matadors, while ZARIA BRANCH pitched in with 19 points.

Mount Miguel (18-4) took a 32-3 first quarter lead and led 55-14 by intermission.

A special dedication will be held at halftime of Mount Miguel ’s Friday (Feb. 7) game against El Capitan in the Matador’s gym at 5:30.

The Matadors will honor former teammate, the late GENEVIEVE COSTELLO. At that time Mount Miguel will retire Costello’s jersey No. 12 and will show a video of her high school and UC Davis career.

Mount Miguel: Deijah Blanks 25 (12 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl), Zaria Branch 19 (5 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk, 4 stl), Dejanay Pope 18 (14 reb, 7 ast, 13 stl), Taylor Young 8 (3 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl), Satera Bates 6 (7 reb, 3 ast), Brooklyn Miller 5 (1 reb, 1 blk), Kamree Harrison 4 (4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl), Amber Hard 3.

Santana's Savannah Garcia sinks a baseline jump shot. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-5-14) — In a battle of the best teams of the Grossmont Hills League, the Helix Highlanders took a step forward Tuesday (Feb. 4) by sprinting to a 24-10 first quarter lead over defending league champion West Hills.

BRIAJUNAE SHEPARD led the way for Helix with 19 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, while SHIRAH HANCOCK added 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal.

Shepard, Hancock and CAMRYN OWENS each nailed three 3s for the Highlanders (19-5, 5-0 GHL) and TALIAH HOOKER contributed another.

Helix burst in front of the Wolf Pack with a 24-16 first quarter spread and led 40-20 at halftime. The Highlanders continued on to a 71-44 victory.

“We were hitting 3s tonight,” said Helix coach PATRICK TABOR. “West Hills was getting good looks at the basket but their shots weren’t falling. We played some tough defense on them but some of it was to do with them missing shots.”

DESTINI ANDERSON pitched in 12 points for Helix, and RAESHONDRA DIKE’ pulled down 10 rebounds.

“We thought we had a good defensive game plan going in but we didn't anticipate them making 10 3's, they had 8 by halftime,” said West Hills coach RYAN KINSER.

BAILEY ALBERS paced the Pack with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while JESSICA FONDAS added 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Helix: Briajunae Shepard 19 (1 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Shirah Hancock 18 (3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl), Destini Anderson 12 (2 reb, 2 ast), Camryn Owens 9 (1 reb, 2 ast), Chyna Williams 6 (2 reb), Taliah Hooker 3 (1 reb, 1 stl), Raeshondra Dike’ 2 (10 reb, 1 stl), Danielle Simmons 2 (3 reb), Kyla Napier (2 blk, 1 stl).

West Hills: Bailey Albers 20 (8 reb, 1 stl), Jessica Fondas 10 (4 reb, 1 stl), Vivian Panela 7 (3 reb, 1 stl), Carly Raley 3 (5 reb), Megan Scott 3 (2 reb, 1 ast), Brandi McCrystal 1 (8 reb), Tila Whitaker 1 (2 reb)

EL CAPITAN 45, MONTE VISTA 42 – El Capitan scored only 2 points in the first quarter but rebounded to knock off Monte Vista (0-4 GVL) in Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) Grossmont Valley League action.

CIERRA CUTLER scored 27 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 steals to lead the Vaqueros’ comeback.

KASSIDY KYGAR added 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals for El Capitan (6-15, 2-2 GVL).

El Capitan: Cierra Cutler 27 (8 reb, 3 stl), Kassidy Kygar 11 (2 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl), Mariel Vega 5 (3 reb, 4 ast), Adalida Moore 2 (3 reb, 1 ast), Valeria Garay (7 reb, 1 ast), Valerie Renfrow (1 reb, 1 stl), MacKenzie Mead (2 reb, 1 ast).

GRANITE HILLS 67, VALHALLA 37 – Granite Hills blew away Valhalla across the board, including 20-11 in the first period of Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) Grossmont Hills League encounter.

DEAJANAE HARVEY led the way for the Eagles with 16 points and MICAYELA HERNANDEZ added 14 as Granite Hills (13-9, 4-1 GHL) maintained its grip on second place in the GHL league.

Once again MADISON LUMB turned in a strong game for the Eagles with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

The Eagles led 20-11 in the first quarter and 38-20 by halftime.

TIANA SILVER paced Valhalla with 17 points, while MOLLY LINDSAY grabbed 11 rebounds to go with 8 points for the Norsemen.

Granite Hills: Deajanae Harvey 16 (2 reb, 4 ast, 6 stl), Micayela Hernandez 14 (4 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl), Madison Lumb 11 (5 reb, 2 stl), Raelleah Moore 8 (3 reb, 3 stl), Emma Kubari 6 (3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Delaney Casey 3 (3 reb), Anabel Rodriguez 3 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk), Justine Garde 2 (3 stl), Chase Robles (1 stl).

Valhalla: Tiana Silver 17, Molly Lindsay 8 (11 reb), Shyla Philipp 8 (7 reb, 4 blk) 2 stl), Bianca Gorges 2, Alexandria Somo 2, Julianna Qsar (5 stl).

STEELE CANYON 43, GROSSMONT 29 – Visiting Steele Canyon used a 17-7 first quarter lead to gain the early advantage over Grossmont in Tuesday’s (Feb. 4)

Grossmont Hills League encounter, but the Foothillers regained some ground in the middle two quarters.

“We jumped out to a 15-2 lead on a full court press,” said Cougars coach PETER RUIZ. “Then Grossmont pulled to within 29-23 midway through the 3rd quarter.

“We just had to settle down. I told the girls it’s been awhile since we’ve been in the lead of a game, let’s not try to give it away.”

ASHLEY TAVIZON led Steele Canyon with 11 points, while JULE LOIBL and ISABELLA WELCH grabbed 8 rebounds apiece.

“Going into the second round of league, all we can do is play spoiler, so that’s our goal for the second half of the season,” added Ruiz.

BRIA MILLER paced Grossmont with 10 points and 6 rebounds. LYDIA HALCOTT pulled down 8 rebounds.

Steele Canyon: Ashley Tavizon 11 (2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Shelby Johnson 9 (2 reb, 3 ast, 7 stl), Jule Loibl 6 (8 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl), Isabella Welch 5 (8 reb, 3 stl), Victoria Bott 4 (5 reb, 1 blk), Victoria Etheridge 4 (5 reb, 1 blk, 5 stl), Nicki DePaula 2 (2 reb, 2 stl), Sydney Williams 2 (7 reb), Maria Estavillo (1 reb).

Grossmont: Bria Miller 10 (6 reb, 1 stl), Keana Lovelace 8 (2 reb, 1 stl), Martina Toma 5 (2 stl), Lauren Weigel 4 (7 reb, 4 stl), Lydia Halcott 2 (8 reb, 2 blk).

SANTANA 57, EL CAJON VALLEY 42 – Santana pulled a bookend job on El Cajon Valley in Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) Grossmont Valley League game.

That is, the Sultans led 18-7 after one period and closed out with a 16-6 spread.

Santana (10-13, 3-1 GVL) used the fast start to gain momentum on SAVANNAH GARCIA’S 14 points, KYLIE BRASE’s 13, and DOMINIQUE MORRISON’s 10 to lead 30-20 at halftime.

The Sultans took command and never relinquished the advantage.

“They cut it down to 3 points in the third quarter,” said El Cajon Valley coach MARC BOYKINS. “But we just couldn’t put it together to come back.”

Santana coach LARRY CLARK said the Sultans used their inside game to gain the victory.

JOANNA DELA CRUZ led the Braves with 25 points, while TONI ENGLAND added 13 points.

Santana: Savannah Garcia 14, Kylie Brase 13, Dominique Morrison 10, Morgan Turner 9, Savanah Fenn 3, Taylor Estes 3, Emily Kloss 3, Sierra Simanek 2.

El Cajon Valley: Joanna Dela Cruz 25 (3 reb, 1 stl), Toni England 13 (3 reb, 2 stl), Mary Awedich 2, Ninwey Esho 1 (6 reb, 1 ast), Nashea Lampkin 1 (4 reb, 4 stl), Watson (3 reb), Mary Grace Ronquillo (1 ast).

CHRISTIAN 56, MADISON 40 – The Patriots barged to a 17-3 lead in the first quarter and held on to win over the visiting Warhawks in Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) Central League game.

CHAYAN LOWERY had 23 points, which included hitting 10 of 12 shots from the field, grabbing 7 rebounds and making 9 blocks for the Patriots (6-9, 4-3 CL).

TAYLOR MILLER contributed 14 points for Christian to go along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Christian: Chayan Lowery 23 (7 reb, 2 ast, 9 blk, 2 stl), Taylor Miller 14 (5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl), Sage Salacup 5 (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Annie Atterbury 6 (2 reb), Melina Jones 4 (4 ast, 2 stl), Kaylee Keith 2, Suzie Webster 2 (2 reb), Kate Wnek (1 reb), Melanie Johnston (1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl), Brooke Owens (2 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl).