The San Ysidro Cougars entered Wednesday’s clash of South Bay League unbeaten boys basketball teams with a 3-0 league record while the host Sweetwater Red Devils were 2-0.
Both teams had scored runaway victories to start league play and the outcome of Wednesday’s high profile match-up indeed seemed in doubt as the host Red Devils led just 34-33 at halftime.
But the second half was a completely different story as Sweetwater took command of the boards and turned rebounds into points en route to claiming a 76-59 victory. The Devils out-scored the Cougars 42-26 in the second half.
“Our goal was to limit them to one shot and box out,” SuHi head coach Jesse Aguirre said after Wednesday’s game. “They were getting a lot of second shots in the first half.
“But, by out-rebounding them, it did not allow them to set up their press. When they can’t press, that’s our game.”
Sweetwater had begun to pull away in the latter stages of the third quarter to lead 55-42 heading into the final quarter.
C.J. Jackson led the hosts with 25 points while Craig McMillan poured in 20 points and Jimmy Mattox dropped in 10 points.
Jackson, this year’s Sweetwater giant on the team, also logged 17 rebounds and four blocks. McMillan also had eight rebounds and four steals. As a team, Sweetwater out-rebounded San Ysidro 34-22.
Freshman D.J. Dudley led the Cougars with 25 points and sank three three-point field goals but only had three rebounds. Kailen Rains followed on the scoresheet with 11 points while Raheem Nowlin had 10 points.
Jason Martinez led San Ysidro with nine rebounds. The Cougars sank a total of seven treys in the game.
“Dudley is a phenomenal freshman,” Aguirre offered in praise. “I thought our two C.J.’s (Jackson and McMillan) turned in superlative efforts.”
Kris Aguilo followed up with seven points for the hosts.
The Devils finished nine-of-10 at the free-throw line while the Cougars were eight-for-12.
The teams rematch Feb. 1 at San Ysidro.
Sweetwater improved to 3-0 in league play, 10-5 overall. San Ysidro dropped to 3-1 in league play, 13-6 overall.
The Cougars next host Southwest (3-0 in league, 13-5 overall) on Friday. Tip-off is 6 p.m.
Sweetwater hosts longtime west side rival Chula Vista on Friday, also at 6 p.m.
The Devils are planning a special halftime ceremony to honor the past five principals at the National City school: Louise Phipps, Ralph Mora, Wes Braddock, Roman Del Rosario and current principal Maribel Gavin.
Mora served as Sweetwater principal from 1999 to 2004. He said it was one of the most enjoyable posts he had as a school administrator.
“People don’t understand until they come here what makes this school so unique being the only high school in the city as far as school sprit,” Mora said. “The whole city is behind the school.”
Mora started his teaching career at El Toyon Elementary School in National City and then at National City Middle School (formerly National City Junior High School) before coming to Sweetwater as a teacher and coach before entering the administrative level.
Sweetwater High School first opened its doors in 1920.
PHOTO GALLERY BY PHILLIP BRENTS
Metro Conference
Boys Basketball Standings
South Bay League
Sweetwater Red Devils 3-0, 10-5
Southwest Raiders 3-0, 13-5
San Ysidro Cougars 3-1, 13-6
Mar Vista Mariners 2-2, 8-7
Hilltop Lancers 1-2, 5-13
Chula Vista Spartans 0-3, 4-15
Castle Park Trojans 0-4, 2-14
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Sweetwater 76, San Ysidro 59
Southwest 84, Castle Park 24
Mar Vista 51, Chula Vista 39
Mesa League
Bonita Vista Barons 2-0, 8-9
Montgomery Aztecs 1-0, 13-2
Mater Dei Catholic 1-0, 7-7
Eastlake Titans 0-1, 6-10
Otay Ranch Mustangs 0-1, 10-8
Olympian Eagles 0-2, 12-4
Monday, Jan. 7
Bonita Vita 69, Olympian 63
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Mater Dei Catholic 74, Olympian 56
Montgomery 72, Otay Ranch 54
Bonita Vista 71, Eastlake 67
