San Diego High Schools : Ellis Is Twice the Hero; USDHS Wins in Overtime

Peter Ellis of University of San Diego High School sent the game into overtime with a 17-foot jump shot with one second left, then won it on a three-point play with three seconds to go in the extra period as the USDHS boys’ basketball team beat visiting Mira Mesa, 61-59, in nonleague play Tuesday.

Mira Mesa (7-4) led by four, 54-50, with 12 seconds left in regulation. But Anthony Massa of USDHS (4-7) cut it to two with two free throws.

Mira Mesa inbounded, but John Montali stole the ball. After a timeout, Montali passed to Ellis, who hit the baseline jumper to make it 54-54.

In overtime, Mira Mesa led by one with eight seconds to play. Ellis, who scored five of his 16 points in overtime, got another chance after J.J. Rowlett missed the front end of a one-and-one.

After another timeout, Massa, who had 14 points and 7 steals, drove the length of the court and missed a layup. Ellis scored on the rebound, was fouled and made the free throw.

“I don’t think (Ellis) had to jump,” said Tim Cunningham, Mira Mesa’s coach. “It was like he was destined to win the game for them.”

Mira Mesa led, 16-4, early, but USDHS rallied for a 27-24 halftime lead. Mira Mesa again led, 41-37, after three quarters.

In another nonleague game:

Crawford 61, Mission Bay 57--Guard Lamont Grove scored 29 points as Crawford came from behind at Mission Bay, which led 26-22 at the half. Brett Grebbing scored 13 points for Mission Bay.

GROSSMONT LEAGUE

No. 10 Valhalla 71, Granite Hills 63--Tony Clark scored 22 points, and Rafid Kiti added 20 as Valhalla (6-4, 4-0) tied idle Santana for the Grossmont League lead. Quintin Hollis scored 23 points for Granite Hills (6-5, 0-5). Valhalla outscored Granite Hills, 19-11, in the third quarter to erase a one-point halftime deficit.

Monte Vista 59, Mount Miguel 55--James Fraser scored on a short jumper after a pass the length of the court to give Monte Vista a 56-55 lead with a minute remaining. Scott Winne and Fraser added free throws in the closing minute. Winne scored 23 points and Fraser, playing his first game of the season after suffering a broken arm during football, added 17 for Monte Vista (5-5, 2-2). Robert Griffith scored 14 for Mount Miguel (4-7, 2-3).

Grossmont 103, El Cajon Valley 49--Lance Williams was perfect on 15 shots from the field, including two three-pointers, and scored 36 for Grossmont (8-4, 4-1). Jason Foggiano added 18 points and 13 assists. El Cajon Valley got 12 points apiece from Tyrone Terry and Troy Armstrong.

Helix 76, El Capitan 67--John Pressler scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds for Helix (9-3, 3-2).