Torrey Pines Sour on Avocado

Currently a member of the 3-A Palomar League, Torrey Pines’ impending move to the 2-A Avocado League next fall has sparked some good-natured ribbing by some students in other Palomar schools.

The situation, however, could get out of hand.

With a packed house for Wednesday’s Torrey Pines-Vista basketball game at Vista, a flyer was passed around with a drawing of an Avocado in the middle, and the words, “Ha Ha Ha” written across the top.

On Friday, a few San Dieguito fans went one better (or worse), tossing avocados onto the court while Torrey Pines attempted to warm up.

Plum mad: Torrey Pines is attempting to block the move, and a hearing is scheduled Tuesday to discuss the matter. Although the section’s Coordinating Council has voted for the change, the section’s Executive Committee has recommended to the Board of Managers--who have the last word on the matter--to keep the two leagues the way they are for another year.

The move was determined necessary by the North County Conference because Rancho Bernardo, which will move to the Palomar, has already grown larger than most 3-A schools despite having opened its doors only two years ago.

Bombs away: Sixth-ranked Vista, which has made 18 three-point baskets in a game twice this season, made 14 three-point shots Friday in an 87-41 victory over Orange Glen. The feat was highlighted further because the teams shot only 16 free throws between them.

Vista made 15 three-pointers Wednesday and nearly pulled off an upset of top-ranked Torrey Pines, falling 81-79.

Vista’s tallest player is 6-foot-2, and Torrey Pines has nine players over 6-2.

Wednesday’s game was a sellout, and about 200 had to be turned away at the door.

“Coach (Greg) Lanthier has done a great job of getting his people behind this team,” Torrey Pines Coach John Farrell said.

Twilight zone: Farrell credited assistant coach Bill Bobier for designing the Falcons’ special high-low post offense, which ultimately did in Vista.

Vista High is located on Bobier Drive.

On the cheek, please: All four Grossmont Conference boys’ soccer matches were played to a tie last Monday.

“I think that’s the first time that’s happened since I’ve been here,” said Valhalla Coach George Logan, who came to San Diego 19 years ago from Scotland. “What do they call it in this country, kissing your sister?”

Four sisters: The Fallbrook boys’ soccer team had four consecutive ties before finally winning one on Thursday.

Kissing your brother: The No. 1-ranked San Dieguito girls’ soccer team tied No. 2 Torrey Pines, 2-2, on Thursday giving the Mustangs their first non-victory of the season. San Dieguito (15-0-1) is 37-1-3 in the past two seasons.

Sub par: Logan, who runs one of the best programs in the county, missed only his second match at Valhalla two weeks ago, and Athletic Director Carl Iavelli filled in, just as he had the first time.

“He said, ‘I’d be happy to defend my unbeaten record,” Logan said. “Sure enough, our guys won, 2-0.”

Have a heart, Coach: Mike Hart, benched during the first half Friday by Bonita Vista Coach Jim Conlin for violating a number of team rules, made six three-pointers and 20 points in the second half to lead the Barons to an 87-54 boys’ basketball victory over Mar Vista.

Double teamed: That the Santana girls’ basketball team was in position to pull off its remarkable come-from-behind victory over El Cajon Valley on Friday was the play of sisters Michelle and Cathy Bass.

Long before Cathy, a sophomore, took bows for sinking two free throws with no time remaining to send the game into overtime, Michelle, a junior guard, had 11 rebounds and eight points in the first quarter.

Wrestlemania?: As expected, Wayne Branstetter’s Poway wrestling team thoroughly dominated the second annual Section Dual Meet Championship at Escondido Saturday.

Poway won its three matches with these scores: 58-0, 50-5 and 78-0.

Said Branstetter of the fledgling tournament to determine the county’s best team: “I still have my questions whether it’s worthwhile or not. Really, there wasn’t much of a crowd at all. It’s a nice deal to win, but in our Section, you see these teams so much, for the most part you pretty much know who the best teams are.

“From a spectator standpoint, it’s good in what they’re trying to promote, but it didn’t happen. The other thing is some teams (like Mt. Carmel, which forfeited in the first round to San Dieguito), didn’t know they were going to be invited until three days before, so they scheduled other tournaments. I think some kinks need to be worked out. I’m sure the (Section) will be looking at it very closely now, because I’m afraid they lost money.”