Basketball Sweeps West L.A. in Home Game Dramatics

VALLEY VILLAGE - Men's and Women's Basketball used one of their final home games of the 2022-23 season to sweep West L.A.

The Monarch Women played first, beating West. L.A, 64-60. West L.A. stomped out to a strong 14-8 lead in the first quarter.  It was the second quarter where the Monarchs found themselves.  They roared back, outscoring the Wildcats 26-14 in the second quarter.  Sophomore Jacquelyn Privado began the comeback hitting four clutch shots in the second to push the lead, she would finish the game with a team high 17 points. 

The second half of the game was close, but the Monarchs lock down defense held West L.A. down.  Three different Monarchs had multiple steals - Privado, Jordyn Jiron and Leena Vo; and three Monarchs had at least one block in the game - Privado, Vo and Emilie Brugna.  Jiron and Brugna also helped offensively, scoring 14 points and 13 points, respectively.  

Men's Basketball followed with a dramatic 82-80 win over West L.A.  West L.A. was a bigger team than Valley, both in size and in numbers - it looked like it would be a tough match up for the Monarchs.  There was no intimidation in the gym, though, the Monarchs thundered out to a quick, solid lead - going into the second half up 40-29.  Sophomore Andre Parris was a huge part of the early lead, hitting three clutch three pointers in the first half - he would finish the game with 26 points to lead the Monarchs. 

To the start the second half, the Monarchs continued to extend their lead.  Half way through the second half, West L.A. made an adjustment putting the press on Valley who became unraveled, turning the ball over in multiple plays.  Slowly, West L.A. came back and tied the game with around one minute to go in the game.  With the clock ticking down, Christopher Barrera hit a jumper from the right side to put the Monarchs up 82-80.  

Men's and Women's Basketball will celebrate their Sophomores Friday night in a "Black Out" game against Bakersfield.  The Women will tip off first at 5:00 p.m., with the Men following at 7:00 p.m.