Monarchs Rule Hillers in the First Half, Then Go to the Bench in 52-38 Victory

Senior forward Rueben Nwando scored 14 points and senior center Devin Rendo added 10 to lead Monte Vista High School over host Grossmont High School 52-38 Tuesday night. But the game wasn’t really that close.

The Monarchs (10-5) led 17-5 after one period and 23-8 at halftime and then liberally substituted the rest of the way.

But the Foothillers (5-9) had the game high scorer—junior Derek Rustich, who poured in 15 points.  Senior Robby Nesovic added 9 for Grossmont.

Monte Vista’s KJ Houston scored the only 3-pointer of the game.

Coach Frank Foggiano’s Hillers have played in three tournaments this year, falling to perennial powers Eastlake, Poway, La Costa Canyon and Hoover. The Hillers notched victories against Mira Mesa, Madison, Bonita Vista, Southwest and a team from Brisbane, Australia—the Spartans.

Coach James Carroll’s Monarchs have knocked off San Diego (twice), Torrey Pines and out-of-county opponents Payson of Utah, Trabuco Hills of Mission Viejo and Cerritos and El Dorado of Orange County.

Next up for Monte Vista is Mission Hills, traveling from San Marcos on Thursday.  Grossmont plays at Santana in Santee on Monday.