Monte Vista, Mt. Miguel Girls Advance in First Round of CIF Hoops Playoffs

Monte Vista 65, Castle Park 46

The Monte Vista girls basketball team scored a win in the first round of the CIF Div. III playoffs on Tuesday, beating visiting Castle Park 65-46.

The Monarchs were led by a balanced attack, with senior Felicia Porter leading the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Kayla Kulhanek also added a double-double, with 11 points and rebounds.

Abigail Vargas was in attack mode all night, penetrating the Castle Park defense and getting to the free throw line 16 times. She added 14 points and 7 steals for coach Michael Skibbe’s senior-laden squad.

The Monarchs raised their record to 23-6 on the year, and next  travel to face Olympian on Friday night. They will be looking to avenge a 48-47 loss to the Eagles on Dec. 17.

Mount Miguel 60, Kearny 26

The Mount Miguel High School girls basketball team crushed visiting Kearny on Tuesday, advancing in the first round of the CIF Div. III playoffs by a score of 60-26.

The Matadors smothered Kearny with stifling defense all night. Junior Deijah Blanks had a monster double-double, with 16 points and 17 rebounds. She was joined by Zaria Branch, who had 16, and Brooklyn Miller, who had 12 points, in double figures. The Matadors were paced by sophomore point guard Kamree Harrison, who chipped in with 10 assists.

The Matadors (17-9) will now face fifth-seeded Mission Bay on Friday, who defeated Mount Miguel’s Grossmont League rival Santana on Tuesday.