Basketball Recap: Monte Vista Victorious

Monte Vista's game last Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Monday. They slipped by the Sacred Heart Prep Gators 62-61. The victory was all the more spectacular given the Mustangs' disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 405th, while the Gators are ranked 184th).

Monte Vista found their leader in sophomore Naliyah Sefidi, who went 12 for 27 en route to 39 points and five steals. That makes it four consecutive games in which Sefidi has scored at least a third of Monte Vista's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Juliette Leonard, who posted ten points in addition to seven boards and four steals.

Monte Vista's win bumped their record up to 8-11. As for Sacred Heart Prep, they have also been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-6 record this season.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Monte Vista won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Foothill at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Considering Foothill has lost three straight at home and Monte Vista nine straight on the road (dating back to last season), this one might come down to who's more desperate to change their momentum. As for Sacred Heart Prep, they also won't have to wait long for more action: they'll take on Notre Dame at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.