Basketball Recap: El Capitan Starts off Right with Win over Valley Center + How To Watch

El Capitan gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Wednesday. They enjoyed a cozy 58-40 victory over the Valley Center Jaguars. For the Vaqueros, this counts as revenge for the 64-61 win the Jaguars walked away with the last time they faced one another back in November of 2024.

El Capitan's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Chance Smith, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds. Trystan Billinger was another key player, putting up 11 points and three steals.

Vaqueros

Offensive Rebounds

11/19/25 vs Valley Center	17
02/14/25 @ Mount Miguel	8
02/11/25 @ Steele Canyon	12
02/07/25 @ Rock Academy	8
02/04/25 @ Monte Vista	13
+ 19 more games

El Capitan smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've posted since back in December of 2024.

Valley Center's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Jose Vargas, who posted nine points, and Judah Stehly, who went 6-for-14 to rack up 14 points.

Coming up, El Capitan will welcome St. Joseph Academy at 1:00 p.m. on the 29th. As for Valley Center, they won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Southwest EC at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.