January 12th, 2022, the Mission Hills High School (MHHS) boys basketball team’s first home game in the new year with fans in attendance. It was surely a long-awaited game, and the Grizzlies came out and did what they normally do, pulling out a win over Del Norte.
Senior standout Justin White played his heart out. Dropping a 29 point game, leading the Grizzlies strongly into the new year. This is nothing new to Justin, earlier in the season being awarded the All-Tournament team with a 22 point per-game average.
The Grizzlies dominated the boards throughout the game, ending the game with an outstanding 31 rebounds. The boys were rolling on both sides of the floor. Defensive brothers Jayden and Justin White had one block each and Jayden, our senior guard, helped lead the team with three assists.
But like any team, the Grizzlies had their weak points. When asked about some weak points the team had throughout the game they said this.
“Our biggest issue was getting stops on defense in the first half. And with that, we couldn’t convert into offense. But in the second half, it was a whole ‘nother story and we got it done and pulled away,” said junior forward Trey Vergenz
Getting it done may be an understatement with a 77-49 point win. But these boys know better than anyone to not become complacent.
Coming off a hot home start with a 77-49 point win, the Grizzlies looked to ride that momentum into their second home game, against Westview Friday, Jan.14. Led by senior guard Jayden White who had an incredible stat line of 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The Grizzlies came out with 30 team rebounds. Senior Logan Papazis, a key role player on the team, held eight of those 30 rebounds. A real embodiment of a versatile player.
After the game, Jayden White explained what was going through his mind throughout the game.
“I of course wasn’t trying to go for a double double but it was definitely in the back of my mind. A lot of my points came off me having the hot hand at the beginning of the game. So I wanted to use that to create looks for my teammates and score if I have to,” senior Jayden White said.
Showing he isn’t just out there to pad his own stats, but more worried about always including the extra guy and spreading the love. Jayden is definitely a player to watch this year.
“ I thought we played really well. We’re sharing the ball and creating plays for one another. Our communication on both ends was great too. But we need to work on fighting through adversity and improve on having a good third quarter,” White said.
While the Grizzlies always seem to have one quarter in the game where they play just a little slower than usual. In the end it didn’t seem to matter with the outcome of a 59-45 and another Grizzly win.