Prep Report: Seahawks escape 67-65
During the high school football season, Cape Coral sophomore Josh Monteagudo made several plays from his linebacker position, perhaps, before many of his teammates could pronounce his name.
The Seahawks now are discovering his talent on the basketball court.
With leading scorer Joel Hill slowed by an injury Monday night, Monteagudo came off the bench and posted a career-high 24 points in the Seahawks’ 67-65 win over Gateway Charter at “The Nest.”
The Seahawks squandered a 60-47 lead with four minutes remaining, but with the game tied at 65-65, Monteagudo faded back and sank the game-winning jumper from the corner with one second left.
“Josh keeps getting better and better,” Seahawks coach Mark Rinehart said. “He’s athletic and strong. That’s a unique combination for us when we look down our bench.”
The 6-foot Monteagudo was aggressive from the start, taking the ball to the basket. He also attacked the glass, finishing with 11 rebounds. He’s in his first year at Cape, after attending East Lee County as a freshman.
“I knew Joel our leading scorer was injured, so I had to step up,” he said. “We had to stick together.”
The Seahawks (16-7) have had a strong season overall, but they suffered two disappointing losses to Lehigh and Ida Baker last week. With the District 5A-15 Tournament upcoming, they wanted to put forth a strong performance against Gateway Charter.
It appeared the Seahawks might take control several times during the game, but the Griffins fought back each time.
The opening quarter featured six lead changes. Yoko Roldan made a pair of three throws, giving the Seahawks a 16-13 advantage.
Monteagudo went to work in the second quarter, scoring 10 straight points, including a three-point play.
The Seahawks built a 31-23 lead, but the Griffins sliced it to 34-30 at halftime.
“I told the team at halftime, this is going to be tight and it’s going to be a struggle,” Rinehart said.
For the most part, the Seahawks dominated the third quarter. They scored the first 10 points to build a 44-30 lead. The Griffins missed all eight field goal attempts in the quarter, but made 9-of-10 free throws.
The Seahawks closed the quarter on another spurt. Sophomore James McIntyre connected on one of his two three-pointers and Monteagudo scored off a steal, lifting the lead to 52-39.
After the Seahawks grabbed a 60-47 lead, it was the combination of the Griffins’ hustle and ability to get to the free throw line that sparked a spirited rally down the stretch.
Ahmed Abu-Khadier led the Griffins with 20 points, including a three-pointer with 30 seconds left to tie it at 65-65.
On the Seahawks’ final possession, Monteagudo got the ball in a difficult spot in the corner, just inside the three-point line. With the clock winding down, he had no choice but to shoot and managed to fade back slightly and hit the jumper.
Overall, the Seahawks got good production from their underclassmen. Their four sophomores – Monteagudo, McIntyre, Justin Mitchell and Santo Figueroa – combined for 43 points.
The Seahawks host South Fort Myers Thursday in an LCAC crossover game.
Gateway Charter 13 17 9 26 – 65
Cape Coral 16 18 18 15 – 67
Gateway 65 – Cecil 10, Eraus 9, Caviness 12, Thomas 8, Abu-khadier 20, McClendon 6. Totals: 22-57 16-21 65. 3-point goals: Cecil 2, Caviness 1, Abu-Khadier 1, Eraus 1.
Cape 67 – Tavarez 5, Monteagudo 24, McIntyre 8, Roldan 12, Hall 7, Mitchell 6, Figueroa 5. Totals: 25-57 14-31 67. 3-point goals: McIntyre 2, Roldan 1.
Girls Basketball
East Lee County 42, Mariner 31: Senior Chastity Carter pumped in a game-high 23 points, but the Tritons were limited offensively in a District 5A-15 Tournament loss at East Lee County.