Photo by Kathy Aney Umatilla's Mike McGee (5) takes a jump shot against Vale defender Skylar Cade (12) on Jan. 25, 2025, in Umatilla.
UMATILLA — Micheal Montez and David Garcia each had 16 points, and Umatilla moved up in the Eastern Oregon League standings with a 65-35 victory over Vale on Saturday, Jan. 25.
“David and Micheal were able to put the ball on the ground and really pick apart their defense,” Umatilla coach Scott Bow said. “David was able to get to the rim multiple times, while Micheal did well at finding the open man for an easy look.”
Umatilla (14-4 overall, 2-2 EOL) took control of the game early with an 18-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. Montez scored nine of his points in the second quarter as Umatilla extended its lead to 35-15 at the half. Garcia tossed in eight points in the third as Umatilla’s lead grew to 54-30. Umatilla finished the game wit an 11-5 run in the fourth quarter.
Mike McGee added 10 points, five rebound and three assists for Umatilla, while Atticus Tesch added seven points, and RJ Estrada three assists. Montez also had six rebounds and five assists, while Garcia had four assists.
“Tonight we did a good job of moving the ball around,” Bow said. “We assisted on 19 of 26 field goals. Up top RJ did a great job of setting up our offen and putting the ball in the right scoring opportunities for our other guys. Overall, it felt good this weekend to pick up the two wins to get us back on track.”
Cal Johnson led Vale (5-11, 0-5) with 11 points, while Kellen Hartley, Collin Mulvany and Skylar Cade all had six points.
Photo by Kathy Aney Umatilla's Micheal Montez (3) works his way into the key against Vale defender Damick Eddy on Jan. 25, 2025, in Umatilla.