BIG GAME : Polinsky’s 45 Big Show for Monte Vista

SPRING VALLEY —  The Monte Vista and San Pasqual boys’ basketball teams met Tuesday night in what was supposed to be a showcase for two of the county’s top big men.

Instead, it was a 6-foot-3 guard who put on the show.

Jeff Polinsky scored 45 points, including 27 in the first half, as the Monarchs rolled over San Pasqual, 76-58, in a nonleague game at Monte Vista.

Foul trouble benched the anticipated matchup of Monte Vista’s 6-10 center, Joe McNaull, who signed with San Diego State, and San Pasqual’s 6-10 center, Erik Meek, who could probably sign anywhere he wants when he becomes a senior next season.

McNaull scored the first three points of the game and then spent 13 of the 16 minutes of the first half on the bench with three fouls.

San Pasqual figured to work the ball into Meek with McNaull on the bench. But the Golden Eagles (6-2) never got a chance to get into their offense.

Monte Vista (2-1) came out with a full-court press for the first time this season and San Pasqual was never able to get in sync.

Meek scored inside to cut Monte Vista’s lead to 8-6 in the first quarter, but the Monarchs scored the next nine points. San Pasqual never got closer than 28-21 after that.

The game was a comeback for Polinsky, who signed with U.S. International University. He missed Monte Vista’s last game because of a twisted ankle after scoring 30 points in the Monarchs’ season opener.

Polinsky showed no signs of the injury against San Pasqual as he scored from all over the court, including five three-pointers and 14 of 15 from the line.

“Everybody was looking at the big men,” Polinsky said. “I guess (they were overlooking me). No guy in high school, except for maybe Tony Clark, should score 45 points, especially not one who’s 6-3.”

San Pasqual Coach Tom Buck felt pretty much the same way when he called a time out with 2:48 remaining in the second quarter and Monte Vista leading, 31-23.

“Polinsky is the only guy on the floor who can score,” Buck said from the huddle. “Don’t leave your man, but help out a little bit.”

Two minutes later, Polinsky hit a three pointer from the top to give Monte Vista a 36-25 lead and his 27th point of the half.

Meek scored 32 points, but most of those came when the game was pretty much decided. McNaull, who only played half the game, had 17 points.