By Zane Franklin
Sports Editor

Coming off two tough losses to Leuzinger and Peninsula, the Mira Costa boys basketball team put together a diligent effort in its final Bay League game of the season to give the Mustangs a redeeming win and strong momentum entering the first round of the CIF playoffs.

Costa defeated the Palos Verdes Sea Kings on Feb. 9. The Sea Kings, who have struggled all season with a record of 6-21 overall and 0-10 in Bay League, proved to be no match for the Mustangs, who closed out the game with a comfortable final score of 69-56.
“We dominated in all aspects of the game today,” senior guard Max Watson said. “We played well as a team, and it showed on the box score.”

Junior point guard Cole Feaster and sophomore forward Justin Strings shared the spotlight as they led Costa in points. Feaster scored 15 and added six assists, while Strings followed closely behind with 14 points and five rebounds. Watson and junior guard Oliver Mausner also added double-digit scoring totals with 11 points each.

“We all feel great going into CIF,” coach Jeff Amaral said. “I think we are playing well, and everybody is looking forward to the challenge.”

Finishing with an overall record of 17-9 and a Bay League record of 4-6, the Mustangs ended up in fourth place in Bay League. With another win under their belts, the boys will be now be advancing to the CIF playoffs and travelling to
Adolfo Camarillo High for their first round match tonight at 7 p.m. Camarillo High School had a successful season and managed an overall record of 15-10.

“Our first round opponent Camarillo is good, but we feel confident,” Amaral said. “Their best player is a star wide receiver on the football team as well so he should be tough to guard.”

The Mustangs took an early lead in the first quarter against PV and held the Sea Kings from the start. The second quarter was more of the same, with Feaster excelling at point guard and dishing out assists to teammates. The first half of the game concluded with the Mustangs holding on to a commanding lead.

“We started out fast and kept up the momentum throughout the whole game,” Watson said.

The Mustangs maintained their strong lead throughout the third. However, the Sea Kings started to rally in the fourth and cut it to six points. Mausner put a stop to Palos Verdes by going on a scoring spree to put Costa back up to a comfortable lead and end the game at 69-56.

“All 11 of Oliver’s points came in the fourth quarter after Palos Verdes managed to cut our lead to six,” Amaral said. “He had a really explosive game toward the end, and it really helped us close out the match.”

After a Bay League competition of ups and downs, it was important for the Mustangs to finish on a high note before playoffs.

“We really needed this win today,” senior center Keith Waddell said. “I think we feel a lot more confident going into CIF now after beating Palos Verdes. We’re really coming together as a team.”