By Ian Rapoport
Staff Writer
The Mustangs continued on their playoff win streak in the CIF playoffs.
The Mira Costa High School boys varsity basketball team defeated Oxnard High School in the third round of CIF 74-50 at home on Tuesday, Feb. 19. It is the second win in CIF for the Mustangs.
“We played well,” coach Jeff Amaral said. “We followed the game plan, came out with a lot of energy and executed for 32 minutes.”
Junior Justin Strings scored 21 points, and seniors Cole Feaster, Oliver Mausner and Adam Winett scored 14, 19 and 8 points in the victory.
“Munch Winnett gave us amazing energy when coming off the bench,” Amaral said.
The first quarter was back and forth for the Mustangs. Both sides made frequent baskets throughout but the Mustangs were able to pull ahead by two going, lading 12-10 at the end of the first quarter. Senior Kevin Kim suffered an injury early on and was unable to return to the game.
“It is unfortunate Kevin Kim got hurt there early in the game,” Amaral said. “He is such an integral part of what we the team do.”
The Mustangs made a massive jump ahead during the second quarter. Aside from a few baskets for Oxnard early on, Mira Costa dominated thanks to three pointers and consistent scoring from Winett and Mausner. Costa led 33-19 into the halftime .
“We didn’t let up,” Mausner said. “We were sharing the ball and playing as a team and matched their energy. Energy was a big thing tonight.
Costa was able to maintain control over the game after the half. The team’s scoring consisted of 10 points from Strings. The quarter ended with Oxnard behind by over 20 points, 55-32.
“We kept playing as a team and it was probably the most energy we had all season,” Mausner said. “We really matched them first quarter and after that we broke away.”
It was smooth sailing for the Mustangs in the final quarter. Costa maintained a 20 point lead throughout and once again were led by Feaster and Strings.
“The game was really a culmination of the first half,” Amaral said. “There was a lot of energy and plenty of turnovers and easy layups.”
The Mustangs now have two CIF wins. They defeated the Cathedral City High School the past Friday.
“It feels great to be this far,” Mausner said. “It is a really weird feeling. We are focused on the quarters because we’re getting closer to the semis and the finals and are goal is to win the CIF championship.”
The Mustangs next match was away against Temecula Valley on Friday, Feb. 22 away.
“We’re going on the road Friday night, thats for sure,” Amaral said. “It will be a tough task for us. We have been at home and had nice home cooking the first two rounds but we will see how it goes.”
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