By Zane Franklin
Sports Editor
In a strong defensive effort, the Mira Costa boys basketball team defeated the Torrance Tartars to move its record to 4-1. The Mustangs showcased their defensive prowess on the court in its first non-tournament game of the 2011-12 season.
The game took place on Dec. 6 in Fisher Gym at 7:30 p.m. After a difficult first half, the Mustangs switched their focus to defense and held each Torrance player to single-digit scoring in the game. Costa grabbed the win with a comfortable score of 59-44 after a defensive battle in the second half of the game.
“I knew Torrance would play us really tough,” coach Jeff Amaral said. “Our whole team definitely showed up tonight, and everyone did a great job.”
Costa struggled early in the first quarter after facing a seven-point deficit. Senior guard Max Watson picked up the pace after getting his first steal of the game, driving down for a layup. Senior guard William Isozaki launched and sunk a three-pointer to shrink Torrance’s lead and end the first quarter, 11-9.
“Our coach emphasized that we need to work on our defense in order to start up our offense, and we really managed to do that tonight,” Watson said.
The second quarter was similar to the first as Costa was hurt by Torrance’s three-point shooting. Junior guard Oliver Mausner hit a three-pointer, and senior center Keith Waddell had a monstrous block to rally the crowd when Costa was down 17-16. Torrance scored once more, but senior guard Cooper Pugnale added another three to tie the game at 19. Watson and sophomore Justin Strings grabbed two steals before the half ended 21-20, Torrance.
“We started off slow in the first half but finished really strong in the second,” Waddell said. “Everybody played hard overall.”
Junior point guard Cole Feaster began the third quarter with a layup, putting Costa in the lead, 22-21. Three-pointers by Pugnale and junior guard Kevin Kim gave Costa a commanding lead, which was fortified by a steal by Strings. Watson dominated the remainder of the quarter by adding points and steals with the help of teammate Feaster. The quarter ended with a six-point Costa lead of 38-32 and the momentum on its side.
“I could have played better, and my shot wasn’t exactly there,” Feaster said. “I decided to get my teammates the ball so they could put points on the board.”
Feaster started the fourth quarter like the third with another layup. Mausner dropped a three pointer at 43-36 to kick off Costa’s scoring streak. Strings then made a post move with three defenders on him and made a lay-up.
“We played well defensively and took lots of smart shots,” Feaster said.
Watson took the game into his hands with multiple steals and three-pointers for Costa. With the Mustangs holding onto their lead, the game dwindled to an end and finished with a Costa win.
“During the second half we really played them well and kept our defense up the whole time,” Watson said.
Watson led the way for the Mustangs and filled the stat sheet with 11 points, five rebounds, seven assists, six steals and three blocks. Feaster followed with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Strings also added five points, two rebounds and two steals to the tally.
“We’re evolving as a team, and we see different contributors in every game,” Amaral said. “Justin Strings played really well tonight, and it was his breakout game as a varsity player.”
Mira Costa will face Campbell Hall at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Gym.
“If we keep playing this hard, we’re going to have a very fun and truly successful season,” Amaral said.
Leave a Reply