By Zane Franklin
Sports Editor
After a season filled with more ups than downs, the Mira Costa boys basketball team’s playoff run finally came to an end in the second round of CIF against Compton High School.
The Mustangs, who finished their season with a positive record of 18-10 overall, were defeated by the Compton High School Tarbabes, whose record moved to a similar 19-9 overall, at home on Feb. 21. The final score of the game was 83-71 after Compton’s explosive and aggressive offense throughout the match.
Compton dealt damage early in the first quarter with fast-paced ball movement to outrun Costa. A three-pointer by the Tarbabes put Costa at a 12-3 deficit but as the quarter progressed, the Mustangs broke out on a 6-0 run and brought their deficit down 18-12 after baskets by seniors Cooper Pugnale and Karl Acres in the low post and a fast break layup by junior Cole Feaster. However, Compton outplayed Costa and ended the quarter 26-14.
The Mustangs seemed to be able to hold their own in the second quarter after making the occasional three-pointer and keeping Compton from overrunning them, but they were largely unsuccessful in holding back the Tarbabes. The half ended with Compton in the lead with a score of 47-30.
The third and fourth quarters were more of the same with Compton dominating the court. The Mustangs were successful in making shots but each shot would be quickly answered by the Tarbabes’ quick and aggressive offense. The Mustangs were in no way weak in their execution of the game, but Compton managed to stay a step above of Costa’s efforts. The game and the season for Costa ended after a final score of 83-71.
The underclassmen led the way throughout the night for Costa with Feaster scoring 17 points with five assists and sophomore Justin Strings following with 14 points. Junior Kevin Kim also added eight points for the Mustangs.
Despite their second-round playoff loss, the Mustangs had a largely successful season. They saw much success in the regular season prior to Bay League, including placing third in the Pacific Shores and Palos Verdes Hilltop Classic Tournaments and placing fifth in the Palm Springs Tournament after going 3-1 in all three.
Prior to entering Bay League, the Mustangs went on a four-game winning streak and dominated Marywood Palm Valley with a score of 78-15 in the final game. Costa had a somewhat rough time in Bay League and managed a record of 4-6 and placed fourth. However, the highlight of League was when Pugnale hit the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds of overtime away against rival Redondo Union High School on Jan. 13. Costa fans stormed the court in excitement and it was a defining moment in the Mustangs’ season.
Even though Costa will see the departure of seniors such as Pugnale, Max Watson, Keith Waddell, and others, the Mustangs should be ready to be led to success by their strong underclassmen. With juniors Feaster, Kim and Oliver Mausner and sophomores Justin Strings, Chase Crandall and Jon Mical Watson, the Mustangs have a bright future ahead of them.
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