Sean McDonald
Staff Writer
After a grueling CIF quarterfinal loss to Lawndale last season, a young Mira Costa basketball team looks to leave it’s mark on this year. Though they are not favored to make a deep CIF run due to the presence of other extremely talented Bay League teams, this young and athletic team could have more in store than most had imagined.
The core of the team lies in senior point guard Johnny Mims and senior forward Quenton Jackson. The two value defensive strategy and play a strong, aggressive, defense that is set up to lead them to the fast break. Both of them will consistently drive to the basket and pass around the perimeter.
“We pride ourselves on defense, and going out and competing every game,” Mims said. “Our goal is to play as hard as we can against every team we play.”
The rest of the line up will mostly be up for grabs towards the beginning of the season and Costa may have to look into their young depth to help them out this season. The team has three sophomores who will look to contribute this year, including point guard Bobby Barkley, and shooting guards Joey Acosta and Morgan Clark.
Barkley was one of the top performers in the Pacific Shores Tournament last week, earning an all-tournament selection. Barkley has played a sufficient amount of minutes in all games thus far and posted an impressive 19 points in the Mustangs’ season opener.
“I just try my best to create the best opportunities to score, whether that be by myself taking the ball, or giving it off to my teammates,” Barkley said.
When it comes to long range shooting, the Mustangs have plenty of talent, with the likes of Clark, Jackson, Acosta, and junior guard Ryan White. Clark feels the team’s talent could definitely lend itself to success later on in the season
“This team definitely has a lot of talent,” Clark said. “As long as we work hard and play together, we will have a chance at a good playoff run and a strong record.”
With the departure of 6’7” center Gavin Reagan, the Mustangs are looking to fill that hole in the depth chart. Candidates for the spot are senior Tyler Morgan, senior Levi Griffith, and junior Cameron Steen. All have had decent shares in playing time thus far, and it may remain like that for the rest of the season.
“It will be a tough competition for the spot,” Steen said. “I’m sure that all of us will be able to contribute in some way or another.”
Mira Costa lost multiple big name seniors last year, including point guard Dylan Kim and center Gavin Reagan. If young players can step up this season and maintain composure, Mira Costa should be finding themselves headed in the right direction.
“If this team can continue to learn how to play together and work hard consistently, I believe we will be able to be very successful,” Coach Jeff Amaral said.
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