Boys basketball loses close game to RUHS

SHOTS UP: Senior Jesse Waller (#20) shoots a 3-pointer during the 3rd quarter of their game against Redondo Union on Tuesday. The Mustangs are aiming to redeem themselves at their home game tonight at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Raci Levine

Raci Levine

Features Editor

In a close game, the Mustangs lost to their rival, the Redondo Sea Hawks, 53-45. On Jan. 18, Costa varsity basketball competed in the Bay League against Redondo. This was the team’s first game after many of its games were canceled due to COVID-19. They started the first quarter strong, ending with a lead of 14-9.

“COVID-19 shut us down for a little, but we are still in shape,” senior small forward Jesse Waller said. “I don’t think it had much of an effect on us.”

During the second quarter, the Mustangs slowly fell behind. This quarter left the Mustangs seven points behind, with a score of 46-33.

“I think as a team we need to be able to bounce back and not let our confidence be shot during games,” said Waller. “We have great players, and they should all trust themselves.”

The Mustangs attempted to redeem themselves during the third quarter but were unsuccessful in catching up to the Sea Hawks. By the end of the quarter, the Mustangs were losing by 13 points and were missing more shots.

“I think we could’ve played better; it just wasn’t our night,” Waller said. “Shots just weren’t falling in.”

According to Waller, both teams fought hard, but the Sea Hawks ended up taking the win with a final score of 53-45. According to Waller, they hope to work harder and be able to win the Bay League championship this year.

“The Bay League is still up for grabs this year with the tournament, so I still expect our team to win,” said Waller. “I think getting back in the gym and forgetting about this game is the best way to improve from this loss; there’s nothing that beats hard work.”

The Mustangs are currently in fifth place in the Bay League with a record of 12-5 and a Bay League record of 0-1. The Mustangs’ next game will take place at 7:30 p.m. at home tonight, where they will face the Culver City Centaurs. Tonight will be boys basketball’s senior night where the team will commemorate the seniors’ years on the team.

“I know that we will recover from this loss,” Waller said. “[We hope to] have a great showing for senior night at home.”