By Zane Franklin
Staff Writer
In a tight matchup against Simi Valley’s Royal High School at home on Feb. 18, Costa’s boys basketball team suffered a second-round CIF loss.
Although the Mustangs had victory in sight, a last-minute three-pointer by Royal senior J.R. Powell put Costa down by one. The Mustangs were unable to bounce back and the game ended 55-54.
“All in all it was a terrific game,” coach Henry Myar said. “Royal was a nice team, and we held them pretty well.”
Royal started off with a 10-point lead, but the Mustangs refused to give in. They managed to gain momentum and were up by two at the half.
Both teams came out strong and through the Mustangs’ aggressive offense, they led by two at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter looked promising for the Mustangs as the team had maintained a two-point lead with under a minute to go in the game. Senior Elliot Ozer and junior Cooper Pugnale scored crucial baskets that helped Costa keep its lead.
Almost out of nowhere, Powell hit a three-pointer for Royal with 19 seconds left to play, putting the Mustangs down 55-54. Costa attempted to give the ball to Ozer, but it was stolen and the final buzzer sounded, marking the end of the Mustangs’ season.
Ozer had 16 points, four rebounds and three steals while senior Thomas Johnson, had 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
“I’m so proud of the boys. They saved their best for last and played two of their best games,” Myar said.
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