Youth Scene: Newport Lightning 13U team captures championship

The Newport Lightning 13U team captured the “Kings of the Court” 2016 crown with a 47-46 victory in the championship game Jan. 31.

The tournament was played in Downey, Buena Park and Cerritos. The Lightning went undefeated 5-0, and faced JW Basketball in the final game.

With the Lightning trailing, 26-19, in the second half, the pressing defense of Rocco Duval, Matthew DeCrona and Troy Olson sparked a comeback.

With three minutes remaining, Jack Johnston hit a three-point shot from beyond the arc to put the Lightning ahead for the first time in the game 38-37. Then, the lead changed hands five times during the remaining course of the game.

With only 16 seconds left in the game, Zach Mullhofer found Jonathan Siegel cutting along the baseline for the game-winning shot.

Coach Jason Simco attributed the team’s success to the players’ relentless defense and unselfish play.

Recently, the players have adopted the nickname, “Team Wes,” after Coach Simco’s brother Wes who is courageously battling cancer.

“We have adopted his never-, ever-, ever-give-up attitude,” Lightning players Buddy Cohen and Mitchell Frye said.

— Reader submission