Costa Mesa locks up second place in league with win over rival Estancia

By Josh Criswell

Feb. 8, 2018 9:40 PM PT

All season long, the Costa Mesa High boys’ basketball team developed a reputation for its high-pressure approach on the defensive end.

On Thursday night against host Estancia, the Mustangs rode this signature trait to a Battle for the Bell victory, a city championship and a second-place finish in the Orange Coast League.

Costa Mesa cruised to a 57-45 win over its rival, clinching a CIF Southern Section Division 4AA playoff berth.

“There’s so much work up to this game that you just can’t wait for it to get here,” said Costa Mesa coach Mike Ofer, who led the Mustangs to a 7-3 record in league in his first season. “We were anxious all day to get a shot. We had lost two in a row, and knew what was on the line. Not just the [Battle for the] Bell but second place in our league. We came in, had a plan and were prepared. I’m so proud of the way we played tonight.”

Laguna Beach ran the table for the title, going 10-0 during its final season in the Orange Coast League. Godinez, who is heading to the Golden West League next season, finished third at 6-4. Both the Breakers and Grizzlies qualified for the playoffs automatically in their respective divisions.

The Eagles’ loss dropped them to a fourth-place league finish at 5-5, leaving a potential postseason appearance out of their hands. Estancia went 16-10 overall in the regular season, so its eligible for an at-large entry into the Division 5AAA playoffs. The Eagles are ranked No. 15 in the Division 5AAA poll.

The junior guard trio of Tre Villalpando, Osman Hefner and Nico Dasca carried Costa Mesa (13-10 overall) offensively, with each scoring in double-figures. A selfless team approach led to open looks and second chances throughout the evening, enabling a series of offensive runs that gradually put the game out of reach.

“Coach was telling us all week to give up a good one for a better one,” said Villalpando, who led the way with a team-high 14 points. “We knew we had to play as a team to win.”

In the early stages of the contest, a competitive rivalry showdown appeared in the works.

Senior Alex Hendricks, who recorded a game-high 20 points, made an immediate impact for Estancia. He made a driving layup and contested three on his team’s first two offensive possessions. Costa Mesa’s Alonso Garcialazo answered Hendricks shot-for-shot, and the scoreboard read 5-5 midway through the first quarter.

At this point, the Mustangs took over.

Junior forward Justin Williamson helped kick off a 7-0 run with a steal, leading to a Villalpando layup at the other end. Costa Mesa took the lead and never looked back for the final three-and-a-half quarters.

Williamson’s takeaway marked the first of 14 forced turnovers for Costa Mesa, which never backed out of press and constantly flustered its opponent — whether in the backcourt or in half-court sets. Estancia closed the gap to 12-10 with a run of its own, but the Mustangs answered right back with an 11-0 run. Once complete, the spurt left them ahead by double-digits for the rest of the night, minus 45 seconds late in the third quarter.

Following a comfortable victory in their regular-season finale, the Mustangs will gear up for a postseason run.

“We’re going to try to make a run in CIF,” Villalpando said. “As deep as we can.”

Playoff hopes are not over for Estancia.

“There’s still a chance to go to CIF. Our record might help us get in,” Estancia coach Xavier Castellano said. “But we’re just excited for the way the program is growing. The freshmen won the league title, our JV team had a great season. The coaches and players are working hard and getting better each day.”

Costa Mesa 57, Estancia 45

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Costa Mesa 21 – 11 – 9 – 16 — 57

Estancia 10 – 7 – 14 – 14 — 45

CM – Villalpando 14, Hefner 13, Dasca 11, Williamson 8, Garcialazo 7, Elliott 4.

3-pt. goals – Villalpando 2, Hefner 2, Dasca 1, Garcialazo 1.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.

E – Hendricks 20, Jones 10, Winters 7, Richards 6, Covey 2.

3-pt. goals – Hendricks 4, Richards 2.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.