Girls baskektball: Figueroa’s journey carries Costa Mesa

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It’s been a decade since Costa Mesa (19-8) was a major player in Orange County girls’ basketball, but the current playoff divisions have certainly made the Mustangs relevant. In Division IV-AA, they reached the section finals a year ago before losing to St. Mary’s. This season, they could match up with top-seeded St. Mary’s in the semifinals, but first, there is a second-round game at St. Matthias (9-17) today.

Besides Coach Jim Weeks, who is retiring from coaching after 36 seasons, one of the major reasons Costa Mesa has been seeded No. 5 is Michelle Figueroa, whose story is profiled by Mark Whicker. Drugs, prison, a one-way ticket to Colombia, academics, injuries, adoption -- it’s all there.

And for what it’s worth, she’s averaging 19 points a game.

-- Martin Henderson