BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Estancia Inconsistent, but Opens With a Victory

Estancia High School’s opening basketball game was less than awesome but better than average Wednesday night in a 75-47 victory at Brea-Olinda.

Estancia found living up to The Times Orange County Edition’s preseason top ranking difficult. The Eagles had their moments, but for the most part were inconsistent in a ragged game that had every bit the look of a season opener.

“It was our first game and it showed,” Estancia Coach Tim O’Brien said. “I’ve maintained all along that we’re a solid high school team with no outstanding players and it showed tonight.”

Matt Fuerbringer, Estancia’s top player, missed the opener because of the flu.

Estancia was at its best in the second quarter, scoring 24 points en route to a 38-26 lead at halftime. Forward Mike Haas made two consecutive three-point shots and teammate Paul McDaniels drove the lane for a short bank shot that pushed Estancia ahead, 31-17, with 1:54 remaining in the first half.

Brea-Olinda was debuting under Coach Phil Henderson, but the Wildcats weren’t much of a challenge. Brea made only 16 of 50 shots from the field and had 24 turnovers.

Haas led all scorers with 26 points, including five three-point shots.

Guard Mike Ryan was Brea’s most consistent player, but it will likely take the senior some time to get into basketball shape after reporting from the Wildcats’ football team. Ryan and Drew Hubbard each scored nine points in reserve roles.

In other nonleague games:

Los Alamitos 77, Fullerton 71--Jason Cunningham scored 31 points and had 16 rebounds for visiting Los Alamitos.

Craig Olson scored 26 for Fullerton.

Santa Margarita 85, Fountain Valley 63--Dan Bathey scored 20 points and pulled down six rebounds to lead host Santa Margarita.

Santa Ana Valley 73, Costa Mesa 47--George Alvarado scored 21 and Leo Maldonado added 19 as Santa Ana Valley won its season-opener at home. Santa Ana Valley went to a full-court press in the middle of the first quarter and pulled out to a 17-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

El Dorado 83, Savanna 82--Savanna missed a three-pointer in the final seconds, settling for a layup as time ran out . Brian Loyd scored 27 points for El Dorado, which led the entire game.

Newport Harbor 72, Bellflower 50--Host Newport Harbor outscored Bellflower, 13-0, in the first quarter and coasted the rest of the way. Justin McIntee scored 24 points and Huy Nguyen 12 for Newport Harbor.

Irvine 82, Villa Park 46--John Molle scored 32 points for visiting Irvine. Matt Gibson scored 10 for Villa Park, which led, 18-16, after the first quarter.