Accident Causes Cancellation of Estancia Game

Estancia High School postponed its scheduled nonleague girls’ basketball game Friday against University after two members of the Eagles’ team were injured in a car accident.

Melody Earle, starting senior point guard, reserve junior guard Jennifer Brazell and two male students were involved in a one-car accident near the intersection of Fair Drive and Fordham Drive around noon Friday, police said.

Brazell was admitted to Western Medical Center with a possible sprained back. Earle suffered minor lacerations and refused medical attention at the scene. Both male passengers were taken to hospitals with what police described as minor injuries and released. Police would not identify them.

According to the police report, Brazell was driving about 40 m.p.h. eastbound in the right lane on Fair Drive when a passenger tugged playfully at the wheel. Brazell lost control and hit a light post, a fire hydrant and a traffic sign, police said.

Sgt. Tom Winter of the Costa Mesa Police Traffic Division said he expects to cite the passenger who tugged at the wheel.

Estancia Coach Lisa McNamee said Brazell was expected to stay overnight Friday at Western Medical Center for more tests. Earle, The Times’ Girl Athlete of the Week last week, is not expected to miss any games, McNamee said.