SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFF CHAMPIONSHIPS : With Beilstein in Uniform, Tustin a Winner

David Beilstein sat in the stands at Anaheim Stadium last spring and watched the Tustin High School baseball team lose to La Serna in the final of the Southern Section 4-A tournament.

Last fall, he watched from the bleachers as the Tillers’ football team lost to Sunny Hills in the Division VI final.

But Saturday, Beilstein took a break from being a spectator. And the Tillers took a break from losing.

Beilstein scored a game-high 20 points, leading Tustin to a 70-42 victory over Riverside North in the Division II-AA championship game.

“It was tremendous incentive for us,” Beilstein said. “When the baseball and football teams lost in the final, we (basketball players) were there in the stands, supporting them.

“And today, we looked up in the stands and they were there for us.”

Beilstein, a 5-foot-11 senior and one of four returning starters from last season’s team, gave the fans plenty to cheer about.

He challenged a tall, talented Riverside North team, picking apart the Huskies by cutting to the basket for layups and dishing off to teammates.

He made five of 12 shots from the field, 10 of 13 free throws and added three assists.

His scrappy defense produced three steals and kept North’s guards off-balance.

His six first-quarter free throws helped the Tillers build a 14-10 lead. They never trailed thereafter.

“We were waiting for (North) the whole time to press us,” Beilstein said. “When they didn’t, it just made it easier for us.”

Beilstein was surprised by Tustin’s ability to score almost at will. Tustin Coach Tom McCluskey’s scouting reports had the players convinced they were facing the Lakers.

“We’re not that intimidated by any team we play against,” he said. “But everyone on our team was ready to play.”

Beilstein had quite the supporting cast.

Thomas Clayton, the Tillers’ silky smooth forward, scored 17 points and had three steals.

Brian Reider, Tustin’s floppy-haired center, added 13 points and six rebounds.

“It picks us up a lot when Brian plays well,” Beilstein said. “And he played well today.”

Tustin’s Jentry Moore scored nine points, and reserve Carnard Polk came off the bench in the fourth quarter to add eight.

But McCluskey said Beilstein made the difference. A three-year member of the varsity, Beilstein holds the school’s career, season and single-game scoring records.

“It all starts with a senior point guard who has been through the trenches,” McCluskey said. “He works hard, and he deserves everything he has earned.”

On Saturday, it was a championship medal.