3 O.C. Schools Win State Titles in Basketball

Orange County high school basketball teams were three for three Saturday in California Interscholastic Federation state championship basketball games at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

This is the first year that more than two county teams have won state titles.

Tustin defeated Danville San Ramon Valley, 66-54, in boys’ Division II, Estancia defeated Fremont Washington, 82-72, in boys’ Division III, and Brea-Olinda defeated Hayward Moreau, 54-46, to win the girls’ Division II title.

The day did not go off without a hitch for county teams. Mike Haas, who scored a game-high 27 points in Estancia’s victory, was punched by a Fremont Washington student as he walked off the floor after the game. It was a glancing blow, and Haas was uninjured.

It was the first state title for Estancia, which two weeks ago was defeated by Pomona in the Southern Section final. Estancia avenged that loss in the Southern California regionals, during which the Eagles also defeated two other CIF section champions.

David Beilstein scored 28 points for Tustin, playing in its first state championship game. The Tillers, who advanced by upsetting top-ranked Artesia in the regional final, overcame a 33-24 halftime deficit Saturday to claim the championship.

The Brea-Olinda girls won their second state title in three years and erased memories of 1990, when the Ladycats were defeated by Auburn Placer, 54-43, in the final. It was their only loss of the season. Brea’s only loss in 1990-91 was to Christ the King of Queens, N.Y., a team that is ranked third nationally.

Tustin, coached by Tom McCluskey, finished the season with a 30-4 record. Estancia, with Tim O’Brien as coach, finished 29-5, and Brea, coached by Mark Trakh, finished 33-1.

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