Ocean View Defeats Short-Handed Tustin

Tustin may have one of the most athletically gifted boys’ basketball teams in the county, but time is running out for the Tillers to get their act together.

That was obvious Wednesday night when the eighth-ranked Tillers, with two starters benched for disciplinary reasons, lost their Golden West League opener to sixth-ranked Ocean View, 59-44.

The Tillers committed 24 turnovers, and Ocean View put on a strong defensive performance, holding the Tillers to only 17 of 43 field goals in their gym. But the luster of this showdown was gone before the tip-off.

Starting center DeAngelo Collins, an imposing 6-foot-9 freshman who averages 14 rebounds, did not suit up after violating an unspecified school rule, according to Athletic Director Al Rosmino.

And starting swingman Chris Chatman, a 6-5 junior, was benched for the first half for violating team rules, according to Tustin Coach Andy Ground.

In their absence, Ocean View guards had a much easier time getting the ball inside and the Seahawks dominated the scoring in the post area with a variety of layups and put-backs.

Ocean View jumped on top quickly, taking a 17-5 first-quarter lead and never looked back. Tustin never got closer than nine points after that.

Seahawk sophomore center Torin Beeler scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the first half, and 6-2 reserve junior forward Jeremiah Bell scored 12 points and had five rebounds.

“It would have made a big difference if DeAngelo had been in the game,” Ground said. “Any time you lose a 6-9 guy who averages 14 rebounds a game, it’s going to hurt. Give Ocean View credit, though, they played well and we didn’t. I’m not discouraged. We just didn’t execute. Those two guys will be back on Friday.”