Sailors’ Narrow Victory Is a Big Deal

It may not seem like much, but Newport Harbor’s 31-26 victory over Compton Dominguez in the first round of the Costa Mesa Holiday girls’ basketball tournament is a big deal to the Sailors.

With Newport Harbor in the same league with the likes of No. 6 Irvine and No. 7 Woodbridge, Sailor Coach Glenn Albios wants his team treating tournament games as must-win situations.

“We need to pick up these wins going into league if we want to make the playoffs,” Albios said. “At first we were playing selfish basketball, but we’re playing more like a team and it’s starting to show.”

The Sailors (2-9) took a step in that direction Wednesday, led by junior Evita Castillo, who scored a game-high 20 points. Her defensive effort--three steals in the closing minutes of the game--sealed the win.

Dominguez (3-9) was looking to break a 24-24 tie with just less than two minutes to play when Castillo stepped in front of a pass, made the steal and was fouled on the breakaway. She made one of two free throws for a 25-24 advantage.

Castillo had steals on Dominguez’s next two possessions, the last of which halted a fast break attempt by Tommisella Thompson with a minute to play.

After her fifth and final steal, Castillo put the game away with a three-point play. She was fouled on a driving layup and made the free throw, giving Newport Harbor a 28-24 lead with 55 seconds left.

“She’s beginning to step up as a leader, which is what I need her to do,” Albios said. “She played a great game.”

A short jump shot by Dominguez’s Jennifer Dickerson made it 28-26, but it was the last time the Dons would score. Newport Harbor closed the game with three free throws.

Dominguez guard Tishawn McCory (11 points) tied the score, 24-24, with her third three-pointer of the game with 2:28 left.