CdM withstands the heat, 63-48

Bryce Alderton

Unlike the previous meeting between the two teams, the Corona del

Mar High boys basketball team shut the door on visiting Laguna Beach

much sooner.

The sequel to CdM’s 59-56 overtime-thrilling victory Jan. 15 to

open Pacific League play didn’t go down to the final shot, but

emotions still ran high. The Sea Kings kept their composure down the

stretch to hold off Laguna, 63-48, keeping the Breakers winless in

league (0-6).

The Sea Kings (10-12, 3-3) blew a 21-point lead to start the

fourth quarter before beating Laguna in the first meeting this season

and felt the similar intense full-court pressure throughout the

fourth quarter.

Laguna cut a 20-point lead in half with just over two minutes

remaining before Brett Matsen rolled off a screen by Bart Welch near

the top of the key for a layup and a change in momentum, according to

CdM Coach Ryan Curry.

“That was a huge basket by Matsen,” Curry said. “A basket changed

it. (Laguna) came down and missed a shot and we were in good position

from there.”

That’s when it got sticky.

An official whistled a Laguna player for a technical and personal

foul, drawing the ire of Laguna Beach coaches, players and fans.

A little more than 20 seconds later several fans from both schools

ran out the back entrance of the gym. Laguna’s Kyle Hogan, who scored

a game-high 25 points on 11-of-22 shooting, said he overheard fans

from both teams shouting back at one another throughout the game and

rushed out the door to break up any scuffle. No fight materialized.

Later a Laguna player shoved Northridge to the floor, drawing an

ejection.

The junior guard fought through and scored 10 points with three

assists and four rebounds.

“I didn’t expect to be pushed,” Northridge said. “(Laguna) was

just mad at the end. They were frustrated offensively, committing

turnovers and the made stupid fouls.”

CdM made 9 of 13 from the free-throw line the final 1:17 and

finished 75% (15 of 20) for the game, while Laguna made only 6 of 14

(48%).

“I’m thrilled we got to them early,” Curry said.

The Sea Kings used runs of 10-0 and 14-2 in the first and second

quarters to build a 16-point halftime lead, largely on threes

following quick ball movement and rolls off screens.

Mancillas led the Sea Kings with 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting

from behind the arc with Matsen (12 points, three assists) and

Seaborn (10 points including 3 of 5 from three-point range, four

rebounds, three assists) giving CdM four scorers in double figures.

Bart Welch scored six points with three assists and two rebounds

followed by Adam Freede (four points, two steals, two assists),

Robbie Luce (two points) and Taylor McDonald (two points) got in on

the Sea Kings’ offensive attack.

CdM shot 45% (19 of 42) while Laguna managed 19 of 53 (35.8%).

“We ran the offense well and executed tonight,” Seaborn said. “The

last time we choked under pressure and we made sure it wouldn’t

happen again.”

Seaborn and Hogan said they just wanted to finish the game clean.