Shaw takes control

COSTA MESA — Consider it the Kohl call.

That’s what the Estancia High boys’ basketball team must respond to the remainder of the season, since senior scoring leader Kohl Jones learned last week that his prep career was over due to torn ligaments in his left ankle.

Two Eagles answered the call Wednesday, as senior Wes Shaw and junior Raymond Holmes combined for 39 points in a 46-39 Orange Coast League home win over Godinez.

The win kept the Eagles (15-9, 5-1 in league) on pace to claim the program’s first league title since 2005. A win Friday at second-place Laguna Beach would clinch the outright crown. Should Estancia lose Friday, a win in the league finale at Costa Mesa on Wednesday would give the Eagles at least a share of the league championship.

Shaw honored with seven teammates on senior night before the last regular-season home game, made sure it was a memorable experience. He netted his first three field-goal tries, had 14 points by halftime, and then finished off what Coach Agustin Heredia said was likely the best game of his career.

Shaw wound up with 24 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots. He sank nine of 13 field-goal attempts, including three of four from three-point range, and proved to be a difficult matchup on the perimeter and in the paint.

“The game plan was for me to drive, but when I saw my open shot, I took it,” said Shaw, who scored seven straight Estancia points in the first period to help the Eagles seize a 15-4 lead.

Beginning the last two minutes of the first half and the first two-plus minutes of the fourth quarter, the 6-foot-3 forward produced 10 of his team’s 13 points to help Estancia take a 33-23 cushion into the final period.

Holmes, who came off the bench as Heredia elected to start five seniors, had a three-pointer midway through the third quarter to break up the Shaw offensive monopoly. Holmes’ third three-pointer, with 3:34 left from the left baseline — in transition after Godinez misfired on a three-point try that would have cut the lead to two — gave the Eagles a 38-30 advantage.

Holmes’ three-point play on an inbound pass from senior point guard Kevin Thomas with 51 seconds left, helped seal the deal.

Heredia’s praise for Shaw focused on more than his offense.

“Wes played great defense, guarding [Godinez leading scorer Izzet Demircioglu],” Heredia said. “[Shaw] did a great job, overall, offensively and defensively.”

Shaw’s length and positioning appeared to frustrate the 5-10 Demircioglu, who missed 10 of his first 12 shots from the field, including eight straight misfires. Demircioglu netted a pair of three-pointers in the final 32 seconds to finish with a team-high 13 points.

Demircioglu was also called for two charging fouls and graciously exchanged respectful postgame plaudits with Shaw.

“He’s their best player and I just had to stop him,” Shaw said. “I just did my best. I just respect his game and I guess he respects my game, too.”

Shaw also got a hug from Heredia, who lifted Shaw for a curtain call with 15 seconds left.

“We just made eye contact,” Shaw said of the scene in front of the Estancia bench. “It was a special moment, because it was the last league home game. Me and coach have a lot of respect for each other.”

Thomas contributed four points and four assists and junior Davon Joyner had seven rebounds.

Shaw and Holmes were 13 of 21 from the field, while the rest of the Eagles were two for 18.

Senior Ryan Cherney, one of the senior starters, scored Estancia’s first three points to help set the tone.

Godinez shot just 26.2% from the field (11 for 42) and had 15 of the game’s 27 turnovers.

Orange Coast League

Estancia 46, Godinez 39

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Gdz – Demircioglu 13, Esparza 8, Rios 7, Bustos 6, Canela 4, Chavez 1.

3-pt. goals – Demircioglu 2, Esparza 2, Rios 1.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.

Est – Shaw 24, Holmes 15, Thomas 4, Cherney 3.

3-pt. goals – Shaw 3, Holmes 3.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.