Mira Costa’s boys basketball team capitalized on a complete team effort Wednesday routing visiting Santa Fe in the opening round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA playoffs.
Quenton Jackson and sophomore Bobby Barkley each scored 18 points in the Mustang’s 77-51 win.
Barkley, who also had nine rebounds in the game, scored 11 points in the first quarter to help Mira Costa take a 37-21 lead.
The second quarter became a defensive struggle with the Mustangs outscoring the Chiefs 6-4 to take a 43-25 lead into halftime.
Then it was Jackson’s turn to erupt as the senior recorded 11 points in the third quarter to help give Mira Costa and comfortable 69-39 lead heading into the final frame. Jackson also had five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the game.
Brandon Chan had 11 points and four rebounds, Ryan White recorded eight points and five rebounds and Johnny Mims added four points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals for Mira Costa.
“We played well collectively,” Mira Costa coach Jeff Amaral said. “We have a lot of contributors so teams have trouble focusing on one or two players.”
Amaral was equally pleased with Jackson’s performance after missing a month because of an injury.
“Having Quenton back is obviously. tremendous,” Amaral said. “It took some time for him to get his legs back and get him acclimated with the team after the injury. The last few games he has really been back to being the fantastic performer he is. During his absence we had a lot of improvement from others and we are hoping it pays off with a nice playoff run.”
Ranked No. 12 in Division 2AA, Mira Costa (17-11) will need another big game from its players as the Mustangs take on No. 5 Loyola (12-15) in the second round on Friday.
“They are big,” Amaral said of the Cubs. “Henry Welsh is 6-10 and 140 pounds and they have good pieces around him.”
The Harvard-bound Welsh is averaging 14.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game this season and is supported by senior Josh Lavergne (6-8, 200) who is averaging 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game
In Division 1A, Peninsula was edged at Cypress 51-48 and in a battle of South Bay teams, visiting Lawndale upset Pioneer League champion Torrance 74-72 in overtime to advance to the second round of the Division 2A playoffs. The Cardinals will host Temple City on Friday.
Both local teams lost in the first round in Division 3AA with West Torrance falling at Pasadena 75-49 and North Torrance losing at San Marcos 80-52.
In Division 3, Leuzinger defeated Rosemead 75-43 and in Division 4AA, El Segundo defeated Pomona 66-51 and Serra advances with a 92-44 victory over Desert Hot Springs.
In Division 4A, Bay League at-large representative Morningside beat Malibu 69-43.
In Division 5AA, Chadwick advanced with a 74-46 victory against visiting Desert and Vistamar scored a huge road win defeating St. Margaret’s 52-48.
For brackets, results and game locations, visit cifss.org.
