Mira Costa remained in a first-place tie with Redondo in the Bay League race after routing visiting Inglewood 60-13 Friday setting up another classic showdown when the rivals meet in Sea Hawk Pavilion at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Mira Costa (19-4, 7-1) and Redondo (18-6, 7-1) are ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively in the CIF-SS Division 2AA poll.
The Mustangs jumped out to 39-9 halftime lead after outscoring the Apaches 29-4 in the second quarter.
“It was senior night so we focused on giving the seniors plenty of minutes and they responded well,” Mira Costa head coach John Lapham said. “Devon Feaster had an impressive game scoring 12 points.”
Mira Costa’s top scorer this season has been sophomore Allie Navarette who has played at a consistent level throughout the season.
The Mustang’s offense is led by senior Keilani Ikehara whose ball-handling skills are among the best in the area. Lapham has also been impressed with the play of sophomore Alexa Underwood.
“Alexa has played incredible ball the last three or four games,” Lapham said. “She will play a big role in our playoff run.”
Mira Costa continues to prepare for the playoffs when the Mustangs travel to San Juan Capistrano for a non-league game against Oaks Christian (No. 2, Div. 4AA) to be held at JSerra High School. The 1:30 p.m. game is one of 10 in the two-day Play4Kay Showcase, a fundraising event for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
“In certain polls, Oaks Christian is ranked in the top 20 in the nation, so it will be a challenging game for us and one that will help prepare us for the playoffs,” Lapham said.
Mira Costa concludes the regular season with road games at Morningside on Tuesday and Redondo on Thursday. Not only will the showdown between the Mustangs and Sea Hawks determine the Bay League champion, but the game will have a significant impact on playoff seedings.
“Redondo is a well-coached team and very physical,” Lapham said. “Their gym is a tough place to play for any opponent and we look forward to the challenge. It should be a lot of fun.”
Mustang boys suffer defeat
While Mira Costa’s girls team continues to win, its boys team dropped its second game in a row and fourth in the last five games.
The Mustangs could not overcome a 32-19 halftime deficit, losing to Inglewood 63-52 despite Dylan Kim’s 14-point performance.
Johnny Mims recorded eight points and four rebounds and Adam Griese added six rebounds for Mira Costa.
The win gave Inglewood (14-10, 6-2) sole possession of second place behind Bay League leader Redondo (19-5, 7-1).
Mira Costa (16-8, 4-4) hopes to keep its playoff hopes alive with a win at Morningside (15-9, 3-5) on Tuesday, which would also give the Mustangs some momentum before playing at rival Redondo in the regular season finale at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
