All-Stars capture state crown
The National Junior Basketball Newport-Mesa All-Star team went undefeated in the California national tournament after going undefeated in Orange County sectional play.
While in Hanford (near Fresno), the third-grade team swept the tournament with a 5-0 record. The team recorded convincing double-digit wins over teams such as Palo Alto, Fairfield, Covina and Hacienda Heights to name a few. In the championship game Newport-Mesa took home the crown with a 73-45 victory over Irvine.
The team included Tarik Aliyazicioglu, Luke Bashore, Danny Hatch, John Humphreys, Clay Liolios, Cade Overfelt, Haig Mavusi, Jack Mckenna, Jack Rettig and Troy Smith.
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Team takes second
The Newport-Mesa NJB boys’ fifth-grade All-Star team took second place in the recent NJB National Invitational Tournament last weekend in Las Vegas.
The tournament contains teams from across the country. The Newport-Mesa boys qualified for the tournament by going undefeated in the Southern California Sectional Tournament the previous weekend. Newport-Mesa continued its hot streak by winning all its tournament games until losing in the championship game.
Strong, unselfish team play both offensively and defensively led to the impressive run.
Players on the Newport-Mesa team who all substantially contributed to the victories were: Dan Bailey, Jack Bendetti, Ryan Binford, Ethan Kim, Clyde Moore, Cole Pender, Jack Pitchess, Zack Swies, Henry Wilde and Harley Zieper.
Peter Pitchess and Charlie Wilde coached the team.
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Anteaters win tourney
One week after winning the boys U12 Silver Division at the Turbo Orange County Cup, the Newport Beach-based Anteater Water Polo Club took first place at the U10 Laguna Beach Tournament Sunday.
The tournament consists of teams from the top-level clubs throughout Southern California, competing in up to four games in one day.
In the final, the Anteaters faced their good friends and cross-town rivals of CdM Jr. Polo, and were victorious with an 8-4 win.
The Anteaters opened the tournament with two shutout victories — the first was a 15-0 win over Aliso Niguel, followed by a 20-0 victory over Riverside. The Anteaters faced off against Capo Valley in a semifinal game, and advanced with a 9-5 win.
Coached by Jesse Briggs and Marc Hunt, the championship roster included Triton Scott, Shane Papa, Warren Loth, Brannon Syler, Connor McManigal, Kaveh Moadelli, Wyatt Genc, Michael Paduano, Makana Sanita and Spencer Wardwell.
On the road to the Junior Olympic Tournament this summer, the Anteaters will be participating in the San Diego Cup in April, and then the JO qualification tournament in May.
The Anteater water polo club has open enrollment for girls’ and boys’ divisions in the U10, U12, and U14 divisions, and practice locally on the UC Irvine campus.
More information can be found at https://www.anteaterwaterpolo.com.
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Team goes 3-0
The NJB Newport-Mesa seventh-grade team went undefeated, 3-0, at a sectional tournament recently. The team beat Rancho Santa Margarita, 31-26, Aliso Niguel, 40-29, and Laguna Hills, 46-40.
The team included: Mitch Dean, Adam Freeman, Jordan Hauser, Blake Kormos, Derek Mathuny, Harry Miller, Ford Secrist, Nick Sperr and Jake Whelan.
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Big Cats second
The sixth-grade All-Net Big Cats went 3-0 to make it to the championship game in the NJB All-Net National Tournament this past weekend.
The Big Cats came up short in the championship game against the Ventura Heat.
The team included: Matthew McDonald, Collin Pipkin, Chase Furey, Jacob Jones, Will Rodosky, Chase Garbers, Connor Kincaid and Mitch Haly.
Gregg Haly and Mike Flamson coached the team.
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Hurricanes solid
The Newport-Mesa fourth-grade girls’ All-Star team had a great tournament this past Sunday at Newport Harbor High. The team played at full strength winning its first game, 22-6, against Placientia.
Newport-Mesa lost the second game, 15-14.
Every girl on the Newport-Mesa Hurricanes team contributed offensively and defensively.
The team included: Ella Abbott, Audrey and Nicole Nourse, Chloe Hyde, Kara Pauley, Meghan Miller, Karli Davis, Leah Freeman, Lexi Garbers and Tati Bruening.
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Tryouts coming
The Newport Lightning AAU Basketball Club will be holding open tryouts for the Boys & Girls Club basketball teams Sunday at Sage Hill School, 20402 Newport Coast Drive in Newport Coast.
The tryouts will take place:
Girls’ fifth- and sixth grades, 10 a.m.
Girls’ 7-8, 11 a.m.
Boys’ 3-4, 2 p.m.
Boys’ 5-6, 3:30 p.m.
Boys’ 7-8, 5 p.m.
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Free clinic
The Estancia High varsity baseball team is holding a free clinic on fundamentals for Costa Mesa Little Leaguers and PONY players.
The Estancia varsity players will provide instruction to the younger players Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon at Estancia’s varsity diamond.
For more information visit estanciabaseball.com or e-mail Coach Matt Sorensen at msorensen@nmusd.us.
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Hoops camp coming
Aim High Hoops is holding its Spring Recess Basketball Camp for boys and girls grades first through eighth, April 11 through 15 at TeWinkle Intermediate School.
The camp will take place Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $65. It’s $55 for early-bird sign up by April 8.
For more information visit https://www.aimhighhoops.net.
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