Youth Scene: Killer Whales overtake Dolphins

The Newport Hills Killer Whales swim team beat the Lake Forest II Dolphins, 787-513, June 12 in the Dolphins’ pool.

NHST was led by its 9-10 and 11-12 boys, who not only won all their individual stroke events, but also took first in both the medley and freestyle Relays. Winning 18 of the 24 relay races showcased the overall depth of the Newport Hills squad.

There were seven three-time and six two-time winners in individual stroke events for the Killer Whales.

NHST triple individual events winners included Bianca Bays in the under-6 girls (25-yard freestyle, 25 breaststroke and 25 butterfly), Ryan McManigal in the under-6 boys (25 free, 25 fly and 25 backstroke), Jake Bays in the 7-8 boys (25 free, 25 fly and 50 free), Henry Wilde in the 9-10 boys (50 free, 25 fly and 100 individual medley), Natalie Wilde in the 11-12 girls (50 free, 50 back and 100 IM), Taylor Cortens in the 11-12 boys (50 breaststroke, 50 fly and 100 IM) and Brianna Daboub in the 13-14 girls (50 freestyle, 50 back and 100 IM).

Double individual event winners for the Killer Whales were Sophie Wallace (25 breaststroke and 25 fly) and Anna Wilde (25 back and 50 free) in the 7-8 girls, Chloe Harbilas in the 9-10 girls (50 free and 100 IM), Morgan Cortens in the 9-10 boys (50 breaststroke and 50 back), Nick Schroeder in the 11-12 boys (50 free and 100 IM) and Richie Barden in the 15-18 boys (50 breaststroke and 50 fly).

Girls’ Soccer

The Girls’ 14 Spring Select Team of Region 97 used a combination of stingy defense (seven goals allowed in 12 games) and exceptional teamwork on the front line to produce a championship in Area Q play this spring.

The Newport team was undefeated in league and showed marked improvement every week. The title clinching game was a 4-0 victory over Corona del Mar in the season finale. Erika Nilsson was consistently strong in goal and benefited from the excellent defensive play of Leah Castillo, Haley Burg, Brooke Zachry, Grace Emmel, Emma Erickson and Daniela Vazquez. Midfielders Erin Barth, Kristen Kiehnle, Marlee Phillips and Melissa Camano regularly controlled the center of the field. Forwards Abbey Pickett, Katelyn Mead and Hanna Whitlock worked exceptionally well together displaying excellent passing and shooting abilities.

Softball

The Newport-Mesa Girls’ Softball 8-and-Under All Star team, affectionately known as the Knock-Outs, came in third place at the Tustin All Star Romp June 11-13.

The team includes: Mia Bagatourian, Katharine Caston, Leah Freeman, Hannah Hiromoto, Lindsay Lobel, Simone Oberreiter, Mary Polos, Katie Rodewald, Katie Stephens, Sujata Tewari, Sara Urner, Gabi Valeriano

Basketball

The Newport Lightning Basketball Club’s seventh-grade boys’ team went 2-0 last weekend to capture the Huntington Beach Rebels Father’s Day Shootout at Ocean View High.

The Lightning beat NSSA, 52-42, and SBA Rebels, 54-52, to capture the title.

Andre Camba, Harrison Carter, Brett Greenlee, Kevin Fults and Caleb O’Neil led the Lightning in scoring while Logan Miller, Austin Ridge, Taylor Cortens, Ryan Kleinman and Trevor Schwartz played stout defense and hit key baskets in each game.

The Lightning team is coached by Scott Stucki.

The Newport Lightning Basketball Club’s 11-and-under (fifth-grade boys) Green team went undefeated last weekend to capture the Junior HoopsStars Spring League Championship in Anaheim.

The Lightning beat South El Monte Blaze and Pac Rim to capture the title.

Jordan Pakzad, Jake Pearson, Kade Johnson, Brennan Grunewald, Max Nanula, Zach Blaine and Chase Grippo all played stellar defense and hit big shots throughout the weekend.

The Lightning team is coached by Jeff Beeler.

Mariners captures first Daily Pilot Cup title

The Mariners girls’ third- and fourth-grade sliver team captured a Daily Pilot Cup title for the first time in school history.

Mariners battled against Harbor View in the final. Harbor View was up, 1-0, in the first half, but the Mariner girls battled back. Third-grader Ava Wagoner, who lead the team with eight goals in the tournament, scored the equalizer to send the game into a penalty-kick shootout.

Before the match started Coach Preston Kenny had the girls practicing penalty shots, which paid off. Ella Kenny, Holly Nance , Kate LaGrandeur and Ava Wagoner all scored with ease.

Harbor View made its goals as well. They were all tied up 4-4 and with the pressure on, Kili Skibby hit her shot over the goalie’s outstretched arms, to go up, 5-4. Mariners goalkeeper Kaela Whelan, who was outstanding throughout the tournament, blocked Harbor View’s final shot for the dramatic win.