NJB’s Red Raiders rule

The Newport-Mesa Red Raiders sixth-grade National Junior Basketball

team shook off a slow start, but came alive in the second half to

cruise to a 58-40 victory over Elk Grove (Sacramento) to claim the

national championship March 28.

The national tournament featured the top teams from California,

Nevada and Arizona. The Red Raiders defeated their opponents by an

average of more than 22 points through the semifinals.

The Red Raiders suffered several illnesses throughout the regular

season but got healthy in time to win three of five games in the

sectional tournament to qualify for the national event.

In the title game, the Red Raiders used a full-court press to

stifle Elk Grove.

The team included Neal O’Hara, Andrew Roth, Vince Slatcovich,

Collin Krahe, Parker Stone, Dillon Campbell, Austin Deyan, Randall

Nelson, Christian Anderson, Austin Rios and Nick Flamson.

In Eastbluff Boys & Girls Club sixth-grade play:

* The Lakers concluded an undefeated season with a 37-25 win over

Costa Mesa in the area championship game.

Point guard Luke Christiano, the league’s Most Valuable Player,

scored 23 points in 24 minutes.

The Lakers exhibited strong passing and rebounding.