Mesa runs away with it

Mesa vs. Est. boys hoop gamerMustangs, refusing to slow down the action, run and gun their way to Golden West League win over rival Eagles.COSTA MESA -- Brian Molina was appropriately pumped up for the first crosstown rivalry game between Estancia High and Costa Mesa. The Mustangs’ senior point guard came out with a blond stripe down the middle of his black spiked hair and a sense of urgency that was common among all of his teammates.

Pressing and shooting relentlessly, the Mustangs took the lead early in the second quarter and ran away with a 66-51 victory over Estancia in a Golden West League game Tuesday at Costa Mesa High.

Costa Mesa (8-7, 2-0 in league) came out with more intensity and played at a faster pace than the Eagles (6-9, 0-1). Molina, Scott Knox and Tony Krikorian combined for 12 steals and helped cause 21 Estancia turnovers.

“They did a great job pressing our guards,” Estancia Coach Jason Simco said. “We turned the ball over way too much.”

Larry Puente stole the show inside, tallying 12 points and nine rebounds. Knox led Costa Mesa with 16 points and Molina produced 15 points and numerous assists.

“Molina is as good as they come for his size,” Simco said.

Molina knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the third quarter that gave the Mustangs a 44-25 lead and helped put the game out of reach.

“I think [Molina] is one of the top guards in Orange County, but he doesn’t always think so,” Costa Mesa Coach Ryan Schachter said. “He’s a great penetrator and he causes teams matchup problems with his quickness.”

Estancia stayed in the game early by hitting three three-pointers. Michael McDaniels led Estancia with 14 points and added seven rebounds. Pinto tallied 13 points and Dallas Kopp added 10 points and eight rebounds while often facing a double-team.

“We needed to stop Kopp,” Schachter said. “He’s bigger than anyone we have. Molina and Krikorian did a good job of taking it from him when he put it on the floor. They’re good at that.”

Golden West League

Costa Mesa 66, Estancia 51

Score by Quarters