YOUTH SPORTS

BASKETBALL

NEWPORT-MESA NATIONAL

JUNIOR BASKETBALL

GIRLS’ DIVISION 2

The Green Team clinched the division title last weekend, having won all eight of its games.

“The secret to the girls’ tremendous success this season was their tenacious defense and teamwork,” Coach Mark Danner said. “Two of our girls had never played organized basketball before this season but we relied on our athleticism to out-hustle our opponents.”

Point guards Emma Shimizu and Lindsey Dawson led the Green Team attack, leading the team in scoring. Defensive specialists Grace Kennedy, Noelle Gooding and Madison Camarillo often shut down their opponent’s top offensive threats. Maggie Danner and Narcisse Mishow anchored the middle and dominated the boards.

Despite losing Gabby Smith to an injury midway through the season and having only one sixth-grader on the roster, the Green Team emerged unscathed thought the regular season.

The Green Team now heads into the regional playoffs as the No. 1 seed from Newport Mesa.

EIGHTH-GRADE ALL-NET

Newport-Mesa Rippers 45, Mission Viejo Jayhawks 34: The Rippers won with a great team effort Sunday. Wes Shaw led all players with 13 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Danny Ingalls scored a season-high seven points and dished out five assists. Fletcher Della Grotta chipped in with seven points, while Wes Woods had four points, six rebounds and three blocks. Trevor Davis and Austin Quon ran the offense with precision, combining for nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Clay Friend, Grant Johnson and Michael Borchard all played well.

La Habra Bulldogs 58, Newport-Mesa Rippers 47: The Rippers ran out of steam in the second game of a doubleheader Sunday and lost on the road. Wes Shaw played a stellar game with 17 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. Danny Ingalls continued his steady play with six points, four assists and three steals, while Michael Borchard chipped in with six points and eight rebounds.

FIFTH-GRADE ALL-NET

Newport Sailors 34, La Mirada 28: The Newport Sailors (10-1) won in a tightly contested game that went down to the final seconds. Max Stone led the Sailors with nine points, with Drew Olson and Chris Okey adding six points apiece. Also contributing were Derek Kula (five points), James Newman (four points), Connor Kelly (two points) and Robbie Rettig (two points). Kris Picarelli and Nick Hanna had strong games on defense and on the offensive boards.

Newport Sailors 51, Yorba Linda Clippers 23: The Sailors (11-1) held the Clippers to one basket in the second half. Max Stone scored 11 points to lead the Sailors. Also scoring were Connor Kelly (eight points), Kris Picarelli (six points), Derek Kula (six points), Chris Okey (five points), Robbie Rettig (five points), Nick Hanna (four points) James Newman (four points) and Drew Olson (two points).