Courtney scores 17 in Mesa win

COSTA MESA — So uneasy was Jennifer Courtney afterward.

She banged around, fighting for rebounds, loose balls, anything she could get her hands on for the Costa Mesa High girls’ basketball team Friday.

When she did in the fourth quarter, Calvary Chapel began to stay clear of the 5-foot-6 force in the middle.

Yeah, 5-6. She proved her toughness, scoring 11 of her game-high 17 points in the fourth and grabbing 15 rebounds to get Costa Mesa back into the thick of things in the Orange Coast League with a 52-47 home victory.

After the Mustangs handed Calvary Chapel its first league loss of the year, Courtney needed to compose herself.

“I’m getting nervous. Hold on,” said the senior. It took time some time, but words came to her.

“We’re going to take league,” Courtney said.

That’s all she needed to say, as Costa Mesa (13-10, 4-1 in league) avenged its only league loss and is now tied with Calvary Chapel (17-5, 4-1) for first place in league.

From the sideline Coach Jim Weeks admired Courtney’s grit against Calvary Chapel.

Even when the Eagles tried to frustrate Courtney, fouling her hard late, she didn’t retaliate. Well, it appeared she might, throwing up both elbows, before glaring at two players.

“This is huge, we’re back tied for first place,” said Weeks, trying to lead Costa Mesa to its first league title since 1998. “A week from Monday we play for the league championship.”

The Mustangs still have two leagues games left before facing Calvary Chapel again. That date is Feb. 5 at Calvary Chapel, and after that is a league finale against rival Estancia.

Costa Mesa’s Michelle Figueroa added 11 points and Miriah Malapira nine on three three-pointers.

Orange Coast League

Costa Mesa 52,

Calvary Chapel 47

Score by Quarters

Calvary Chapel

11

12

15

9

—

47

Costa Mesa

10

9

20

13

—

52

Calvary Chapel -- Rambo 14, Souder 14, Ricker 12, Costa 3, Karky 2, Horn 2.

3-pt. goals -- Rambo 2.

Costa Mesa -- Courtney 17, Figueroa 11, Malapira 9, Gentling 8, Trinh 5, Brannon 2.

3-pt. goals -- Malapira 3, Gentling 2, Figueroa 1, Trinh 1.

Fouled out -- Langmos.