Hornets, Waves go a long way in national tourney

The Huntington Beach Hornets and Surf City Waves generated plenty of buzz at the National Junior Basketball National Tournament.

The two 12-and-under teams nearly won the tournament, played at Whittier High on March 28-29. The Hornets placed second, while the Waves were third.

“It was really a lot of fun watching those kids perform,” Waves Coach Keith McCord said. “They played out of their minds, both teams.”

Both teams lost to the eventual champion from Redwood, although the Waves rebounded to beat a team from Los Gatos in the third-place game.

Players for the Hornets included Adam Anaya, Ben Anda, Michael Bala, Malik Charles, Josh Johnson, James Philhower, Damion Salgado, Anay Vieyra and Tyler Vo. Larry Anaya and Peter Lee coached the team.

Tim Bistolas, CJ McCord, George Schoenborn, Evander Couzens, Clay Ferguson, Darin Ozturk, Matthew McKenzie, Nate Madden, Thomas Smith and Adam Stinson made up the Waves. Keith McCord and Mike McKenzie coached the squad.

— From staff reports