Youth Scene: Newport wins two straight

The Newport Lightning Basketball Club’s fifth-grade team completed a stellar fall season by winning back-to-back tournament titles in October.

The team won the Swoosh Fall Showdown, beating Moreno Valley Bulls, Crown City and Triple Threat by an average of 20 points Oct. 15-16.

The NLBC won the BCS Great American Bash by sweeping BCS, The Wood and Edge before facing the Wood in the championships and prevailing once again Oct. 22-23.

The Lightning were led by the team play of Sam Barela, Ethan Barnes, Luke Chelf, Adam Flood, Jack Garza, Will Hanna, Tyler Hollander, Cameron Kayl, Peter Larsen, Mason Melcer, Bryce Motal, Matt Olson and DJ Rodman.

The team went 24-10 from July to October winning four tournament championships and placing second twice. The team is coached by Scott Stucki.

— Reader submission

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Seahawks shut out Long Beach

The Newport Mesa Jr. Midget Seahawks All-American football team victory of 40-0 over the Long Beach Jackrabbits was a highlight reel for multiple players.

Striking first was Jason Simaan with a 25-yard touchdown catch from Stephen Von Der Ahe followed by an eight-yard touchdown toss to Andy Strader.

Gaining big runs were Nick Yi, Dominic Komadina, Michael Quinn and Karl Donovan.

Sutty Barbato ran for 58 yards on three carries.

Scoring on the ground were Anthony Battista, Blake Kormos and Jack Genova.

William Hunter converted two kicks on point-after attempts, as did Max Morin.

Colin Pipkin reeled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Chase Garbers.

On a stellar effort on defense, Roman Hays made an interception while Derek Mathuny, Komadina and Donavan recovered fumbles. Also strong on defense were Kobe Benter, Reed Rutter, Peter Bush and Brandon Fryer.

— Reader submission