Virgen: Mustangs will be OK

Some might think the future looks bleak, or to be kind, challenging for the Costa Mesa High boys’ basketball team.

The Mustangs will lose 11 seniors to graduation. Those seniors, including four starters, led Costa Mesa to a turnaround season. Last year, the Mustangs finished 9-18, 2-8 in the Orange Coast League. But this year, they went 15-13, and 8-2 in league to take second in the OCL.

That was a big jump in Coach Phil Weber’s first season.

But what happens now?

During a heartwarming awards banquet on March 29 at Mesa Verde Country Club, there were a few clues that the Mustangs might actually improve some more. That might seem lofty, but the departing seniors did help lay a strong foundation, Weber said.

In addition, the Costa Mesa junior varsity team turned in a remarkable season guided by its well-liked coach Steve Whitaker, who like Weber, is a Costa Mesa alumnus.

Whitaker was a great outside shooter and a tireless worker who wasn’t afraid to dive at a loose ball in his playing days. He taught those same qualities, and to never give up, to his JV team.

That JV team didn’t start out all too great. Whitaker’s squad lost its first three games. But, the Mustangs went 16-3 the rest of the way to finish 16-6 overall.

Whitaker said all he wanted to do was prepare his players for varsity next year, so that they would not be nervous or scared to contribute. He was passionate about that goal and it appears those Mustangs will be ready.

Those in the program foster a winning culture and believe they can win. The varsity victory at Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa’s first win there in 14 years, helped make the boys’ basketball players believers.

Another reason the Mustangs’ future is going to be just fine is because of point guard Nico Dasca. As a freshman he proved to be Costa Mesa’s best ball handler. He was the only starter who was not a senior.

As a sophomore, more will be expected of him, but I have a feeling he will rise to the challenge.

Dasca was named the team’s Most Improved Player and many believe he will improve some more and become one of the best players in the league.

He earned All-OCL honorable mention recognition.

Weber made sure to give the seniors their due. Dino Pepic received the Coach’s Award, and was also All-OCL honorable mention, along with Nabeel Salameh.

Chris Calderon was named the team’s Defensive MVP and he earned first-team all-league honors.

Mason Tufuga, a first-team all-league selection, was awarded the team’s MVP. He’s headed to Stanford for volleyball.

The Mustangs’ academic prowess was on display just like last year. Tufuga was one of those intelligent athletes. He’s earned a 4.42 grade-point average.

Ryan Petrecca, a senior, led the way with a 4.6 GPA, and junior Drake Workman was also impressive with a 4.57.