Mustangs Finish Second in Bay League

At the beginning of the season, many pointed to Palos Verdes as a favorite in the Bay League. 

Thursday night, Mira Costa pulled off a season sweep of the Sea Kings by keeping talented forward Kelsey Brockway in check and not allowing a single three-pointer.

“We really wanted to limit their three-point shooting," said Mira Costa Coach Craig Takahashi. "They live and die on those shots, and to keep them from having any was huge."

The Mustangs' (18-9) victory, gave them an 8-2 record in league play with both losses coming at the hands of league champ Redondo Union.

Brockway, who averaged 19 points per game this season, was limited to a mere seven through the first three quarters, as Joelle Herron contested every touch, with a little help from her teammates.

“Joelle did a great job on her," said teammate Jenna Stephanoff. "We try to keep the ball away from her and box out because she’s a very talented player.” 

Mira Costa held a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter, when Brockway got going.

The junior scored on back-to-back possessions and pulled the Sea Kings to within seven at 29-22 with 6:07 to play.

“We’re young, but we have good chemistry and really get pumped up in close games and go harder on every play,” said Mustang Ashley Reese.

Senior Stephanoff coolly knocked down a three from the top of the key, something PV failed to pull off the entire night.

“Consistency is not easy for us," said Stephanoff, "we’re up and down and usually get momentum in the second half. We have been good in close games this season though."

A Brockway turn-around jumper would again get the Sea Kings to within 7 with 3:21 to play, but point guard Kylie Nakamine drove to the middle and kicked to an open Marie Lauzon who canned a corner triple, keeping PV at bay and continuing on for the 45-33 win.

“We moved the ball inside, then I started hitting some shots outside," said Reese. "Kylie’s driving got us into a flow in the second half."

Nakamine led Mira Costa with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals. Reese also reached double-figures thanks to some great outside shooting, with 10 points to go along with 7 rebounds; Stephanoff added 7 points.

“PV has become a really big rivalry over the past few years," said Takahashi. "They were one of the favorites at the start of the year and it’s nice to get both from them this year."

Brockway finished with a game-high 17 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter.

The CIF playoff bracket will be announced on Sunday. The Mustangs are hoping for a home game thanks to their second place finish and 18-win season.

“We’re hoping to get a decent seed. If someone had told me before the season that we would win 18 and 8 in league, I would have taken it,” Takahashi said.

“We just have to continue to play like every game is our last game," Stephanoff said. "It’s Division I and everyone in the playoffs is going to be tough."