MARINER PLAYERS rally around coach David Friedman (Tribune photo).
By Miles Gaskin/Orange County Tribune
The Brea Olinda Wildcats boys’ basketball team knocked off the Pacifica Mariners in gut-wrenching, heart-breaking fashion on Tuesday night. The “win or go home” game turned into a defensive slugfest, as both teams didn’t reach double digits until the second quarter.
The game in the Wildcat gym was neck and neck the entire way, no team held more than a six point lead at any point. Brea Olinda was finally able to create some separation in the overtime period, leading to a 54-49 victory to secure a playoff berth.
The Wildcats were led by junior shooting guard and sharp shooter Logan Severson, and sophomore center Nathaniel Ford. Severson finished with 20 points, five made threes, nine rebounds and an assist. Ford was dominant defensively on the interior, finishing with even points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and a mind-boggling eight blocks.
The Wildcats also received key contributions from junior point guard Tyson Tayag, who finished with 12 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal.
Despite the loss, the Mariners got a huge boost from junior shooting guard Myles Salas, who finished with 18 points, including five three-pointers, five rebounds and an assist. Junior combo guard Maxon Tjhatra had a near double-double with nine points and eight rebounds, and junior 5 ‘9’’ center Kevin Ho helped the offense flow with five assists.
Pacifica Head Coach David Friedman was proud of the way his team battled hard, despite the tough loss.
“I was pretty pleased with our effort tonight, it was not an easy environment to come here and play in, and we gave everything we had and gave them one hell of a game.”
Coach Friedman also said that the size in Brea Olinda’s front court created some problems for the Mariners.
“Size bothered us, they ran some good high-low action, did well on the boards, and blocked a lot of shots. When they weren’t blocking shots, they were affecting shots.”
