Mesa romps past Lions

Bryce Alderton

One down, two to go.

That’s the reality for the Costa Mesa High boys basketball team

after roughing up host Westminster, 69-26, in Golden West League play

Monday night. The Mustangs (9-15, 4-6 in league) can clinch the last

of four playoff spots in the seven-team league with wins against

Santa Ana at home Wednesday and at Saddleback Friday, as long as

Santa Ana (5-5) loses to Orange Friday. Orange (7-3) beat Estancia

(6-5) Monday.

The 26 points is the fewest allowed by a Mesa team since giving up

25 to Saddleback in December of 1999.

Mesa Coach Bob Serven admitted the final two games would be

difficult, but he likes the way his team is heading.

“We’re 9-15 but we are better than our record and we’re definitely

much better right now than the beginning of the season,” Serven said.

Much like the previous meeting, Mesa catapulted to an early

cushion and left Westminster wallowing in a dismal shooting display.

The Lions shot just 19.5% (8 for 41), making only 4 of 23 attempts

in the second half. But that hardly mattered to the Mustangs, who

often dived on the floor for loose balls and slithered their way into

passing lanes to break up passes.

“We played real good defense,” Serven said.

When the Lions missed, the Mustangs were there for the rebound (40

total) and found either a cutter slashing to the hoop for an easy

layup or found someone open for one of their 10 three-pointers, in 32

tries.

The Mustangs shot 22 of 58 (37.9%), getting contributions from

everyone who stepped onto the floor, specifically freshman Scott

Knox, who tied his career-high with 21 points set against the Lions

last month. Knox scored 14 in the first half and led the Mustangs

with eight rebounds.

Mesa outscored Westminster, 12-3, the final 6:45 of the first half

and led, 31-11, at the break. The Lions didn’t make a field goal in

that span and took almost half the third quarter, before drilling a

three to cut the Mustang lead to 41-17.

Then the three parade began for Mesa freshman Tony Krikorian, who

scored all nine of his points (career-high) on treys (two from Knox

assists and one from older brother Danny) in the final 3:16 of the

period. Danny hit three free throws and sophomore Jeff Waldron tipped

in a rebound for an easy deuce as the Mustangs made a 14-7 run the

last 2:30 of the third quarter to take a commanding 31-point lead.

Serven inserted his reserves for nearly all of the fourth, enough

time for Sharif Abedrabo (four points, four rebounds), Edson

Dominguez (five rebounds, two points), Curtis Millward (one point,

four rebounds) and Ziad Pepic (two assists, one rebound) to gain

valuable playing time.

Waldron went 3 of 5 from the field en route to six points and six

rebounds while Marko Stankovic scored five points, four in the first

quarter, and grabbed six boards.

Waldron, much like the rest of the team, has gained momentum

throughout the league season, Serven said.

“Jeff Waldron has played his best basketball in the league games,

and that is the key for all of them,” Serven said. “This team has a

lot of confidence. Our guys are fresh into it, with great attitudes

and work ethic.”

Danny Krikorian scored 16 points on 4-of-13 shooting (all threes)

along with grabbing five rebounds. Freshman Brian Molina tallied five

points, three assists, one steal and one rebound.

Serven said the team’s freshmen are getting more comfortable with

each game, which is leading to increased confidence for other players

as well.

“Some of Danny’s confidence is rubbing off on the freshmen,”

Serven said. “The freshmen are finding their roles.”

Mesa lost at Santa Ana, 54-39, Jan. 22 and beat Saddleback, 54-52,

two days later. Santa Ana plays at Orange Friday. The Panthers beat

the Saints, 66-51, Jan. 24.