Eagles take back Bell from Mustangs

COSTA MESA — Xavier Castellano earned the right to ring the bell last season.

As an assistant on the Estancia High boys’ basketball team, the Eagles beat Costa Mesa in the Battle for the Bell.

Castellano refrained, telling himself, “We’re going to wait until we do it with the girls.”

The wait wasn’t long.

In his first season as the girls’ coach, Castellano rang the bell loud, so everyone at Estancia could hear it Tuesday night.

The Eagles won the Orange Coast League game, 56-38, sweeping the cross-town rivalry series for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

The trophy stood near halfcourt. From the far end of the bench, Castellano watched his players run over to the big prize and surround it.

Fans took photos of the team. Castellano just looked on.

Racing through his mind was how Estancia turned it around after going 3-23, 0-9 in league last season.

Castellano remembers when only five players showed up in the summer. No one really wanted to return after a dreadful season and their head coach gone after two seasons.

In a short time, Castellano has his alma mater (13-8, 4-1) contending for a league championship.

Castellano never predicted such success. Maybe a third-place finish in league and a playoff appearance.

One thing is all Castellano said he asked of his players before the season.

“Make sure you’re able to look each other in the eye and know you guys are playing hard for each other and doing it for one another,” Castellano said to a young team.

The youngsters bought into working together as one unit.

Castellano and co-coach Judd Fryslie have the Eagles playing ferocious ball on the court. Their resiliency is paying off for Estancia, ranked No. 14 in the latest CIF Southern Section Division IV-A coaches’ poll.

Costa Mesa (5-15, 0-5) learned for the second time this season that Estancia owns this rivalry.

Going into this season, the Mustangs had won 11 straight against Estancia. Now, they’ve been on the other end of some lopsided games.

In two games, the Eagles have won by an average of 20.5 points. Erika Soto hurt Costa Mesa in the league opener. It was her sister’s turn this time.

Brenda Soto finished with 17 points and eight steals. The sophomore made seven of 11 field goals, including one three-pointer during Estancia’s 22-6 run to close out the opening quarter.

“It brings us closer together,” Brenda said of the winning.

Four league games remain. Unlike last season, the Eagles aren’t desperate for a victory.

Castellano is thankful this is the case. He also thanks the former coach, Tommy Rausch, an Estancia graduate.

“He called me and wished me luck,” said Castellano of Rausch, who is an assistant with the Concordia University men’s basketball team, which played Tuesday night. “It kind of sucks that Tommy can’t be here.”

Castellano made sure to ring the bell for Rausch as well.

Orange Coast League

Estancia 56, Costa Mesa 38

SCORE BY QUARTERS

CM – Barcenas 13, Hobberlin 10, Gordon 8, Bauermeister 6, Quebedeaux 1.

3-pt. goals – Bauermeister 2.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.

E – B. Soto 17, Maldonado 10, Asher 8, Flores 8, Stafford 4, Stratton 4, Boldizar 4, E. Soto 1.

3-pt. goals – Maldonado 3, Flores 2, B. Soto 1.

Fouled out – E. Soto.

Technicals – None.

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at [email protected].