Corona del Mar Dominates Fountain Valley 70-49 in Sunset League Showdown (2025)

Corona del Mar extended its impressive start to the season with a commanding 70-49 victory over Fountain Valley in Sunset League play on Friday. The Sea Kings were led by sophomore Maxwell Scott, who scored 29 points, predominantly on layups made possible by strong ball movement. Junior Oliver Nakra contributed 20 points, including nine from beyond the arc and seven from free throws.

A pivotal 18-7 second-quarter run set the tone, giving CdM a 32-18 halftime lead. Coach Jason Simco highlighted the team’s focus on utilizing their size advantage inside, particularly with Scott and forward Jackson Harlan. “We emphasized getting it in the paint tonight and we did that,” Simco said.

Fountain Valley, ranked No. 20 in Orange County, struggled to find consistent scoring, relying on outside shooting that faltered under CdM’s defensive pressure. “You always have to adjust,” Scott said of the Sea Kings’ early shift to an inside game. “The plan is to hit shots. Sometimes they don’t fall. You have to find other ways to score.”

The Sea Kings (16-2, 2-0) are in strong form after going 3-1 in the Desert Holiday Classic and winning their league opener 69-54 against Marina. They face Huntington Beach on Saturday in their second league game in as many days. For Nakra, the matchup carries added significance as he faces his former team for the first time since transferring. “It’s a one-day turnaround, so it’s kind of crazy,” Simco said of the packed schedule.

Fountain Valley, returning to league play after a 3-1 run in the Pirate Shootout, moves to 1-2 in Sunset League competition. The Barons, who previously lost to Edison and beat Newport Harbor, aim to recover from Friday’s defeat as they look ahead to upcoming league contests.

Corona del Mar’s dominance, sparked by their balanced attack and defensive cohesion, underscores their aspirations for Sunset League supremacy.