Newport Harbor Tops Marina in Nail-Biter Victory, 55-53 (2025)

Newport Beach – Sailors Gym

The Newport Harbor Sailors boys’ varsity basketball team beat the Marina Vikings in a closely fought game on Friday night, clinching a 55-53 victory. The thrilling matchup was marked by momentum swings, standout individual performances, and a dramatic final quarter.

The game began as a back-and-forth battle, with Newport Harbor holding a thin 16-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Sailors gained momentum in the second period, fueled by Jack Berry’s aggressive scoring and sharp playmaking. Berry, who finished with a team-high 16 points, was instrumental in building Newport Harbor’s 38-33 halftime advantage. Owen Saukkola also made his presence felt, contributing 14 points on efficient 6-for-9 shooting, including two three-pointers.

In the third quarter, the Sailors’ offense slowed, managing only 10 points as Marina mounted a comeback. Barak Simon emerged as a key contributor for the Vikings, scoring a game-high 19 points while hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Mark Yeager added 15 points for Marina, showcasing his versatility with five three-pointers of his own. The Vikings’ defensive intensity forced Newport Harbor into turnovers and kept the game within reach.

The fourth quarter was tense, with Marina outscoring Newport Harbor 11-7 as both teams tightened up defensively. Vaughn Casey provided critical moments for the Sailors, scoring eight points and making clutch free throws to maintain their narrow lead. On the defensive end, Newport Harbor’s efforts from Niko Salomon and Gavin Guy proved pivotal. Salomon’s three steals and Guy’s rebounding helped limit Marina’s scoring opportunities down the stretch.

As the game clock ticked down, Marina’s final possession fell short, securing the win for Newport Harbor. The Sailors’ ability to withstand Marina’s late-game push demonstrated their composure and resilience under pressure.

The win was a crucial one for Newport Harbor as they aim to build momentum in league play. With Jack Berry leading the scoring and strong performances from Saukkola, Salomon, and Casey, the Sailors showed off their depth and determination needed for success.

For Marina, the loss was a hard-fought effort that highlighted standout performances from Simon and Yeager. Despite coming up short, the Vikings proved they could compete with the talent in their league and will look to bounce back in their next matchup.

Both teams will now turn their focus to their upcoming games, with Newport Harbor eager to continue their winning streak and Marina determined to turn the page on this narrow defeat.