Fountain Valley Rallies from 21-Point Deficit to Defeat Newport Harbor, 62-58 (2025)

Newport Beach – Sailors Gym

Fountain Valley faced a pivotal moment in their Sunset League matchup against Newport Harbor on Wednesday. Desperately needing a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Barons appeared to be in serious trouble, trailing by 21 points midway through the third quarter at Newport Harbor High School. Yet, in a stunning turnaround fueled by relentless effort and precision shooting, Fountain Valley staged a dramatic comeback, earning a thrilling 62-58 win over the Sailors.

The victory propels Fountain Valley (16-8 overall, 3-5 league) into a fourth-place tie with Newport Harbor (15-9, 3-5 league) as both teams eye a playoff berth with four games remaining in league play. Fountain Valley’s coach, Brendan Holmes, emphasized the importance of the win. “It kind of gets us back to the middle,” he said. “The goal is to try to go forward, beat the teams we’ve already beaten to help with any tiebreak situation.”

Ranked No. 20 in Orange County, Fountain Valley faced immense pressure entering the game, knowing the stakes for their postseason aspirations. Their first-half struggles saw Newport Harbor, ranked No. 18, dominate much of the early action with sharp offense and stifling defense. However, the Barons refused to fold. Key adjustments, including a focus on perimeter shooting and ramped-up defensive intensity, sparked a second-half rally that erased Newport Harbor’s sizable lead.

As the game progressed, Fountain Valley’s confidence grew with every successful possession. Their ability to hit crucial three-pointers, combined with strong defensive stops, shifted the momentum entirely. Newport Harbor, initially in control, was left scrambling to respond to the Barons’ offensive surge.

This victory gives Fountain Valley a critical tiebreaker, having defeated Newport Harbor twice this season. The Barons now have renewed energy heading into the final stretch of league play. Meanwhile, Newport Harbor will need to regroup and recalibrate as their own postseason hopes hinge on their remaining games.

For both teams, the playoff race is heating up. Fountain Valley will look to capitalize on this emotional victory, while Newport Harbor faces a crucial test of their resilience in the coming weeks.