Corona del Mar Triumphs Over Newport Harbor in Rivalry Game (2025)

Newport Beach – Sailors Gym

On Wednesday night, the Corona del Mar High School varsity boys’ basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over Newport Harbor High School, emerging with a 60-51 win on the road. The matchup showcased strong performances on both sides, but a decisive opening quarter and standout individual efforts pushed the Sea Kings to their win.

Corona del Mar came out of the gates firing, building a commanding 22-9 lead in the first quarter. Senior Oliver Nakra set the tone early, delivering a game-high 27 points while shooting an efficient 8-for-15 from the field, including 4-for-6 from the three. Nakra’s ability to connect on key free throws (7-for-9) and steady playmaking made him the backbone of the offense throughout the game.

While the Sea Kings built their early lead, Newport Harbor High School refused to go quietly. The Sailors rallied in the second quarter, outscoring Corona del Mar 17-16 to bring the halftime deficit to a more manageable 38-26. Niko Salomon’s sharpshooting and Gavin Guy’s versatility provided crucial sparks for Newport Harbor. Salomon tallied 11 points, sinking 3-of-5 from the three, while Guy chipped in 12 points and demonstrated defensive tenacity.

The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with neither able to pull decisively away. Corona del Mar relied on balanced contributions beyond Nakra. Maxwell Scott added 12 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting, while Ganon Overfelt contributed 11 points and maintained a strong defensive presence with five deflections and two steals. Jackson Harlan also made an impact for the Sea Kings, recording a team-high nine rebounds to help secure second-chance opportunities.

Newport Harbor threatened a comeback in the fourth quarter, tightening their defense and limiting Corona del Mar to just seven points in the final period. However, the Sea Kings’ composure under pressure and early-game cushion proved too much for the Sailors to overcome. Corona del Mar’s ability to force turnovers (17 total) and capitalize on their fast start ultimately sealed the victory.

Despite the loss, Newport Harbor’s gritty performance was commendable. Jack Berry and Gavin Guy showcased their hustle and court awareness, combining for 12 assists, while Leyton Torribio and Cade Clark made defensive contributions that kept Corona del Mar on their toes.

The win marked an important step forward for the Sea Kings as they look to solidify their standing in league play. With Oliver Nakra leading the way and contributions from a deep supporting cast, Corona del Mar displayed the teamwork and resilience needed to compete at a high level.

Both teams will now turn their attention to their next matchups, with Newport Harbor eager to bounce back and Corona del Mar looking to maintain their momentum.