Newport Harbor never trails and wins 48-25 against Costa Mesa (2024)

Newport Beach – Newport Harbor Gym

The Newport Harbor girls basketball team never trailed and finished strong against Costa Mesa, winning 48-25 on Tuesday at Newport Harbor High School.

Both teams’ offenses were sluggish coming out the gate, as both teams combined for 12 points in the first quarter. But the Sailors’ defense was stifling to start, holding the Mustangs to zero field goals in the quarter.

While the Lady Tars controlled most of the game, the gritty Lady Mustangs stayed in it despite being down double digits. With big baskets in the paint with one coming off a turnover to close the first half, the Mustangs only found themselves down 21-15 at halftime.

But the third quarter is when it all changes. The Lady Tars’ defense really shined after some minor halftime adjustments as they not only held Costa Mesa without a field goal, they held the opposition to no points. And while it was locking down the opposing team defensively, Newport Harbor’s offense came alive to boost the lead. The Sailor’s point guard Abi George shed light on their improvements, “I think we calmed down more defensively and (became more) aware of our surroundings like who we were guarding and where we needed to be. Overall just calmed down in the second quarter, wasn’t trying to rush the ball anymore and just make our plays and shots.”

The lead ballooned up to as many as 28 as the Mustangs, despite playing with a lot of heart, were no match for the Sailors, who snapped their two-game losing skid and got back above .500 in the young season.

Newport Harbor was led by Sophomore Gianna Briggs who had 14 points while freshman Addie Ting chipped in 10 points. Abi George contributed eight points while freshman Morgan Starkenberg added six points and 18 rebounds.

Newport Harbor Sailor’s head coach Tony Zeddies unpacked the night during his post game interview, “Costa Mesa really hustles. I was impressed with how much they challenged us to really make good passes and that was the key. Keep our eyes up (and) rotate the ball quickly but smartly. We’re still growing and figuring that out but I thought our girls did a really good job at that today… Defensively it was the little things. Putting a little bit more pressure on their point guard, she was a heck of a player, but you know sometimes double teaming her and then boxing out defensively… We really got the ball out, got it moving, and that’s how we got some easy lay-ups.”

The Sailors (3-2) will have a week off to rest and prepare for their next opponent, as they host Santa Ana on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Sailors head coach Tony Zeddies said that the Saints present a challenge being so fast and pressuring defensively, as they made it to the final North/South Tournament last weekend.