Barry Faulkner
Having played on the precipice of postseason qualification for nine
days, the Corona del Mar High boys basketball team can enjoy an
anxiety-free weekend.
The Sea Kings ensured they won't have to sweat out having to earn
a CIF Southern Section Division III-A at-large berth by beating
Calvary Chapel, 56-49, in a Pacific Coast League third-place playoff
Friday at University High.
The loss ended the season for the Eagles (10-17, 4-7 in league),
who knocked off CdM (Tuesday in overtime) and Tesoro (Thursday) to
force the playoff showdown. Including a December tournament clash, it
was the fourth meeting between the two teams. CdM won three.
"We've played the last four games needing one win to be in (the
playoffs)," CdM Coach Ryan Curry said. "It took us until the fourth
game, but we got that win and it's awesome. I'm really proud of us."
The victory, led by junior guard Jay Northridge's career-high 23
points, ended a three-game losing steak for CdM (12-15, 5-6). It also
enhanced the Sea Kings' playoff plight, having secured a guaranteed
berth, instead of the at-large bid, for which all teams with at least
11 wins are considered.
"The at-large bid was never a guarantee," Curry said. "We've been
controlling our on destiny for four games. Now, we don't have to
worry."
The Sea Kings, who missed the playoffs last year, will learn of
their first-round fate when pairings are released Sunday.
Friday's win was not without some worry, though Calvary Chapel's
only lead was 2-0.
CdM, the designated home team on the neutral court, where it had
not won since 2001, rallied for an 11-4 advantage and was up, 16-9,
at the end of the first quarter.
CdM held its lead in the second quarter, despite going the final
7:08 of the half without a field goal.
Calvary Chapel closed to within 22-20 at halftime and was within
24-23 after two Brenen Beeler free throws with 2:04 elapsed in the
third quarter.
But Northridge, limited to eight points in Tuesday's 68-60
overtime loss against the visiting Eagles and six points in
Thursday's loss to league champion Northwood, connected on
back-to-back three-pointers, both from the left corner, to
reestablish control.
Northridge, who drilled a career-high five three-pointers,
converted from beyond the arc with 1:02 left in the quarter to give
the Sea Kings a 37-30 edge, heading into the final eight minutes.
Northridge scored five points and assisted on a Brett Matsen layin
to help the Sea Kings maintain a 46-41 lead, midway through the final
