Green Grass grabs Cup

 Submitted by Scott Brown

The Green Grass from AYSO Region 57 won the boys’ U14 Mayor’s Cup championship game, 3-0, over Costa Mesa Sunday.

The Grass were anchored by their stalwart defense and goaltending, which did not allow a single goal in the tournament. Max Helman had a great game and was able to shut down Costa Mesa’s top goal scorer. Court Clark made several key defensive stops making things difficult for Costa Mesa the entire game.

Goaltenders Brett Davidson and Spencer Cornman both came up with huge saves for the Grass in the championship game. In addition, Giovanni Gentosi and Armaan Patel played strong games and were both defensive standouts for the Grass. Brad Shockey patrolled midfield like a lion for the Grass. Shockey created many offensive attacks and scored a big goal in the game.

Jonathan Skolnik, Nic Sefarian, Alex Wendland and Billy Hoffman made major contributions at midfield for the Grass in Sunday’s championship game. Offensively the Green Grass was led by center forward James Pflughaupt. He distributed the ball evenly to his teammates and played a part in all three Grass goals.

Ryan Brown and Preston Riddle added some excitement to the game with their speed and dribbling skills at the outside forward position. Forwards Blake Davidson and Finn Jeffrey saved their best for the Mayor’s Cup final. Davidson showed his great speed and gritty play at right wing for the Grass. He had several shots on goal in the game and gave the Grass some breathing room by scoring the second goal of the game. Finn played a great game and scored a goal.

Basketball

Hornets 36, Thunder 28

 Reader submission

The Hornets of the Newport Mesa NJB Boys’ Division 3 defeated the Thunder.

The game was close throughout with many lead changes, but in a classic exhibition of teamwork, every player for the Hornets scored. Great team defense and the steady leadership of Will Black and Jack Pitchess at point guard led the Hornets to the final-quarter victory. Aggressive mid-range play and tough defense by James McConnoughey and Alex Rosen helped limit the opponents’ scoring opportunities. Ferocious rebounding and smart play by Michael Ferry, Aidan Steinke and Jake Burri sealed the victory.

The Big Cats win two

 Submitted by Mike Kincaid

The Newport Mesa National Basketball All-Net fifth-grade boys’ team won its first two games of the season.