It is rare that a #21 seed makes their way deep into the state tournament. Last night that is exactly what has happened. The MiraCosta College men's basketball team, proudly taking with them the #21 seed, traveled to Santiago Canyon College for their second round match up. Santiago Canyon held the #5 seed and an impressive 22-6 record. They also represented the strongest conference in the state. The record, seed, and conference reputation wasn't enough to overcome a confident Spartan team that won by a final score of 84-74. With the win MiraCosta improves to 16-14 overall and more importantly, survives another round.
Early in the game the score was close, with neither team holding an obvious advantage. The Spartans, who had defeated Santiago Canyon back in November, clearly believed they had a chance. At halftime MiraCosta trailed 38-41 but had done enough to demonstrate that they would not go down without a fight.
In the second half Santiago Canyon made a run behind the stellar play of Erik Howlin. The Hawks extended their lead to 12, but the Spartans didn't look worried. Coach Ryan Frazer took a time out to settle his team and discuss adjustments, and then they never looked back. MiraCosta implemented a full-court pressing defense that rattled their opponents and created easy opportunities on the other end. Patrick McLachlan and Jordan Campbell made a flurry of three point shots that quickly got the Spartans back in contention. MiraCosta not only caught back up, they took control of the game and surpassed Santiago Canyon.
Freshman point guard Jayden Winfrey was impressive in the second half, looking unstoppable when the ball was in his hands. Sophomores Carter Plousha and Devynn Wakefield provided the Spartans the consistent presence defending, rebounding and attacking the rim, as they have all year long. Julian Williams, Lamont Couch Jr., Nigel Wilson, and Jonathan Tchengang all played important minutes that helped MiraCosta earn their way into the Sweet 16 of the CCCAA state tournament.
The Spartans have a quick turn around time, playing San Diego City College on Saturday for a chance to advance to the CCCAA state championships.