Mira Costa begins the boys basketball season hosting its version of the Pacific Shores Tournament beginning Monday, Nov. 30.
The eight-team tournament includes Mira Costa, Carson, Culver City and Burroughs in Pool A and Torrance, Brentwood, Gardena and Chadwick in Pool B.
Mira Costa begins pool play against Carson on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Games continue on Wednesday and Thursday followed by the final contests on Saturday, Dec. 5 concluding with the championship game at 7:30 p.m.
Mira Costa will look to rebuild after graduating six of its top seven players from last year’s team that reached the CIF Division 2AA quarterfinals. The Mustangs also lost Sam Sturges for the season after the senior guard tore his ACL about a month ago.
“Although not extremely tall, our players have length that will make our defense solid,” Mira Costa coach Jeff Amaral said. “Our overall versatility on defense is our strength along with some skilled offensive players across the board.”
The key returner for the Mustangs is senior guard/wing Quenton Jackson, a disruptive defender who averaged nearly 14 points per game and was a 2nd-team All-Bay League selection last season.
Mira Costa’s tallest player is 6-foot-5 senior center Tyler Morgan and will seek help from 6-foot-3 junior forwards Jonas Pitan and Cameron Steen.
Senior center Levi Griffith (6’3”) played junior varsity last season after transferring to Mira Costa and adds offensive rebounding and interior defense.
Senior Johnny Mims (5’9”) will replace All-CIF shooting star Dylan Kim at point guard while junior guard Brandon Chan (6’1”) returns after having minimal playing time last season.
“Brandon is a skilled combo guard who is our Swiss army knife,” Amaral said. “He can defend multiple positions and is versatile on offense, too.”
Other guards include sophomore Bobby Barkley (6’ 2”) and junior Ryan White (5’11”).
For more information, visit costabasketlball.com.
