Mustangs Start Their Climb In The Hilltop Classic

Mira Costa High's big two of Elliot Ozer and Thomas Johnson did their usual damage, but key contributions from other players on Tuesday helped the Mustangs strike a balanced attack in a 60-47 victory over Newport Harbor in the first round of the Hilltop Classic. 

Ozer poured in 21 points and collected eight rebounds, while Johnson added 17 points 10 rebounds and four blocks. But it was the play of junior guard Cooper Pugnale and senior forward Tom Farrell that Coach Henry Myar was most pleased with.  Pugnale added five points, five assists and four steals, while Farrell hit all four of his shots from the field to contribute eight points.

"Tonight was Cooper's best effort of the season," Myar said. ''He made some really nice assists, some key shots, and his defense was outstanding." 

Pugnale credited his defense as one of the keys to his strong performance. 

"I was able to get up on their guys, get some steals and I was able to run out on the break and it helped me get into the flow of the game right away," he said.

The Mustangs were building a double-digit lead near the end of the first half, but a 7-0 run from Newport Harbor cut the Mira Costa lead to 31-27. Ozer's driving layup at the buzzer extended the Mustangs lead to 33-27.

A highlight reel alley-oop - Pugnale finding Johnson at the rim for a two-handed dunk - started the second half on a high note for Mira Costa. The slam ignited several runs and added some much-needed momentum.

"It felt good to get that first dunk in after I had so many last year and it was frustrating not being able to get one in the first few games,'' Johnson said. ''I think the team was energized after that."

Mira Costa extended its lead to 44-32 early in the third quarter behind a 3-point play from Ozer and an old school sky-hook from the baseline by Farrell. 

The Mustangs took advantage of their height and athleticism in the second half, scoring a majority of their points on layups and in the paint. Pugnale hit a 3-pointer with 3:20 remaining to stretch the Mira Costa lead to 56-40 and all but buried the Sailors' chances at a comeback. 

Myar said he is extremely pleased with the improvement his team has made on both ends of the floor.

"We had a whole week of practice and the team defense we're playing is very encouraging to see," Myar said. "We're also doing a much better job of sharing the ball, and our assist to turnover ratio has continued to get better."

No win is perfect however - Mira Costa was only 10 of 21 from the free throw line, which gives Myar cause for some concern. 

"We do need to get that free throw percentage up. If we can shoot closer to 70 percent we're going to be tough to beat. Shooting less than 50 leaves at least four to six points off the board every night and that could hurt us in the future."

Mira Costa takes on South Torrance on Thursday at 3 p.m. in the second round of tounament at Palos Verdes High.