Well-conditioned Mira Costa off to a blazing start

The Mira Costa boys basketball team didn't waste any time taking control of its opening game Monday in the Pac Shores tournament.

The Mustangs scored the first 15 points against Lynwood en route to a 93-67 victory that lifted their record to 7-0.

The key to the Mustangs' undefeated start goes back to the offseason.

“We ran a lot to get ready for the season,” senior Dylan Black said.

“I think we're definitely the most conditioned team that we could be. That helps us finish games in the fourth quarter.

“We're trying to get better at starting games in the first half, but we finish games well because we're well-conditioned.”

The Mustangs are also a team with strong senior leadership. Black and Will Householter have been on the varsity roster since their freshman season. Nick Lundy and Trey Pearce are threeyear varsity players.

Householter recalled that the conditioning days during the offseason probably lasted an hour and a half.

“Our starting unit is pretty strong and I enjoy playing with them every day and working in practice,” Lundy said. “I think our practices are more competitive than our games, so that really makes the games a lot easier. The practices are super physical and when we get to the games, it's easier.

“The chemistry has been great. It's been awesome to play and build with each other.”

Mira Costa started the season by winning the Jim Harris Memorial at Ocean View High.

The Mustangs' next game in the Pac Shores is Wednesday against Long Beach Millikan.

“The fact that we've been on varsity for so long and we can bring that leadership to the younger guys,” Householter said. “We have great chemistry on the court.”

That chemistry has helped lead the way on both ends of the court.

“In our championship game at the last tournament, our defense really saved us,” Householter said. “It was a low-scoring game, so this tournament we want to keep that same defensive intensity and keeping the offense flowing and making sure we can find good shots.”

TOURNAMENTS CONTINUE » The Pac Shores tournament wraps up pool play today, followed by games Friday and the finals Saturday.

The Trevor Ariza Tip-Off Classic, which began Monday, will also wrap up pool play Wednesday. The finals will be Saturday.

Redondo's Ryse Williams Pac Shores began Tuesday. This year, the event is a week of showcase games instead of being played as a tournament.