Vaqueros take hoops league title
The Irvine High School boys basketball team captured the Pacific Coast League title for the first time since 1991 with a perfect league record and advanced to the CIF Division 2A semifinals.
The Vaqueros clinched their second league title in school history with a 65-60 victory over Northwood in double overtime in the championship. Irvine had a 22-game winning streak snapped by St. Bonaventure in overtime in the CIF semifinals.
“I am not sure if this is a record for wins, but I imagine it is safe to say we are one of the best teams in Irvine boys basketball history,” says coach Harry Meussner of the team’s 29-3 record.
Leading the way was senior forward Cooper Stearns, who averaged 20 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.7 steals a game. He moved into the 1,000-point and 1,000-rebound career mark this season and will head to Stanford University next year on a golf scholarship. “My team won the league championship, we won it together,” Stearns said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this squad.”
Other top players were Holden Stearns, Ali Dal, Taewon Kim and Jalen Yim.
Portola girls soccer wins Pacific Hills League
Portola girls soccer team captured the league title and advanced to the CIF semifinals for the third time in school history before losing to Foothill, 4-3, in overtime.
“I liked the way we played the game; these girls are respectful of the game, respect their opponents, and so I just couldn’t be more proud of their approach to soccer,” coach Joshua Stringer says. “It’s a joy to watch and a joy to be a part of.”
Lily Nesland had two goals and Lorel Stringer one goal for Portola, which finished with an overall record of 11-2-2.
Woodbridge softball signings
Woodbridge High softball standouts Mia Tamkoc and Payton Harris signed their national letters of intent. Tamkoc is headed to Southern Utah University where she will major in business. Harris will play for University of Pittsburgh and major in biochemistry.
