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Tustin boys basketball dominates Costa Mesa in Empire League battle for first place

January 18, 2025

TUSTIN — Tustin’s boys basketball team stayed unbeaten in the Empire League with a convincing 67-42 win over Costa Mesa on Friday night at Tustin High.

The Tillers (18-6, 4-0) were led by the trio of Yuri Klines, Ethan Contreras and Daniel Molina.

Klines had a team-high 16 points, Contreras added 15 points and Molina finished with 12 points and four 3-pointers, all in the second half.

“Our focus, our intent and our physicality was excellent,” Tustin coach Ringo Bossenmeyer said. “But we’re only halfway through (league), so we’re taking this as an 8-mile race, and we are at mile four and we’re just trying to take one mile at a time.”

The Tillers built a 10-point halftime lead thanks to a great effort from Klines and Contreras, who scored 12 of his 15 points in the first half to help set the tone.

“He’s our leader offensively and defensively, without a doubt he’s our leader on both ends, and we are very fortunate to have him.” Bossenmeyer said.

Marlee Slone finished with a game-high 19 points and Kembe Howerton had 13 points for the Mustangs (9-14, 3-1), who entered the game trying to grab control of first place in the league standings.

“We knew their talent level, without a doubt, they had our full respect,” Bossenmeyer said. “But sometimes the night just goes your way and tonight, we earned it, but the night went our way and next time around I’m sure they’re gonna come right back at us.”

Molina helped Tustin pull away in the second half by hitting four 3-pointers.

What stood out to Bossenmeyer was Molina’s effort on the defensive end, as he helped hold senior guard Garry Slone scoreless.

“Obviously he’s got the ability to make some shots,” Bossenmeyer said, “but you go to the other side of it and he did a heck of a job on #1 (Slone) and he’s a tough cover. H’s (Molina) turning into a complete player.”

The Tillers also began the second half on a run which started with Contreras hitting a corner 3-pointer. Klines was a defensive spark and center Moe Hernandez got involved with a 3-pointer of his own and a bucket he converted after a foul.

Bossenmeyer knows things are just getting started in the league play and hopes for more of the same in the final slate of games.

“They’re going to enjoy it tonight but Calvary Chapel’s got our full attention coming in here on Wednesday,” he said of the Tillers’ next opponent.

Costa Mesa looks to bounce back next week when it hosts Godinez on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Orange County Register

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Tustin boys basketball dominates Costa Mesa in Empire League battle for first place

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