Newport Harbor falters

nh girls hoops gamerSailors’ girls’ basketball team loses big at the hands of Palos Verdes in opening round of South Coast Holiday Classic.IRVINE -- The Newport Harbor High girls’ basketball team faltered again, in the opening game of the South Coast Holiday Classic at University High.

The Sailors dropped their sixth straight contest dating back to last season with a 63-29 loss at the hands of the Sea Kings on Monday.

The Tars (0-3) dug themselves a deep hole in the first quarter as the Palos Verdes defense forced five steals and ignited a 14-0 run in the first 3:30.

Newport Harbor Coach Jen Thompson said it was a lackadaisical start that ultimately hurt the Sailors.

“We lacked intensity, they came out strong, and we didn’t,” Thompson said. “We gave them three turnovers to start the game before we even took our first shot.”

Palos Verdes (2-0) -- which finished 20-9 last season and shared the Pioneer League championship -- took no prisoners. Sea Kings point guard Danielle Arriola made three steals to open the game and set the quick pace.

Juniors Jessica Bodkin and Amber Munnelly led the Sailors in scoring with eight points apiece, but the Sea Kings were unrelenting in their defense, which fostered 21 points off of turnovers.

In the second quarter, Newport Harbor freshman Christina O’Tousa came in to help settle the offense and slow down Palos Verdes’ attack.

“Christina was a bright spot for us, she is a real hustler,” Thompson said.

The freshman finished with four points, three assists and two steals.

The offensive highlight of the night for the Sailors was a six-point run midway through the second quarter. Munnelly hit a jumper to break a two-minute scoring drought.

On the Sailors’ next possession, O’Tousa stole a pass, drove the floor and fed point guard Ivy Melo for mid-range shot.

Newport Harbor will face El Modena today in the second round of pool play.

South Coast Holiday Classic

Pool play

First round

Palos Verdes 63,

Newport Harbor 29

Score by Quarters