Morton leads Tars

CORONA DEL MAR — The 2009 Battle of the Bay girls’ basketball game proved to be extra special for Newport Harbor High’s Alex Morton.

The sophomore was in her first week back since recovering from having her gall bladder removed the day after Christmas.

Of course there was also the mater that the Battle of the Bay is always interesting in the Morton household. Morton’s mother, Kandi, went to Corona del Mar, and her father, Garinn, is a Newport Harbor alumnus. They met while working at a local restaurant during their high school years.

Their daughter cooked up quite an effort Saturday night at Corona del Mar. With her team-high eight points and nine rebounds, the forward was instrumental in leading the Sailors to a 34-29 nonleague victory over the Sea Kings.

“I just came in here wanting to do my best,” said Morton, who was in her third game back since recovering from the surgery. “The Battle of the Bay means so much to me.”

As junior standout Katey Thompson battled foul trouble, Morton was one of the players who stepped up to hold off CdM (17-5).

The Sailors (7-14) held a 21-19 lead entering the fourth period, but they opened the quarter with a 7-0 run. Morton had six points, including four on offensive putbacks, during the spurt.

But CdM fought back and came within, 30-27, with 1:42 left after senior Sami Stern hit one of two free throws. Stern nearly hit a three-pointer with 11 seconds left that would’ve tied the game, but the ball hit the front of the rim. Junior Coleen Mead grabbed the rebound and was fouled. She made both free throws to give the Sailors some breathing room.

In the final nine seconds, Newport Harbor hit five of six from the free-throw line. The Sailors finished 10 for 23 from the free-throw line.

The charity stripe was cruel for the Sea Kings, who were 11 for 33 on their free throws.

“That says it all,” CdM Coach Mark Decker said.

While the Sea Kings struggled with free throws, Newport battled through foul trouble. Thompson picked up her second foul less than three minutes into the game. She had three fouls less than two minutes into the second quarter. She was hack-free in the second half and finished with five points to go with six rebounds. Her younger sister, Kasey, a freshman, added five points and seven rebounds. Senior Corinne Schnieders contributed six points and two blocks.

Sophomore Kayla Marolt led the Sea Kings with nine points before fouling out with 1:58 left. Senior Brittany Rhyme also fouled out, with nine seconds left, but scored six points, while junior Katie Bergsma had five points, 12 rebounds and three steals.

Nonleague

Newport Harbor 34, Corona del Mar 29

SCORE BY QUARTERS

NH – Morton 8, Schnieders 6, Kat. Thompson 5, Kas. Thompson 5, Mead 4, Jimenez 2, Anderson 2, Blackledge 2.

3-pt. goals – None.

Fouled out – Anderson.

CdM – Marolt 9, Rhyme 6, Bergsma 5, Nadal 5, Schroff 2, Stern 1, Brahs 1.

3-pt. goals – Rhyme 1, Nadal 1.

Fouled out – Marolt, Rhyme.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at [email protected].