In a thrilling showdown on January 15, 2025, the MiraCosta men's basketball team upset top-ranked San Diego City 52-50 at home. The victory not only handed San Diego City its first conference loss of the season but also served as a statement win for MiraCosta, solidifying their place as a legitimate contender.

First-Half Domination

MiraCosta exploded out of the gates with an inspired performance, fueled by efficient offense and lockdown defense. The Spartans built a commanding 32-16 halftime lead, with standout performances across the roster. Ramel Bethea led the way, scoring 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting, adding three rebounds and three blocks.

Supporting Bethea, Jaiden Greene contributed six points, sinking two three-pointers in key moments. Forward John Hapgood made his presence felt on the boards, pulling down six rebounds, including two on the offensive glass, while chipping in four points and three assists.

San Diego City's Second-Half Fightback

The visitors, led by Kenny Gonzalez (15 points) and Junior Camacho (13 points), mounted a fierce comeback in the second half. Their efforts brought the game down to the wire, with Gonzalez converting 10 of his 11 free-throw attempts and Camacho attacking the rim to spark momentum.

Despite San Diego City's push, MiraCosta's defensive discipline and timely scoring kept them ahead. Guard Benji Hilstock stepped up with seven points, including a critical three-pointer in the second half that halted San Diego City's surge.

Key Contributions off the Bench

MiraCosta's depth proved crucial in the tightly contested game. Naby Diaw came off the bench to score nine points, including 5-of-7 free throws in clutch moments. Rami Anglo added three points and three rebounds while providing hustle and energy on both ends of the court. Mason Bowers contributed defensively, grabbing three rebounds and helping contain San Diego City's late-game attack.

Team Effort Fuels Victory

MiraCosta's balanced attack and teamwork were key to their success. The team registered 17 assists, with point guard DaVaughn McCrumb leading the way with seven dimes. The Spartans shot an efficient 42.6% from the field, including four three-pointers, compared to San Diego City's 31.5% shooting.

Defensively, MiraCosta's ability to limit San Diego City to just five made three-pointers (26.3%) and force eight turnovers highlighted their collective effort. While San Diego City narrowly won the rebounding battle (30-29), MiraCosta capitalized on second-chance opportunities and executed in crucial moments.

What's Next

This victory sends shockwaves through the conference and positions MiraCosta as a serious threat moving forward. With players like Bethea, McCrumb, and Hilstock stepping up, and valuable contributions from the bench, the Spartans have proven they can compete with the best.

San Diego City will look to bounce back in their next matchup, but this defeat underscores the competitiveness of the league. Meanwhile, MiraCosta aims to build on this momentum as they gear up for another tough opponent in their upcoming game.

With their grit, resilience, and balanced team play, the Spartans have firmly established themselves as a team to watch in the conference race.