YOUTH SCENE:

Taylor Pedicini scored the game-winning goal to lead the Corona del Mar Ice Breakers, a girl’s team of 12-year-olds, to a 2-1 win over the Costa Mesa Darts for the Mayor’s Cup in AYSO Region 57 action.

The title game was a physical one between the teams. There were plenty of yellow cards, as well as penalty kicks.

In the end, the skills of Sara Reynoso tied the game for the Ice Breakers before Pedicini also found the back of the net.

Pedicini shot from the sideline over several players’ heads and past a diving Dart goalie to take the lead.

Corona del Mar’s Hannah Crane and Alyssa Caridel helped control the center of the field. Alexia Barkettt was a leader on defense and received support from Sydnee Grissinger, Gabriella Glover and Lily Schmidt.

— Submitted by John Pedicini

Newport Mesa NJB

Boys’ eighth grade

All-Net

Los Alamitos 45, Newport Mesa Sailors 42: The Sailors opened the season on the road with a tough game against Los Al. The game was back and forth throughout with numerous lead changes and neither team taking control until the final period. In the end, the Sailors came up short losing by three. The Sailors were led by Nick Hanna’s 19 points and two blocks while Robbie Rettig and Blake Motal both chipping in eight points each.

Motal also added 10 rebounds. Diego Morales had a great all-around game with seven rebounds, three steals and three assists. Connor Kelly, Reid Meckler, Drew Olson, Derek Kula, Blake Grable and John Harzan all played key roles in the game.

Newport Mesa Sailors 53, Fullerton Fury 48: The Sailors picked up their first win of the season on the road against a tough Fullerton team. The Sailors came out slow, but picked up steam in the second period going up by 15 before holding off a late rally from the Fury to win the game. Derek Kula led the way with 10 points, two steals and two assists, while Robbie Rettig added 11 points and three assists. John Harzan also played well with eight points, six rebounds and a steal. Reid Meckler, Connor Kelly, Nick Hanna and Drew Olson played ferocious defense throughout the game and Diego Morales, Blake Motal and Blake Grable combined for 16 rebounds and 15 points in the big win.

— Submitted by Scott Stucki

Newport Mesa Lightning 49, Huntington Beach Run N Gun 28: The Newport Mesa Lightning began their season with a dominating performance over the Huntington Beach Run N Gun. The Lightning were able to control the game from the outset with a balanced offensive attack led by James Newman’s 10 points, followed by Max Stone with nine points, Troy Reese with eight points, Chris Okey and Andy Doka, each with seven points, Kris Picarelli with six points and Brett Nelson with two points. At the defensive end, the Lightning were able to control the boards with strong rebounding by Reese, Doka and John Pagliassotti.

— By Mark Okey

Newport-Mesa NJB Boys

Division 1

Seventh- and eighth-

grade

Hornets 39, Lakers 35: In the most tightly-contested game of the day, the Lakers pulled out a victory in the closing seconds. The Hornets were paced by Timmy Strader who had 18 points and seven rebounds, while Micah Cox added eight points and Gannon Bond contributed five. Garrett Post and Kavi Sakraney played defense down the stretch to preserve the win. The Lakers were led by the strong play of Tyler Lott, Niki Luna, Kevin and Mark Manchester and Robbie Farber.

— By Scott Stucki