CdM breaks two-game losing streak with win over San Bernardino

Ryan Schachter was thrilled to return to the gym where he said he learned to coach. The Corona del Mar High boys’ basketball coach was also excited to be at Costa Mesa for at least two other reasons: to help his friend Mike Molina with an event for charity and to guide his Sea Kings back on the winning track.

Let’s just say it was a great homecoming for Schachter, who coached at Costa Mesa before taking the job at Corona del Mar in 2006. The Sea Kings broke their two-game losing streak with a 72-48 win over San Bernardino in the inaugural Coach Mike’s Long Shot Challenge that raised money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation on Monday night.

Schachter was a bit superstitious for the game against San Bernardino. He went with Star Wars socks, that have Darth Vader and storm troopers on them, calling them “slump-busters,” with the hopes that would somehow help.

When it came to game time, Schachter relied on the feet of his players to break out of the losing streak. Freshman D.J. Rodman led the way with 14 points and senior Sam Kobrine added 12 points for CdM (14-6).

“It brought back a ton of memories,” Schachter said of being back in the Mustangs’ gym. “I came back and met [Costa Mesa Coach] Phil [Weber] here about two or three weeks ago. I got all nostalgic. This is where I came up and learned to coach. I have great relationships with these guys. It felt good being here. It felt good being back. I love the gym. It’s a great little gym.”

The Sea Kings made themselves at home against San Bernardino. Schachter said he was pleased to see Robert Cuevas, a senior transfer from Mater Dei, play well. He scored eight points.

Also, sophomore Kevin Kobrine contributed 10 points to give Schachter and the Sea Kings renewed hope when they return to Pacific Coast League play Thursday at home against Irvine.

Schachter was also in a good spirits because he was able to, “help one of my guys,” Molina, a former Costa Mesa basketball player and coach. Molina asked Schachter to help him start Coach Mike’s Long Shot Challenge.

Molina wanted to have a basketball event to remember his friend Jeff Long, a Costa Mesa alumnus, Class of 2008, who died of testicular cancer in 2012. Molina battled the same disease five years ago.

It’s been an emotional season for Schachter and CdM. Schachter said his assistant coach, Jason Simco, has a brother who is battling cancer. Also, Simco’s father died in a car accident last week, Schachter said. Simco is an Estancia alumnus and a former Eagles coach.

“There has been a lot of traumatic times [this season],” Schachter said. “This event is a great cause. Mike asked me to help and I just can’t say no to Mikey.”