YOUTH SCENE:

The Corona del Mar eighth-grade boys’ basketball team continued its undefeated streak by winning the Coastal Athletic League championship, 41-15, against Sowers Middle School of Huntington Beach Thursday night.

Last year, the Seaweeds’ perfect seventh-grade season was capped off with a banner. This year’s team performance was even more impressive. The Seaweed squad played great team ball and had contributions from each of the 14 members, in the title game and throughout its season.

The CdM team came out big, showing great ball-handling skills, controlling both the offensive and defensive boards and exhibiting tenacious defensive pressure. Point guard Connor Gaal, who missed last year’s championship game with a knee injury, led the offensive attack contributing nine points. Matt Livingston drained a three-pointer and finished with nine points as well.

Joe Ctvrtlik’s six points and defensive hustle added to Sowers’ frustrations. CdM’s Andrew McCormack, playing with a broken finger, took on Sowers’ big man and contributed six points of his own. New to the team this year, Jedd Thayer worked the boards and added an offensive bucket. The quick strong offense kept Sowers off guard, but it was the constant pressure of the defense that made the game.

CdM Coach Jeff Fryar reconfigured the team in the second quarter and CdM maintained its dominance with contributions from Cole Cottrell (two points(, Matt English (three), Sam Noe (four), Justin Ruffalo, Michael Keasey, Brady Quon, Alex Stecca, Tanner Quon and Billy Macdonald, all playing with the same defensive intensity and offensive strength to assure a league title.

— From staff reports