Sea Kings survive late rally

Corona del Mar High beats Estancia on a night when the Eagles rename their gymnasium to honor late principal Robert C. Francy, also a former Sea King.COSTA MESA -- Corona del Mar High held off a furious Estancia rally in the fourth quarter to win an emotionally charged 52-42 nonleague boys’ basketball game Wednesday.

The Sea Kings came out with plenty of defensive intensity, jumping to a 16-9 lead after the first quarter. Estancia was held to 13 points in the first half.

Offensively, Corona del Mar was led by Stefan Kaluz. The 6-foot-7 sophomore scored 10 of his team’s 24 first-half points. Kaluz made his presence felt on the offensive boards, making three of his four first-half baskets off offensive rebounds.

Despite being down at the half, the Estancia faithful had reason to celebrate at halftime, as they commemorated the life of Robert C. Francy during a halftime ceremony. The Estancia gymnasium was renamed for the former principal in an emotional presentation.

Many members of Francy’s family, former colleagues, friends and former students came to see the tribute to the late principal, who worked at both Estancia and Corona del Mar.

After the presentation, the focus shifted back to the game as the Eagles attempted to come back from an 11-point deficit..

Estancia, which hadn’t led since the score was 7-6 in the first quarter, refused to be run out of their gym on a historic night.

After Scott Slaughter’s 15-foot jumper gave the Sea Kings a 45-24 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles put up a valiant effort to claw to within striking distance. Consecutive three-pointers from Blake Pinto ignited the Eagles offense and the home crowd as well.

With 1:12 remaining in the game, Mike McDaniels sank a long three-pointer that brought deficit down to 10 points.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Sea Kings broke the Estancia press easily to maintain their lead and the victory.

Corona del Mar coach Ryan Curry said he thought his team thrived in the raucous environment.

“It’s fun in this atmosphere, we have played a couple of tournaments and those can be quiet gyms,” Curry said. “You could really hear the crowd after McDaniels’ last three.”

Curry said he thought this was the first time his team had been able to respond to an opponents’ rally.

Sea Kings guards Erik Rask and Ryan Lance -- held scoreless in the first half -- combined to score 20 in the second half.

McDaniels made three of his four three-pointers in the second half, finishing with 14 points. The forward also did his part to get his teammates involved in the offense, dishing out six assists.

Estancia (3-6) will visit Laguna Beach in a nonleague game Friday.

Corona del Mar (6-4) will not play again until Jan. 4 when the Sea Kings open Pacific Coast League play at University.

Nonleague

Corona del Mar 52,

Estancia 42

Score by Quarters