Basketball tourneys to tip off

hoopstourneysadvanceCoast Classic at Estancia features Eagles, CdM boys. Winter Classic at Costa Mesa involves Mustangs, Estancia girls. The Estancia High boys’ basketball program is playing host to the Estancia Coast Classic today through Friday. Estancia and Corona del Mar are competing in the 16-team varsity tournament.

Corona del Mar opens action today with a 3:15 p.m. game against Norco.

Estancia opens tonight against Magnolia at 7:45.

Other teams playing in the tournament include Fountain Valley, Santa Ana Valley, Beckman, Laguna Hills, JSerra and Edison.

The championship game is slated for 8 p.m. Friday.

Last year, Estancia reached the semifinals of the tournament under first-year coach Jason Simco before falling to Northwood, 60-58.

During the 2003-04 season, Estancia reached the championship game before falling to Mayfair.

The two Newport-Mesa teams, Estancia (3-6) and Corona del Mar (6-4), faced each other Dec. 21. Corona del Mar held off a late rally by Estancia to emerge with a 52-42 victory.

If Estancia and Corona del Mar win their first two games of the tournament, they would meet in a semifinal Thursday at 7:45 p.m.

Simco said San Clemente, JSerra and Edison are the favorites in the tournament, but he likes the way his team is coming along.

The Eagles are learning to compete without last year’s go-to guy, Carlos Pinto.

“After Pinto left, we were trying to figure out our identity,” Simco said. “I think we’re starting to.”

What kind of a team can Eagles fans expect to see as they head into the heart of the season?

“I think we’re going to be more of a team,” Simco said. “Last year we were always looking for No. 1 [Pinto]. “Now role players are learning how to become scorers.”

The Costa Mesa High girls’ basketball program is playing host to the 23rd annual Costa Mesa Winter Classic today through Friday. Costa Mesa and Estancia are competing in the 16-team event.

Estancia opens tonight against San Ramon Valley at 6:20.

Costa Mesa opens tonight against Antioch at 8.

Other teams playing in the tournament include Northwood, Tustin, Westminster, Mission Viejo, Saugus, Laguna Hills, El Toro, Foothill and Tesoro.

The championship game is slated for 8 p.m. Friday.

Last year, Corona del Mar beat Costa Mesa, 43-34, to claim 13th place.

The high-scoring Be Diep leads the way for Estancia (3-4).

Senior Tracy Bjelland leads the Mustangs (4-5).