Virgen: Future bright for Costa Mesa boys’ basketball team

There were meaningful words and memorable moments produced at the Costa Mesa High boys’ basketball awards banquet at Newport Rib Company on Wednesday night.

The Mustangs’ lone senior, Joseph Wase, did his best to leave his mark with parting words to the Mustangs.

“I have high expectations for all you guys next year,” Wase said.

Wase spoke with confidence.

Though Costa Mesa finished 9-18, 2-8 in the Orange Coast League and an early exit in the CIF Southern Section playoffs, there were examples that gave credence to Wase’s expectations.

The Mustangs showed flashes of brilliance during the season, and that was just on the court. In the classroom, they were definitely brilliant and showed maturity beyond their years.

Junior Ryan Petrecca led a group of 10 who were scholar-athletes, achieving a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. And, what a great story Petrecca is.

He missed a month due to illness, but he kept up with his academics, as he’s earning a 4.67 GPA. His hard work proved to be an inspiration.

His mother, Paula, the team boosters’ treasurer, wiped a few tears from her eyes when everyone applauded Petrecca for his great work in the classroom.

Coach Mike Molina was especially proud of Petrecca’s effort. Molina said he had a special connection with Petrecca and visited him in the hospital while he was sick.

Petrecca set a high standard when it came to grades with the Mustangs, but the rest of the team did a great job of keeping up.

Mason Tufuga, a junior and the team MVP, earned a 4.5 GPA. Drake Workman (4.33), Wase (4.0), Eric Carrasco (3.9), Ryan’s twin brother Alex Petrecca (3.5), Nabeel Salameh (3.33), Dino Pepic (3.33), Chris Calderon (3.17) and Michael Dias (3.0) were making big plays in the classroom too.

Their ability to excel in the program showed their discipline. They also have a certain attention to detail that will only help the team’s future in its quest to climb the ranks in the Orange Coast League and take back the Bell from rival Estancia.

Ten of the 11 players on the team achieved scholar-athlete status.

Salameh earned second-team all-league recognition.

Tufuga was named to the first team. He was also recently named Kiwanis Athlete of the Month.

The future appears bright for the Mustangs and like Wase said the expectations are high.