Five Tesoro basketball players recognized for stellar efforts on senior night

Tesoro seniors (from left) Kyle Ritscher, Michael Mahlen, Kaden Garrett, Tyler Mirza and Matt DeAngelo were honored before Friday’s game. (Photo courtesy Tony DeAngelo/For OC Sports Zone)

Tesoro seniors Kyle Ritscher, Michael Mahlen, Kaden Garrett, Tyler Mirza and Matt DeAngelo were honored Friday before the Titans’ Sea View League game with Laguna Hills as part of senior night. Tesoro won the game 66-44.

All have been instrumental in Tesoro’s success. The Titans are currently 17-3 overall and tied with San Juan Hills for the league lead.

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“The five seniors of the class of 2020 epitomize what Tesoro basketball is all about,” Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett told OC Sports Zone Wednesday. “They are united in their common goal….the team. What is best for the team is of top priority to these guys. Each of these seniors have taken different journeys to be one of five starters on this year’s varsity team.

“They represent the importance of taking full advantage of developing each year within the program. Some of these guys came through our frosh B team and our sophomore team to get here. The key is these guys worked extremely hard over the past four years by listening to their coaches and putting in the time.

“Lastly, and maybe most importantly they go home to five families that support the message of the coaching staff.  These families love them, see them through failures, don’t take the easy way out, don’t allow excuses and promote the values of the Tesoro basketball program. I’m not sure what’s ahead for these guys on the basketball court this season in terms of wins and losses. For me, these guys have already won because they have taken full advantage of the opportunity given to them as student-athletes.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com