Mission Viejo opens Tustin Classic with 64-37 victory Long Beach Jordan

Presley Eldridge (left) and Nathan Hewitt led Mission Viejo to a victory Thursday. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Mission Viejo’s boys basketball team, after capturing the Lahainaluna Tournament title Saturday, began another tournament Thursday, defeating Long Beach Jordan 64-37 in the opening round of the Tustin Classic.

The Diablos (13-2) jumped out to a 13-4 lead after one quarter and led 25-14 at halftime.

The Diablos were in control from the start.

“Coming off a plan and having two and a half days off without touching a basketball, I don’t think we shot the ball real well,” said Coach Troy Roelen. “We had a bunch of wide open looks and we continue to try and share it. We’re averaging 20 assists a game. The balls just didn’t go in today and that was to be expected.

“We’ve had a flu going through, people were sick in Hawaii and I have another guy sick today. Hopefully we’re going to get well and balls are going to drop here later on in the tournament.”

Senior Nate Hewitt scored 14 points and junior Presley Eldridge added 12 points for the Diablos. Rey Cabiling had 10 points.

Mission Viejo moves on to play Murrieta Valley Friday at 4 p.m.

Roelen was pleased with his team’s play in Hawaii. The Diablos defeated Edison 68-34 in the championship game.

“We played really, really well,” Roelen said. “It was kind of like next man up, when guys were sick other guys stepped in and we played really well and it was good to see.”

The Diablos are off to a fast start, but Roelen downplayed it a bit.

“We don’t talk about that. Wins and losses take care of themselves. We play hard. I’m just more concerned about doing the right things.”

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