February 5, 2025

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Buena Park tops Santa Ana on senior night forcing league playoff for third place

Buena Park forward Ernesto Portas attempts a jumper during the second quarter as a contingent of Santa Ana players, including No. 33 Logan Rivera, defend. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Buena Park High School’s boys basketball team defeated Santa Ana 60-48 Tuesday night in the final regular season Golden West League game on senior night for the Coyotes.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

The Buena Park win puts both Buena Park and Santa Ana with 3-5 records and tied for third place and the final automatic CIF playoff qualifying spot from the league. The two teams will meet Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the league tie-breaker, once again at Buena Park.

Freshman Ernesto Portas led Buena Park (7-20 overall) with 22 points. Senior Emmanuel Charagu added 15 points for Buena Park.

Santa Ana, coached by Rick Mares, was led by Issac Alvarez, who had 14 points and Aaron Rivera, who scored 10 points.

“Tonight we did a great job of limiting wide open shot attempts and rebounding,” said Buena Park Coach Robert Summers.

“That in turn helped us control the pace and tempo of the game. Emmanuel Charagu played outstanding for us, on his senior night, leading the charge for us defensively with eight steals. His play was backed up by Zyaire Eastland who had huge game with six steals, six points and 12 boards of his own.

“Our freshman Ernesto Portas chipped in 22 points which was huge as well. In all it was a team effort and we need to repeat it tomorrow night for all the marbles.”

(Fernando M. Donado contributed to this story)