PHOTOS: Calvary Chapel closes in on Orange Coast League title with win over Costa Mesa

Court Franklin of Calvary Chapel is surrounded by Costa Mesa defenders Friday night. (Photos: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).

Calvary Chapel’s boys basketball team moved another big step toward to its second consecutive Orange Coast League title defeating Costa Mesa 75-49 Friday night at Costa Mesa.

The Eagles trailed in the first couple minutes before getting untracked and took a 21-9 lead at halftime. Calvary Chapel (19-7, 8-0) took command in the second quarter and led 39-19 at halftime before coasting the rest of the way, most likely to a share of the league crown.

“Not officially,” said Calvary Coach Jon Hughes, when asked about his team appearing to lock up a share of the title. He pointed out that Santa Ana (14-8, 6-2) is still in the hunt. The Saints, who defeated Orange 67-43 Friday night, would need to win their last two games and Calvary Chapel would have to lose its last two, to share the crown.

Calvary Chapel defeated Santa Ana twice in league play.

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“We’re getting there, we’re close to officially clinching, ” Hughes said.

Calvary Chapel was led by senior Court Franklin, who scored 19 points. Caiden Curran added 14 points and Ethan Hanning 11 points for the Eagles.

Costa Mesa (7-14, 2-4) was led by Nathan Shipper, who had 15 points and Christian Dasca, who scored 11 points.

But the Mustangs weren’t able to slow down Calvary Chapel.

“We had a guy out so we played a lot of rotation guys to get them minutes and ready for playoffs,” Hughes said. “We know we’re going to go into the playoffs as a one seed for our league most likely, so we’re trying to get these guys ready. I thought they did well tonight.

“We had Court come off the bench for the first time in his high school career …. and he was a big factor. He was a man getting rebounds. I haven’t seen him play like that all year. He had a great game.”

The Eagles will finish out with two more games, including Monday’s contest on senior night against Saddleback before opening the CIF playoffs.

“Every game our mindset has been don’t just prepare for league, prepare for playoffs and I think we’re doing a good job and ready for playoffs now,” Hanning said.

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