PHOTOS: Crestview League title and CIF playoff run stood out for Crean Lutheran

Crean Lutheran’s Hunter Kaplan attempts a 3-point shot over Mira Costa’s Bryson Bryker Tuesday night in the CIF Division I State Regional. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano and Samantha Burgett).

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team ended the season losing to Mira Costa 61-48 in the first round of the CIF State Regional Division I playoffs Tuesday night at Mira Costa.

Crean Lutheran went into the regional as the No. 10 seed.

But Coach Nate Klitzing said the Saints accomplished a lot, including a Crestview League title in one of the most competitive leagues in Southern California.

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

Crean Lutheran’s Jordan Ceballos takes an open shot.

Crean Lutheran's Caden Jones looks for a teammate to pass to.

The Saints Will Malual scores as Mira Costa defends.

Mira Costa’s McCarthy Bedner takes a shot as Crean Lutheran’s Jordan Ceballos defends.

Hunter Caplan drives to the basket for Crean Lutheran.

Crean Lutheran Coach Nate Klitzing calls a play during a timeout.

Crean Lutheran’s Caden Jones drives to the basket against Mira Costa’s Jacob De Armas.

“I am so proud of this team,” Klitzing said Thursday. “Our youthful group continued to grow and mature over the course of the season. Our guys demonstrated determination, perseverance and grit. We gained a lot of experience playing a tough early schedule, which led to us being tested and ready for league play and playoffs.

“Winning the Crestview League outright against some of the best teams in OC was so memorable. And I will always cherish our D1 playoff and state run. There were so many amazing moments that embodied our resiliency and culture of our program. This was a tight-knit group of guys that truly enjoyed being around each other every day.

“Lastly, thank you to our five seniors who made an incredible impact on our team and has helped propel our program forward.”

In the game against Mira Costa, Crean Lutheran (18-13) was led by Hunter Caplan, who scored 15 points. Jordan Ceballos had 12 points, Will Malual 10 points and Caden Jones nine points.

Crean Lutheran advanced to the semifinal round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs, losing to eventual CIF champion Los Alamitos 82-57 but qualified for the regional.

No. 7 Mira Costa plays (31-4) at No. 3 Redondo Union in the state regional semifinal Saturday.

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