Santa Ana’s Jack Rivera captures 3-point shooting contest at prep basketball showcase

Santa Ana High School’s Jack Rivera takes a shot during Friday’s 3-point shooting contest. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana High School’s Jack Rivera displayed his outstanding outside shooting Friday night to win the 3-point shooting contest for the boys at the inaugural Santa Ana Prep Basketball Showcase at Godinez.

Santa Ana’s Halle Broadnax won the girls 3-point shooting contest.

“I just tried to focus on every shot and keeping it straight because if you get left and right, chances are lower of making it,” the sophomore said.

Peter Vargas of Santa Ana Valley took second place.

Rivera was presented a trophy from tournament organizer Leon Raya, president of the RAYA Foundation and Josh Jogwe from the EZ Buckets Basketball Training.

The all-star game was for seniors in the Santa Ana Unified School District.

“I’m very proud of my teammates that got it, they’re well deserved, more me than me and I look forward to seeing them play,” Rivera said.

Rivera stayed around to watch his teammates win the game.

Rivera and his teammates learned earlier this week that Coach Fareed ElMasry had resigned to spend more time with his family.

“It’s very sad, I’m heartbroken, but my job is to continue to better my skills to get better every day despite the coaching situation and I’m looking forward to next season despite the circumstances,” Rivera said.

Rivera said he hopes to play in the game down the road.

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