Image Source: Eric Sondheimer
Key Takeaways
- The Redondo Union and Mira Costa high school basketball teams are set to face off in a highly anticipated Bay League matchup on Friday night at Redondo Union.
- Both teams have impressive records, with Redondo Union standing at 18-3 and Mira Costa at 19-3.
- The key to the game will be which team’s full-court press is more effective, with both teams relying on this strategy to create scoring opportunities.
- The matchup is expected to be intense, with a lively atmosphere fueled by the student sections from both schools.
Introduction to the Rivalry
The stage is set for an exciting matchup between two South Bay rivals, Redondo Union and Mira Costa, as they face off in Bay League basketball on Friday night at Redondo Union. As noted by the teams’ coaches and players, "anything can happen" when these two teams meet, and fans can expect a thrilling game. With Redondo Union currently ranked No. 2 in the Southland and Mira Costa ranked No. 19, this game is sure to be a closely contested and intense battle.
Team Profiles
Redondo Union, led by coach Reggie Morris Jr., has proven itself to be a formidable opponent, with a strong record of 18-3. The team is led by talented players such as SJ Madison, Chace Holley, and Chris Sanders, who have all played a crucial role in the team’s success. On the other hand, Mira Costa, led by junior guard Paxx Bell, who averages 18 points and eight rebounds per game, is looking to take down their rivals and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with. As Mira Costa coach Neal Perlmutter noted, "They love to press and we love to press," highlighting the similarities in the teams’ strategies.
The Importance of Full-Court Press
The key to this game will be which team’s full-court press is more effective. Both Redondo Union and Mira Costa rely heavily on this strategy to create scoring opportunities, and it will be interesting to see which team can outmaneuver the other. As Perlmutter stated, "They love to press and we love to press," emphasizing the importance of this aspect of the game. The team that can successfully implement their full-court press will likely have the upper hand in the game.
Atmosphere and Student Sections
The matchup between Redondo Union and Mira Costa is not just about the game itself, but also about the lively atmosphere that comes with it. The student sections from both schools are expected to be in full force, with "surfers, volleyball players, baseball players, football players, softball players, swimmers — they all getting into the action." This energetic and supportive atmosphere will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the game, making it an event not to be missed.
Rematch and Conclusion
The rematch between Redondo Union and Mira Costa is set to take place on February 3 at Mira Costa, and fans can expect another intense and thrilling game. As the teams face off in their first matchup, it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top and sets the tone for the remainder of the season. As Eric Sondheimer, the author of the article, notes, "This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports," highlighting the importance of these types of matchups in promoting school spirit and community engagement. With the stage set for an exciting game, fans can expect a memorable night of high school basketball.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2026-01-15/prepare-for-full-court-presses-redondo-union-mira-costa-game