Costa Mesa girls' basketball brings its defense with it into postseason

The Mustangs secure 25 steals en route to a 63-23 win over Newbury Park Adventist in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Costa Mesa's girls' basketball team, led by senior guard Myah Martinez's 11 steals, clamped down defensively to clobber Newbury Park Adventist 63-23 on Thursday night in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs. The Mustangs, who have gained experience over the past year and fully committed to the defensive end, forced 25 turnovers and converted them into transition opportunities.

Why it matters

Costa Mesa's defensive-minded approach has been the key to its success this season, as the team has lowered its season average to 36.3 points allowed per game. The Mustangs' ability to create turnovers and turn them into points has been the great equalizer against opponents with size advantages.

The details

In the first quarter, Newbury Park Adventist outrebounded Costa Mesa 17-10, but the Mustangs still emerged with an 8-6 lead. Leilani Quero had seven of her 18 points in the opening frame, while Aaliyah Terry, who finished with 18 points and a team-best nine rebounds, was essential in contesting shots underneath the basket. The Mustangs broke open the game after taking a 21-15 lead into halftime, outscoring the Gators 18-3 in the third quarter and pushing the game to a running clock on a Quero three-pointer with three minutes remaining.

  • On Thursday night, Costa Mesa defeated Newbury Park Adventist 63-23 in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 6 girls' basketball playoffs.

The players

Myah Martinez

A 5-foot-2 senior guard for Costa Mesa who scored just two points but had 11 steals to pace the Mustangs' defensive effort.

Leilani Quero

A player for Costa Mesa who scored 18 points, including seven in the first quarter, and added seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Aaliyah Terry

A player for Costa Mesa who scored 18 points and had a team-best nine rebounds, providing an essential presence in contesting shots underneath the basket.

Grace Pennock

A player for Newbury Park Adventist who had 13 rebounds to lead her team.

Zedric McKee

The head coach of the Costa Mesa girls' basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I just go after everything. If I see it's something I can take, I just hustle to try to grab it, so that way I can contribute to my team. I score but not as much as I'd like to. I'm more of a defensive player, so I like to hustle more on that end.”

— Myah Martinez, Senior guard

“I will give Aaliyah flowers. She's been putting in a lot of work this year, especially on the offensive and defensive glass. She's Little Miss Double-Double sometimes when she's locked in. … She's an aggressive player. She'll do her best on the glass and try to put that thing back up.”

— Zedric McKee, Head coach

“I think it's always about being better than you were before. Obviously, the end goal, everyone wants to win, but we're taking it one game at a time and just trying to be better. … It's just honestly putting it all out there because it really is win or go home.”

— Leilani Quero

What’s next

Costa Mesa will travel to take on Los Angeles Immaculate Heart (14-10) at Los Angeles City College on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs.

The takeaway

Costa Mesa's defensive-focused approach, led by the tenacious play of Myah Martinez and Aaliyah Terry, has been the key to the Mustangs' success this season. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into transition opportunities has allowed them to overcome size disadvantages and reach the postseason, where they will look to continue their run.