Troy edges Capo Valley in Coaches for a Cause

HUNTINGTON BEACH – For each basketball team with championship aspirations, the merit of playing in early-season tournaments and showcases doesn't come from mere participation; it comes from squaring off against teams with reputable pedigrees and similar goals.

And in no place is this concept more prevalent than Ocean View's Coaches for a Cause showcase.

Troy, opening its regular season against South Coast League power and Division 1A semifinalist Capistrano Valley, displayed effectiveness both inside the paint and beyond the arc to nab a 62-56 victory Saturday night.

"The rumor is Capo's a little down this year," Warriors coach Scott Blake said, "but (Capistrano Valley coach) Brian (Mulligan) always does a great job with his teams. I was excited to see them on our schedule this early because they do a lot of the same things we do."

Senior Ben Stiver led Troy with 21 points and three 3-pointers. Devin Manning added 18 as the Warriors erased a two-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Cougars, 29-21, after the break.

"We're not a big team so we know we have to spread the floor to be successful," said Blake, whose team hit seven 3-pointers. "The last 2-3 years we were built on 3-pointers; this year we wanted to expand everything else and have better versatility."

Jacob Short scored a game-high 22 points for Capistrano Valley.

Also in the Coaches for a Cause showcase:

No. 6 Mission Viejo 67, Westminster 43: After a competitive first half, the Diablos pulled away from the Lions with an 18-1 blitz that ran from the end of the third into the fourth. Mission Viejo's Evan Zeller led all scorers with 20 points.

Dana Hills 67, No. 8 Ocean View 62: Behind Jack Clendenen's team-high 18 points, the Dolphins overcame a five-point first-quarter deficit to edge the host Seahawks. Kendall Small scored a game-high 27 for Ocean View.