CdM's Namba too tough in 100 backstroke

Corona del Mar's Jared Namba used a prelim race Wednesday to deliver a major statement to Orange County swimming. He's ready to race.

The senior became the first Orange County swimmer this spring to dip under 50 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke by swimming to a meet-record 49.73 in his home pool to help highlight the Pacific Coast League boys prelims.

League finals are Friday at Corona del Mar at 2 p.m.

Namba's time places him fourth in county history behind the elite 47-second club of Olympians Derya Buyukuncu (47.50 in 1994), Michael Cavic (47.55 in 2002) and Aaron Peirsol (47.69 in 2002).

The Division 1 league produced several other strong times.

Northwood junior Michael Chang became the first county boy to break 50seconds in the 100 butterfly this spring by blasting a 49.94.

Namba qualified a narrow second at 50.03, which places him second in the county.

University's Corey Okubo qualified third in 50.99, the third-fastest time in the county.

In the 200 individual medley, Okubo qualified first by more 5 seconds with a county-leading 1:51.54.

University freshman Matt Wong impressed by qualifying first in the 500 free in 4:37.23.

In the sprints, Irvine's Fletcher Norseen earned the No. 1 seed in the 50 (21.31) and 100 (47.22).

In other boys prelims:

In the South Coast League:

Zach Ridout of Capistrano Valley qualified first in the 500 free in 4:41.42. Capo's Logan Redondo grabbed the No. 1 seed in the 200 free with a 1:42.55.

In girls prelims:

In the Century League:

Dual-meet runner-up and host Foothill emerged as a threat to dual-meet champion Esperanza by placing eight more swimmers in finals than the Aztecs.

In the Academy League:

Lindsey Engel and Ella Eastin of Crean Lutheran both qualified first in two events at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. Engel earned the top-seed in the 50 free (23.73) and 100 back (55.98) while Eastin secured No. 1 entries in the 200 IM (2:04.29) and butterfly (57.32).

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com