Smooth Transition for Costa’s Amaral

Jeff Amaral, who replaced Henry Myar as Mira Costa’s basketball coach in May, has been pleased with the team’s performances this summer, he said.

Mira Costa has played in tournaments at UC Santa Barbara, West Torrance, San Pedro and Peninsula.

The Mustangs will complete their summer session in a tournament Saturday at Gahr High School in Cerritos.

Point guard Cole Feaster, shooting guard Kevin Kim and forward Karl Acres have had strong outings throughout the summer, Amaral said.

“Cole’s played very well and been our main guy,” Amaral said. “He makes a lot of things happen on offense. Karl gives us toughness inside. Kevin gives us a lot of athleticism and speed. He’s been banged up with some injuries, but when he’s out there, he gives us some nice minutes… Overall, we’ve had a positive summer. We’ve gotten better. We’ve also gotten some young kids some valuable playing time this summer.”

Among the young players performing well have been shooting guard Oliver Mausner, who will be a junior this fall, and forward Justin String, who will be a sophomore.

Amaral, a 1998 Mira Costa graduate who was a two-year starter on the basketball team, has been an assistant coach at the school for the past 10 seasons. He spent last season as the head assistant under Myar.

Despite the regular season being months away, Amaral, 31, is already excited about the possibilities.

“I’m ecstatic. There’s a lot of energy coming in,” the coach said. “It’s a great opportunity for myself and one I’m taking with a great deal of pride. We’re working hard. The players are putting their best in it as well. I just have to make sure our team is well prepared for a tough league and make sure the boys are ready to compete at a high level. I’m looking forward to the season.”

Coming up on Patch—we'll tell you about a former Costa basketball star's upcoming college plans.