La Habra’s Acen Jimenez drives against Crean Lutheran’s Bryce Coleman as teammate Josh Desatoff sets a screen Friday night. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano).

Senior guard Acen Jimenez scored 30 points, and La Habra drilled 14 3-pointers as the Highlanders defeated Crean Lutheran 69-56 before a roaring hometown crowd in a Crestview League game Friday night.  

The Highlanders (16-5, 2-1) came out firing beyond the arc and played aggressive defense, handing Crean Lutheran its first league loss.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Crean Lutheran’s Nicholas Giarrusso drives as La Habra guard Damien Ceballos defends.

La Habra’s Josh Desatoff attempts a three point shot late in the game.

Crean Lutheran’s Hunter Caplan attempts a shot.

La Habra students react to a big play Friday.

Crean Lutheran point guard Caden Jones puts up a shot.

La Habra’s Damien Ceballos takes a 3-pointer.

Crean Lutheran Head Coach Austin Loeb calls a play late in the game.

Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi drives to the basket as La Habra’s Noah Poppin defends Friday night.

Crean Lutheran’s Evan Mack drives to the basket against La Habra.

La Habra Coach Aaron Riekenberg talks to his team during a timeout.

Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi battles for a rebound against La Habra’s Noah Poppin (50) and Richard Gonzales (30).

La Habra junior Jayden Garcia sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem before the game.
PHOTO: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone

Jimenez, a Dartmouth commit, nailed four 3-pointers in the first quarter as La Habra built a 23-8 lead after eight minutes of play.

“We played great defense and that is something we take great pride in,” said Jimenez. “This was a team effort, and it gives us momentum, but we have to remain humble.”

La Habra was undersized but battled successfully throughout the game. Damien Ceballos, Jayden Martinez, Noah Poppin, Richard Gonzales and Jimenez each took turns guarding the Saints 6-11 center Chadrack Mpoyi.

“It was a great bounce-back win,” said Poppin, whose 3-pointer gave the Highlanders their biggest lead of the game at 34-16 at the 2:36 mark of the second quarter. Poppin fouled out of the game with 7:20 to play but his defense gave La Habra a big lift.

Trailing 38-21 at halftime, the Saints, behind the driving force of senior guard Nicholas Giarrusso and Evan Mack, cut the lead to single digits after three periods. Giarrusso and Mack combined to score 13 points in the quarter as Crean Lutheran outscored the Highlanders 20-12 in the quarter and set the stage for an exciting final period.

The Saints (15-6, 2-1) started the fourth quarter on a 9-3 run and gained momentum after cutting the lead to 53-50 on a bucket by Mpoyi with 2:51 remaining.

With a boisterous crowd behind the Highlanders, La Habra scored on its next five possessions getting key baskets from Aaron Wilson, Martinez, Desatoff, and back-to-back 3-pointers by Ceballos that sent the crowd into a frenzy.  

“They left me open in the corner, and it was my time to fire, and I let it fly and luckily they went in,” said Ceballos, whose second 3-pointer gave the Highlanders an unsurmountable 66-54 lead with 1:35 left in the game.

“Damien (Ceballos) was the MVP on our freshman and sophomore teams and when he got to varsity he had a different role,” said La Habra Coach Aaron Riekenberg.  “He accepted his role as not having to be the high scorer but when his time came, he nailed it. He’s all about winning.”

Wilson, a freshman, was a key factor down the stretch for La Habra, scoring seven points in the fourth quarter.

“This is all new to me; I’ve never been in this kind of environment before; it’s exciting,” said Wilson.

University of Minnesota commit Mpoyi and UC Riverside commit Giarrusso each scored 16 points to lead Crean Lutheran, which had its three-game winning streak snapped. Hunter Caplan also added 11 points for the Saints.

“We didn’t play well as a team; we need to play harder,” said Mpoyi following the game.

Saints Coach Austin Loeb said his team will learn from this game.

“Jimenez and his team set the tone early by hitting all their 3’s and we didn’t adjust,” said Loeb. “But that’s what the league games are for, to get us ready for the playoffs. We will learn from this and will need to play more unselfish. This was a great environment, and they were feeding off their crowd.”

La Habra’s Desatoff summed up his team’s performance.

“I have confidence in this team, and we have heart and this win builds more confidence and momentum,” said Desatoff, who scored 12 points in the game.

NOTES:

—Both coaches Aaron Riekenberg and Austin Loeb, commented on the strength of the Crestview League. “Last year I think the Crestview League, from top to bottom, was the strongest in Orange County but this year I think we’re second behind the Trinity League,” said Riekenberg.

“The Crestview is the best non-Trinity League in the county,” Loeb added. “We have four teams in the top 15 in the county. You can’t take any night off in this league.”

—La Habra AD Paul Caffrey said, “Friday’s win may have been the biggest win of the season. We beat a very good Crean Lutheran team.” 

—-Jimenez is headed to play at Dartmouth next season. “I took a trip to Dartmouth (in Hanover, New Hampshire) and fell in love with the place, the community, the academics and the athletics.” Jimenez said. He said he also considered playing at Long Beach State, UC San Diego, Cal Poly SLO, and Georgia State but choose Dartmouth.   

—La Habra junior Jayden Garcia sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem prior to the game.

—The Highlanders forced 15 Crean Lutheran turnovers and committed only four turnovers themselves.  

Frank Migliaccio, a beloved member of the Trenton and Allen Park communities, passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on October 17, 1956, in Wyandotte, Michigan, he was known for his infectious sense of humor and quick wit that made him a treasured friend to many.

Frank enjoyed a fulfilling career as a driver, retiring from DHL, where he embraced the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. His education journey began at Trenton High School, from which he graduated in 1974, followed by earning a Computer Science Degree from CDI. This combination of practical skills and knowledge served him well in both his professional and personal endeavors.

A dedicated sports enthusiast, Frank found joy in fishing, hunting, golfing, and baseball. He generously shared his passion for the game by serving as a long-time baseball Coach for the Allen Park City and Travel Baseball Leagues, where his commitment to youth sports left a lasting impact. Additionally, he captivated audiences as an announcer for Allen Park High School football games, where his vibrant personality shone through his broadcasts.

Family was always at the center of Frank’s life. He is survived by his children, Anthony, Sam (Natalie), Jimmie (Brittany), and Joey (Brienne), who were a source of pride and joy for him. He was also a cherished grandfather to Mia and Brady. Frank’s bonds extended beyond his immediate family; he is survived by his sister, Maribeth, and brother, Joseph (Lisa), as well as his beloved nephews, Nick, Steve, and Kyle, and niece, Meg. The mother of his children, Darlene (Henry), remained a significant presence in his life, and he left behind many other loving family members and friends who will carry his memory forward. Their loyal dog, Hank, also mourns the loss of his companion.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Lou (Gerstner) Migliaccio, whose love and guidance shaped the man he became.

As we remember Frank, we celebrate a life filled with laughter, love, and contribution to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family wants to extend a special thank you to Select Specialty Hospital-Downriver for their exceptional care to Frank

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12 pm at the Woodhaven Baptist Church, 21950 Gudith, Woodhaven, MI 48183.

Memorial contributions to honor his life may be made to the family.

For the first time in the 12-year history of the Wayland High School girls ice hockey program, a third school will join the cooperative team.
While there is a much-needed boost from bringing Newton South into the fold with Wayland and Weston, it will add competition for the three locals who don the skates and equipment for the Warcats.
Unfortunately, there was little choice. Weston’s four representatives, along with the three from Wayland, would make up only two forward lines and a goalie for the 2025-26 season.
Thankfully, the team from Newton South, a fellow Dual County school with Wayland and Weston, was available after Newton North ventured out on its own. Newton South brings loads of players (12) in addition to experience and success.
“The biggest thing coping with a third school is it allows Wayland and Weston to continue playing,” said coach Jess Boehmer, a Wayland native in her fifth year in the program, fourth as head coach. “It’s a big year across the board with lots of changes in the team and practices. But I think it is going to help the program.”
Drew Galizio, a sophomore defense-man from Wayland, welcomes the new players, even if it may cut into her ice time. During last year’s 6-13-2 campaign, she got consistent ice time despite being a freshman, though she’s well aware that it could change.
“It’s been really great having more players, especially in practices — it challenges us more,” she explained. “When we start playing harder games we should be more prepared.

”I’m not really concerned with ice time now that we have another school. I know the coaches will do whatever is best for the team. I think everyone feels the same.”

Boehmer noted that she has already seen improvement in Galizio’s game. She said her on-ice vision has improved and her confidence is higher. It may result in more than her one assist last year, but that isn’t her main job.
“She’s always ready to go and always gives 100% on every shift,” Boehmer said. “She played strongly and confidently as a freshman.”
Galizio has also shown leadership characteristics by being one of the first players to make friends with the Newton South girls while acclimating them to the program. Boehmer is excited to see her lead the team in the coming years.
Fellow sophomore Mackenzie Young saw significant ice time as a freshman, finishing with one goal and one assist as a center. She’s the type of player who wants to improve from shift to shift, and Boehmer describes her as “a great teammate.”
Adeline Marashio, the third player from Wayland, is a freshman defenseman who is still navigating her way on the varsity squad, The staff sees her as a very coachable player who learns from her mistakes.
So far, the influx of new faces has contributed to early-season success. With three wins in its first five games. While it’s still early, they may be on their way to their second winning season in a dozen years.
“I think a good start is going to be important for us as we push into the middle of the season,” said Galizio. “Last year started out losing and it brought the overall mood down in both practices and games.”
In addition to providing depth for this year’s team, having Newton South enables the squad to be successful while also cultivating young players like Marashio and the two freshmen goalies from the larger third school.
And youngsters who are playing in youth leagues, or are considering talking up the sport, will have something to strive for with a varsity program that will be around for some time.
“Good, younger players will know there’s somewhere to play,” Boehmer said. “A big goal for me and the program is to get the awareness out there and then kids at the elementary level can learn to play hockey and want to play for their high school team.”

November 21, 1939 – January 8, 2026

James Richard Spangler, 86, passed away on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 21, 1939, in Archbold, Ohio, and resided in Cicero. A humble man who lived his life with great love and loyalty, Jim led by example and inspired many throughout his life.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Carolyn Spangler. They were married on August 21, 1964, and their enduring bond was a testament to their love and commitment. He was a proud father to Curtis Spangler, Christopher Spangler, and Lisa Ward, and a doting grandfather to Evan Ward, Allison Spangler, Joel Spangler, Carlie Ward, and great-granddaughter, Lennox Ward. He is also survived by his siblings Eddie (Karen) Spangler, Sharon Hayes, and Mark (Karen) Spangler, and several nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Spangler, and his brothers Roger and Michael Spangler.

In his professional life, Jim was a long-time employee for General Motors where he served in different aspects of manufacturing but ended his career as the UAW Health and Safety Trainer; he retired in 2003. Beyond his career, he was passionate about coaching youth sports at Mt. Vernon and Hamilton Heights Schools. His influence on young athletes was profound and long-lasting. An avid sports fan, he loved everything IU, Cubs, and Colts. Jim was also a regular at Starbucks on State Road 32, where he met with his morning coffee group. He was an avid golfer and hosted an annual golf outing in memory of his father. Above all, James was a family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. Services are under the direction of Hartley Funeral Homes – Cicero.

To remember James Spangler and celebrate his life, we encourage you to leave your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His life was a testament to the power of humility, loyalty, love, and inspiration, and his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com