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Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Huntington Beach tunes up for final as Loyola plays through tragedy
It all went as it was supposed to go, another sweep to gird the resolve ahead of a top-tier boys' volleyball final — a No. 1-versus-No. 2 showdown, thanks to what was occurring up the coast — with a shot at a CIF Southern Section championship for the first time in a decade. Everyone wished it could have been otherwise. Huntington Beach, ranked second in the state and third in the nation, marched into Friday night's Division 1 title game at Cerritos College against top-ranked Mira Costa by making easy work of defending champion Los Angeles Loyola. The 25-15, 25-21, 25-21 home triumph last Friday evening didn't mean a whole lot — the Oilers had clinched Pool B's berth with Tuesday's sweep of Redondo Union, and Loyola was going to miss the regional tournament regardless — except for their aspirations and, more vitally, the Cubs' desperation. Loyola (27-7) arrived a broken team, reeling from the May 4 death of its team manager. Braun Levi, a University of Virginia-bound senior and Loyola tennis star, died early that morning after an allegedly impaired driver struck him as he walked across Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. Volleyball isn't the priority right now. 'They've checked out. They're not here,' Loyola head coach Michael Boehle said before the game. 'These guys have been hit with a lot. They got hit with my diagnosis of cancer early on [this season]. They got nailed with fires [in January]. And then they got nailed with the teammate's death. And they just aren't there. 'They're just not mentally there, you know? They're drained.' The Cubs hadn't practiced all week, and Boehle considered forfeiting their final two pool games, but 'they wanted to play, and I love the fact that they gave it a shot.' Loyola, seeded third and aiming for a third successive CIF State Southern California Regional title, had opened Pool B play by, Boehle said, 'overlook[ing]' Redondo, which was 'flawless' and was 'not going to get beat that night.' Levi, whose family had relocated to Manhattan Beach after their home was destroyed in the Palisades fire, was killed three nights later. The close-knit Loyola community — the all-boys institution is the most prominent Catholic high school in Los Angeles — was devastated. 'There really isn't any words,' said Boehle, who completed his 29th campaign as head coach. 'I tried to navigate this as best I can. I just didn't have any answers for it. ... It's important that these guys stay together, as a group, as a brotherhood. That's what we've been telling them all week: 'This is your family. These are your brothers.'' So they went out together Tuesday night against sixth-seeded Newport Harbor and were listless in a four-set defeat. 'People are like, 'Hey, you're not in the finals this year,'' said Boehle, who has won seven section titles in 12 title-game appearances since 2003. 'And I'm like, 'It's OK.' Like, 'We've got bigger things to worry about than being in the finals.'' Friday night's finale was a chance for the Cubs to honor Levi. A moment of silence started the encounter, and Boehle made certain everybody got court time 'so they can all say we did it for Braun.' 'The outcome doesn't matter,' he said. The game was to be played Saturday, but Loyola held a 'celebration of life' for Levi that evening, and Huntington Beach head coach Craig Pazanti 'told Mike whenever he wanted to play, whatever he wanted to do, we were going to be OK with it.' 'I think that's the great thing about the volleyball community,' Pazanti said. 'We can come together when we have stuff like this. As much as we want to beat each other and are at each other's throats sometimes, you never want to see anybody have to go through this situation. I've been through it, as a coach a long time ago, when I first started coaching, and I know how devastating it can be to the team and the community.' The outcome was expected. Huntington Beach (34-3) has one of its best teams since winning section and regional championships in 2013, 2014 and 2015, had beaten Loyola twice, 3-0 the second time, and came in 'respecting our opponents by playing our hearts out,' senior libero Aiden Atencio called it. 'We want to play one way,' he said. 'We wanted to come out and win, 3-0. Even though this game didn't matter and we were clinched, we wanted to come out of a victory going into the finals.' The Oilers were dominant, using their serve-and-pass game and strong performances at the net from sophomore outside hitter Logan Hutnick (14 kills, two blocks) and senior middle blocker Nick Ganier Jr. (10 kills) to lead start to finish in the first set, take a sizable lead in the second, and pull away midway through the third. Pazanti went deeper down his bench than usual, seeing it as 'a great opportunity for a lot of guys to get on the floor who might not get on the floor.' Starting outside hitter Colin Choi and opposite Ben Arguello, both juniors, had most of the night off. The Oilers are short on stars — only setter Kai Gan, headed to Harvard, is set to play Division I in college — but big on the collective. Choi and Arguello pounce on the chances outside, with Ganier and senior Justin Bulsom but manning the middle, and Gan ('one of the best setters in CIF,' Pazanti says) — and Atencio, a four-year starter, keeping things moving. Hutnick, one of the best hitters in the 2027 class, and sophomore Easton Ebmeyer, just back from an ankle injury that's sidelined him all season, provide attacking depth. It's looked like their best shot at the program's sixth CIF title since the 2013-15 reign, except for the presence of Mira Costa (31-2). The Mustangs, who lost to Loyola in last year's final, are a monster team. 'We're going to go get our slingshot, and we're going to give it our best effort,' Pazanti said. 'They're a big, physical team. We're not going to change. We're going to play our game. We're going to go out there and just do the best we can do. What we've been doing has been pretty successful.' The teams met back in February, at the Redondo Classic, with Huntington Beach, without Choi, dropping a 25-23, 25-23 decision. The Mustangs' only losses were in the Best of the West tournament final to Loyola (after the Cubs topped Huntington Beach in the semifinals) in early March and against national No. 2 Marist — two days after sweeping the Chicago school on their home court — at the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions in Santa Barbara in early April. Marist beat Huntington Beach the same day. '[Mira Costa has] been pretty dominant the whole year ...,' Gan said. 'They're huge guys. They work really hard, and they're just all-around, really big competitors. Coming into it, you have to know you have nothing to lose. Us beating them would be truly a big accomplishment.' Mira Costa has won the last six meetings, two of them in Division 1 playoff games — 3-0 in a 2019 quarterfinal and 3-2 in 2023 pool play. The Oilers won semifinal showdowns en route to their 2013 and 2015 section titles. Pazanti, who also won a 2021 Division II regional title, sees similarities between Mira Costa and his title teams that supplied the bulk of a 2012-16 winning streak that reached 121 games. '[Our 2013-15 teams were] a different breed,' he said. 'You had the guy who started in the last two Olympics [T.J. DeFalco]. You have two guys who barely didn't make that cut in the Olympics. You got guys playing professionally overseas. We had 12 Division I players on that team. 'You look at the [Mira] Costa roster, and that's kind of what they have. I don't know if they have any Olympians, but they've got 11, 12 guys that are going to go play Division I volleyball.' Atencio says it 'all comes down to what we do on our side.' 'I think the serve and pass game is going to be crucial, but also the blocking,' he said. 'They're a very big, physical team, and I think that we have the blocks to handle that, the defense to scramble, and so we just need to have that grit and show out and execute.' Loyola keeps working through the pain. '[I feel for] the family,' Boehle said. 'As a parent, I can't imagine what they're going through. I've got four kids. Someone said it best at school: As a parent, I want to be buried before I have to bury my own child. My heart goes out to them.' Boehle has one last task. Levi's father, Dan, emailed the coach after the Palisades fire, sent him a photo of Braun wearing his volleyball championship ring, except it was melted. 'I ordered him a new ring, to present to him this year at the end of our banquet,' he said. 'And I'm not going to be able to do that. I still get goosebumps. It breaks my heart. You just never know. 'That's the one thing that I'm really crushed by, that I'm not going to be able to hand him that. But 'you earned this.' I've got to give it to his mom and dad.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Loved ones honor 18-year-old killed by suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach
Loved ones and community members came together to honor Braun Levi, 18, a high school senior who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach. A paddle-out was held on Saturday morning in Manhattan Beach, where many friends and family gathered to catch some waves in Braun's honor. Many of his friends spoke at the event. 'He was the one who brought us all together,' a friend said. 'He kept us singing and he kept us bright. He might not be here right now, but you can still feel his legacy and we can always live like Braun.' 'A kid who gave his love to everyone so freely and asked for nothing in return,' said another friend. 'His impact can be seen by everyone being here today.' On May 4, Braun was walking with a friend near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Ronda Drive when he was struck by a woman in an SUV around 12:45 a.m. Manhattan Beach Police responded to the scene where Braun's body was found on the roadway next to the suspect's vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital, where despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. The driver, Jenia Belt, 33, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and homicide. Her Infiniti SUV had a smashed windshield and notable damage to the hood. At the time of the crash, court records showed that Belt had been driving on a suspended license due to a previous drunk driving arrest in 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported. In that incident, she was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to make restitution while her license remained suspended. Braun, whose family had lost their home in the Palisades Fire, was a three-year captain of Loyola High School's varsity tennis team. He was set to attend the University of Virginia after graduation. 'He was the type of tennis player that even when you were his competition on the court, off the court, he was friends with everybody,' said his mother, Jennifer Levi. His family had only moved to Manhattan Beach four months ago when Braun was killed. An earlier memorial was held at the beach volleyball courts where Braun loved to play. His family was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up. 'There are hundreds of Manhattan Beach kids there and we've only lived here for four months,' said Adelle Levi, Braun's sister. 'That shows the impact that Braun had on people and the type of friends he can make so fast.' His father, Dan Levi, said his son saw the loss of their Palisades home to the fire as an opportunity to connect with others. 'We all just tried to make the most of losing our house, appreciating the love of our family,' he said. 'Braun, specifically, wanted to reach out to all the younger classmates at his high school and help them through the experience.' On Saturday night, a memorial was held at Loyola High School, where Braun was a standout student who was beloved by his teachers and classmates. Hundreds of loved ones, friends, and community members attended the public event. 'Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched,' Loyola High School Principal Jamal K. Adams said in a message to the school community. The teen's family said they plan to start a scholarship fund in his name. As for the suspect, she remains in custody without bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- CBS News
Manhattan Beach paddle out set for Loyola High School teen killed by alleged drunk driver
Family and friends of Braun Levi will honor his life Saturday morning with a Manhattan Beach paddle out. The 18-year-old Loyola High School senior was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver May 4, as he was walking along Sepulveda Boulevard with a friend. The high school tennis star was set to graduate next month. An Instagram post from the school's athletic department said that he was a team captain and four-year starter for their tennis team and had "cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history." Levi's family recently moved to the area after losing their home in the Palisades Fire. The paddle out takes place at 10 a.m. at First Street in Manhattan Beach. In lieu of flowers, Levi's family requests donations to the "Live Like Braun" Scholarship Fund. To donate, click here, and note Braun's name in the gift designation field. The driver, Jenia Belt, 33, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was also driving on a license suspended since January 2024. "Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched," LHS Principal Jamal K. Adams said in a statement.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Prep talk: Tennis players unite to pay tribute to Loyola's Braun Levi
Loyola and Harvard-Westlake tennis players gather before their playoff match to honor the late Braun Levi, Loyola's team captain killed in a tragic accident last weekend. (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times) On a scorching Friday afternoon at L.A. Valley College, Loyola and Harvard-Westlake High tennis players gathered for a moment of silence wearing T-shirts that read "Live Like Braun," in honor of Loyola captain Braun Levi, who was killed last weekend in Manhattan Beach while walking on a street. A 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and homicide. Loyola players decided after much reflection and mourning to play Friday's Southern Section Open Division playoff match against Harvard-Westlake. Advertisement "We want to play for Braun," coach Brian Held said. A moment of silence was held. Levi's mother, Jennifer, was there receiving hugs and support. All week at Loyola, students have been supporting each other trying to heal. A celebration of Levi's life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Loyola. In an email, Sylvia Almanzan, the grandmother of a Loyola student, wrote, "The Loyola faculty has been amazing during this time of providing counselors and support not only to the students but families as well. I just wanted to state how this remarkable young man touched so many lives especially my grandson's in such a positive way." Advertisement Levi's doubles partner, Cooper Schwartz, was originally not going to play on Friday as a way to not tarnish his memory winning the Mission League title with Levi. He changed his mind and played with a new partner. They won their matches 7-5, 7-6 and 6-4 and on match points, Schwartz used Levi's racket. Harvard-Westlake won the match 14-4 to advance. This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
High school tennis star killed in 'vehicular accident,' reportedly with drunken driver
A California high school tennis star just a month away from graduation was reportedly killed by a suspected drunken driver on May 4, according to police and multiple local reports. The Manhattan Beach Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to a report of a traffic collision between a car and pedestrian on Sepulveda Boulevard in the early morning hours of May 4. Upon arrival, officers found a victim lying in the street. Life-saving medical efforts were attempted, but the victim succumbed to their injuries, the release said. Braun Levi, an 18-year-old high school senior, died in the accident, according to multiple local outlets, including The Los Angeles Times and ABC7. Levi's school, Loyola High School, said on its website May 6 that the 18-year-old "tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident Saturday night." The Manhattan Beach Police Department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Levi was 'one of the most accomplished student-athletes,' school says Levi attended Loyola High School, where he was set to graduate early next month, the school said. "Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy and inspiration to everyone he touched," Loyola High School said. Loyola Athletics said on social media that Levi was a star tennis player for the school and had just won his fourth consecutive league championship on April 29. "Levi, 18, was a four-year Varsity starter for Loyola Tennis and cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history," the post said. Loyola Athletics also described Levi as "the ultimate team captain" and a "true leader." "His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community," the post said. Start your day informed: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter. Driver in fatal traffic collision charged with DUI The Manhattan Beach Police Department said in a press release that the driver of the vehicle in the May 4 fatal traffic collision was 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles. Belt was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of murder, police said. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information should contact Officer Chasen Gaunt at 310-802-5098. Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi reportedly killed by drunken driver
