LJ BB: Petco Park

Reed Farley passes inside to Alex

Pitrofsky (35) at the low post in

Friday preseason scrimmage.

(Photos by Ed Piper)

Coach Paul Baranowski says there are several factors that led to La Jolla getting the nod to play Bill Walton's alma mater in the feature game Tuesday night, Dec. 1, at Petco Park in the first Walton Basketball Festival.

Did the invitation have to do with the Vikings expected to feature a fairly strong team this season?

"Partly," responded Baranowski, talking in his office at the Jewish Community Center. "We were already playing Helix in a tournament, so neither team had to add a point to their schedule," making scheduling easier.

Teams are allotted a certain number of points for their schedule by CIF San Diego Section. This is to keep within CIF regulations for fairness and balance and the welfare of the student-athletes.

Another factor was Helix being Walton's high school alma mater. The event being named after the 6'11" Hall of Famer for his three NCAA titles at UCLA and two NBA titles, one with the Portland Trailblazers before Walton suffered crippling foot injuries that limited his career, it was a no-brainer that Bill's high school would take part in the festival.

"We hope the weather will cooperate," said Baranowski of the outdoor game played on the Petco baseball diamond infield. "As far as condensation (on the wooden court laid on the grass), I hope they have fans (to keep the surface dry)."

The Vikings' brain trust coaches La Jolla up in

morning scrimmage in chilly gymnasium

at Grossmont High Friday.

"I think the only place spectators will sit is in the bleachers" that will be set up along the second base line."

"I went outside at 7:20 (same time as game time) the other day, and the air was heavy."

Will the coach have time to enjoy the game amid the hoopla? "Sure, it's a big honor that we get to play at Petco." What an exciting way to start the season.

The week-long festival starts Mon., Nov. 30, with boys and girls games in the afternoon and evening throughout the week. Walton will hold a basketball clinic. Then the event culminates in San Diego State facing off against USD Saturday afternoon, Dec. 5.


Copyright 2015 Ed Piper