LJ b BB: Falcons crested

Torrey Pines coach John Olive,

a giant of a man, kept it clean but

expressed some frustration to his

bench during La Jolla's 69-66 upset

win Dec. 22.

(Photo by Ed Piper, Jr.)

By Ed Piper, Jr.

Torrey Pines basketball coach John Olive, minutes after La Jolla had upset his third-ranked Falcons 69-66 on a late three-pointer, recognized the Vikings for their win.

Asked what he saw, he replied, "I saw a La Jolla team that was well-coached, knew their personnel, was very focused. I was very impressed."

He kept his gaze pretty much straight ahead at the ensuing tournament game that was in already in progress as a reporter asked him questions crouching to his side, the head coach seated temporarily in a folding chair on the edge of the court near his team's meeting room. He was still sizzling from the loss, during which he screamed at his bench after a Reed Farley three.

He kept his emotions in check with the reporter.

Reminded of his team's comeback in the third quarter from a 10-point halftime deficit, Olive, a veteran, respected coach who hosts the prestigious Under Armour Holiday Classic at his school after Christmas, replied, "We made some halftime adjustments that worked. We made some shots."

His star, 6-9 Jake Gilliam, was equally understated and complimentary of the opponent: "(Charlie Gal's) a good player. It's a well-coached team. Charlie gets better and better every time we play him."

Equally restraining his feelings like his coach after the upset loss, the big center replied when asked his emotions, "We have a great coach. We have a lot of heart. I think we'll find that heart (as we go from here)."

Advised of their comments, Gal and La Jolla coach Paul Baranowski were appreciative.