LJ b BB: Diggin' Diego's play

By Ed Piper

Diego Solis, a newcomer playing guard for La Jolla's basketball team, visibly grew leaps and bounds in his impact and confidence during the Vikings' rivalry game against Bishop's Tues., Dec. 19.

Solis, a freshman this season, started playing with the varsity players part-time last summer before he had even begun attending high school classes, as head coach Paul Baranowski saw his poise and the scoring contributions the lefty was making.

During the closely-played game against the Vikings' crosstown rivals Tuesday, Solis hit a 10-foot jump shot at the side of the lane that drew hollers from the La Jolla student section.

"He's a freshman," called out one student after one of Solis' exploits--the standard chant in support of a ninth-grade member of a varsity team.

Besides his self-assurance on the court, which he's had since last summer, the 5'6" backcourt player doesn't make a lot of stupid mistakes, even playing against opponents three and four years older.

Baranowski stayed with him as the game with the Knights tightened, from a nine-point Bishop's edge in the third quarter to a tie ballgame early in the fourth period. Then, in overtime, Solis remained on the floor. Normally, you would see a starter--Diego comes off the bench as a reserve--back in there when crunch time comes.

But not on this occasion. And he became the "darling" of the La Jolla student rooting section, which was the largest of the four games the team has played at home after being on the road for a tournament to open the season.

"He's so quick," remarked one LJHS student to a reporter, discussing the young player's exploits in the game.

Solis wasn't afraid to put up an outside shot or two down the stretch. His percentage wasn't good, but he is contributing in so many ways: playing pesky defense, helping keep the ball moving in the Vikings' set offense, copping a steal and layup (which he pulled off against the Knights).

Though La Jolla lost the rivalry game by four points, Solis further showed that he gives Baranowski more options in his lineup. The depth he helps provide on the roster enables the Vikings to deal with the rigors of tournament play: the present tourney they're involved in, the Grossmont Classic, transpires over two weeks and requires games three straight days this week (Thurs.-Fri.-Sat., Dec. 21-13).