LJ b BB: Alumni 'Open Gym'

The 21 basketball alumni (plus Coach John McColl)
took a break for a group photo between 5-on-5
games at the "Open Gym" event.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
 

By Ed Piper

By 11:11 a.m., La Jolla High alumni had one full-court game going in the Big Gym, with another organized and ready to start on the adjoining court.

 

The occasion was an "Open Gym" event for Viking basketball alumni Fri., Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving.

 

The Oharas and McColls were well-represented, with three family members each playing. From an outsider's unofficial viewpoint, the game on the north end of the gym was at a little higher level, with some younger players who could still represent.

 

Jacob Ohara, a 2018 graduate of Coach Paul Baranowski's program, used his patented quick first step to dart to the basket. His brother Zac, who was a threat off the dribble as well as from outside, also played, along with their older brother Matt.

Daniel McColl, a 2017 graduate, played in the north-court game. Older brother David and dad John, who apparently gained entrance on the merits of his (football) coaching and close affiliation with the LJHS sports program, competed in the southern game.

Baranowski, meanwhile, chatted in the corner with Mr. Ohara, as well as Jeanne Rawdin, Quinn's mother, and Maggie Ohara, and other alumni moms.

The event was advertised as extending from 11 to 1 p.m. Other LJHS basketball grads identified by a reporter included Tyson Youngs, Sean Devitt, Charlie Gal, and Matt and Max Needham.

Members of the current Viking team came down from the upper bleachers midway through the morning to shoot around and for a group photo, including Jett Wilson, Nick Hulquist, Behzad Hashemi, and others.