LJ b BB 53, Christian 55 - Western League

Senior Behzad Hashemi (far left) inbounds the ball
for the Vikings in closing minutes
against Christian.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
 

By Ed Piper

"He's got a lot of potential," said La Jolla assistant Hussein Demiral of freshman Max Raulston. "He's one of those guys, like (former Viking star) Reed Farley, who comes to high school ready to play (on the varsity) physically and mentally."

Added the coach, who knows a thing or two about playing in the front court like Raulston--Demiral competed in the pro Euro League after growing up in Turkey--"(Max) plays with a lot of joy. He enjoys playing, and he enjoys life. He looks forward to each day."

The ninth-grade forward, who comes off the bench or starts, according to Viking head coach Paul Baranowski's wishes, and his teammates battled back from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter against visiting Christian to lead, only to fall 55-53 in a Western League game Thurs., Jan. 10.

Raulston contributed two baskets and two free throws, all in the fourth quarter. He had to go up against 6'7" Patriots star Jackson Larsen, headed to Northern Arizona University, giving up five inches in the match-up. Max didn't hesitate to challenge Larsen in the paint.

It fell to La Jolla sophomore Christian Gamboa, another 6'2" forward, to guard the NAU commit in the final period. Larsen got only three points in the quarter, and the Vikings outscored Christian 20-13 to close the gap--just not enough in the end.

The hosts (1-2 Western League, 8-10 overall) forged ahead 45-44 midway through the fourth quarter when Raulston sank the second of two free throws after being fouled by the Patriot big man. The Vikings had tied on Gamboa's free throw moments earlier.

That was preceded by Raulston's layup. Harry Kaseff, the people's choice, again canned a three-pointer early in the final stanza to combine with a Gamboa trey to set up the run.

However, after the brief advantage, La Jolla--which has struggled since the winter break at the end of games--quickly fell behind and was looking up from a 54-48 deficit with 1:55 left.

Senior Jett Wilson unintentionally banked in a three from the point, smiling like, "Yeah, I really meant to do that." But the Vikings gave up a free throw and could only offer Raulston's other basket with seconds left, as the surrounding Patriot players let the ball drop to the floor and remain there untouched as the clock ticked out the final seconds for the two-point win.

Gamboa led all scorers with 24 points, including a trio of three-pointers.

Larsen finished with 18 points for the Patriots.

The locals have been encouraged by brothers Gabe and Diego Solis dressing out the last two games, in preparation for their return Jan. 22 from injuries. "We'll be a much better team with them," said Demiral.

La Jolla hosts powerful St. Augustine at 5:15 p.m. Sat., Jan. 12.

In the meantime, Christian (3-1 league, 9-8 overall) faces Cathedral Catholic (2-1, 12-7) Friday night, Jan. 11, in another Western League contest.