LJ b BB 44, Mira Mesa 54 - Madison tourney - Season opener

During a timeout, Vikings coach Paul Baranowski
demonstrates "get a hand up" on defense
to his new, young squad.
(Photo by Ed Piper)

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -- a sage

Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.  -- coach's aphorism


By Ed Piper

Well, the journey of La Jolla's basketball team this year, called the 2019-2020 season, has begun.

The Vikings, young, young, young--did I say young?--played their opening game against Mira Mesa Sat., Nov. 23, in the Regional Rumble, Madison's annual tournament.

Led by returning starters Christian Gamboa, at point guard, and Max Raulston, the high-jumping forward, Coach Paul Baranowski's new squad began well. The Vikings jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, with a layup by Gamboa and two baskets by Raulston.

All were inside, and that was a continuing theme. The junior Gamboa's field goal came on a feed from a driving Max, who dished off.

La Jolla led 13-9 at one point, finishing the first quarter leading 13-11.

From there, the tables turned, and the Vikings trailed and had to try to play catch-up the rest of the game, which didn't work this time. The final score was Mira Mesa 54, La Jolla 44.

Returning starter Christian Gamboa,
a junior, played point guard
and led all scorers with 17 points.

After taking their first lead at 16-15 early in the second quarter, the Marauders led by nine at 26-17, also in the third quarter, 33-24.

Gamboa and Raulston provided key baskets as La Jolla fought to close the gap.

The Vikings closed to within three, 34-31, late in the third period on freshman Vincent Ricchiuti's jumper. But down the stretch, as La Jolla failed to sink crucial free throws (11 for 28 on the game), and the Marauders built a 50-40 lead, insurmountable under the circumstances.

Mira Mesa senior Said Salim bombed from the outside, scoring 16 points. The Marauders didn't look all that polished in their opening effort, either. But they did distribute scoring around Salim, with six players contributing from eight down to three points each.

Sophomore Brennan Ross and Ricchiuti, both who started in summer league, are partly there to provide some firepower from outside. Ross hit a three and a two-pointer in the first period, totaling six points for the afternoon.

Cole Black, a 6'2" member of Coach Tom Atwell's rotation in water polo, made three of four free throws.

Gamboa led all scorers with 17 points, but was only 5 of 14 at the charity stripe. Raulston scored 10, all in the first three quarters, the only other Viking in double figures.

Diego Solis, the third member of La Jolla's returning "big three", watched the fourth quarter wearing a sling on his left arm. He's still playing for the football team, which meets Scripps Ranch in the Division 3 final Sat., Nov. 30.

After the game, his mother, Sandy, said, "He will be fine" for the football championship game. She said he injured his arm--Diego is a lefty--prior to his touchdown reception as time ran out Friday against Brawley in the semifinals. Coach Tyler Roach then went for the two-point conversion, and La Jolla won, 15-14.

Baranowski's team continues in the Madison tournament with a game Mon., Nov. 25, at 10:30 a.m. against the tournament hosts, then Wed., Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m. against a challenging La Jolla Country Day squad.