Hoops Reunion: Calling All Local Alumni



Los Angeles is a hoops hotbed. Three professional basketball teams play at Staples and three local colleges made it to last year's Big Dance. But just because some of the players come from around the country and overseas, don't think LA needs to poach outside talent. The city boasts an amazing legacy of high school basketball. Local courts are responsible for current pro stars like Baron Davis, Gilbert Arenas, Paul Pierce and Jordan Farmar . Many top former players, including NBA Hall of Famers Gail Goodrich and George Yardley, also cut their teeth here.

Next month, area alumni will honor that heritage. Starting August 25, the L.A. High School Alumni Basketball Tournament will showcase local talent over the span of two weeks. According to organizer Terry Anzaldo, the double elimination tournament will be played at various schools to make it geographically friendly. He has invited over 100 teams and is welcoming any school from "the LA area, not simply CIF or Southern Section." Anybody who is a local alumni -- regardless of whether they actually played basketball in school -- is invited to participate. Registration is still open on the website (www.alumnibball.com).

Anzaldo explained that the tournament is designed to "honor [Los Angeles'] legends while celebrating the heritage of LA basketball and putting on a competitive event." His company, Good Guy Entertainment, lived up to their name by pledging to raise awareness and funds for health, education and recreation in the community. This year the tournament will benefit rebuilding efforts at Garfield High School Arena, an iconic facility that was recently destroyed by arson. They've already selected next year's beneficiary, the Maggie Dixon Foundation scholarship program (named after the local prep standout who coached for West Point before her unexpected passing last year).

Jamie Dixon (head basketball coach at the University of Pittsburgh and brother of Maggie Dixon), Bret Saberhagen (MLB Cy Young winner), and Odis McKinney (two time Super Bowl Champion) participated in a similar tournament organized by Anzaldo in 1989. By establishing this as a regular event, he hopes to give LA it's own version of Rucker Park.

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