Boys basketball (4-2) won against Marina High 59-38 on Jan. 5 after its previous win against Aliso Niguel High 51-47 on Dec. 21.

This game was not an average high school basketball game; it was also an invitation for alumni, such as retired National Basketball Association (NBA) player Adam Keefe who had been on the basketball team in 1984.  

Keefe’s jersey is still hung on the walls of the large gym, showing his status as a famous alumnus. Due to Keefe and other alumni presence at the game, many players said they felt motivated to perform well and impress them that night.  

Due to strong defense from both teams, the start of the first quarter seemed prolonged as Marina High lead 11-12. Despite being behind in the first quarter, the team was able to communicate efficiently and execute layups effectively with the coordination of each player,resulting in leading the second quarter 29-21.

During the second half, the Warriors scored continuously as they started to pull away from Marina High. “I thought they played fantastic; they were hustling the entire game all four quarters, and they put on an absolute shooting clinic from the three point line,” Keefe said.

Marina High brought it back within five as the third quarter ended, but it still was not enough. The Warriors went on an 8-0 run to end the game, as junior Mitchell Rausch scored two consecutive three-pointers to widen the gap between the two teams.

Head coach John Halagan said he was impressed by the team’s overall performance and endurance against Marina High.

“We played a great team, but our guys did a great job moving the ball around and finding the gaps of the defense to attack the hoop,” Halagan said.

As the team wins its fourth season and seventh overall game including their wins in the Las Vegas Tournament, senior CJ Lomboy said he felt that many factors beyond communication and persistence had a major impact on the performance of the team.

“Our solid defense and great ball movement have been major keys in our seven-game win streak,” Lomboy said.

The team played outstanding basketball, but there were still some areas of play that needed to be improved

“We need to work on our gap defense, also sliding our feet as we need to stay in front of the defender,”senior Isaac Torres said.  

Despite the most recent lost against Corona Del Mar High 44-74, the team looks forward to preparing for its upcoming game against Northwood High on Friday.

Many alumni try to come back to see the team play whenever possible.

“I try to get back here whenever I can,” Keefe said.  “It is great to come back again.”