Los Al Basketball OnlineMaui '99 - The Lahainaluna Invitational Report
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Beach & Luau
Updated 12-25-99 Photo
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 Team notesWhether you are an insider or outsider of the program, you cannot deny that this team shows class where ever it goes. This trip to Maui was a prime example of the Los Al Basketball class. The trip was a success, not just by going 5-0 in games and bringing home the trophy, but these young men were able to unite as a team and represent the Los Al community with high ethics. We, coaches, are pleased to have dealt with such fine young men. "We may not be big league players, but we are be big league people." The late Bill Fulton, Professor of Physical Education and author of "Scrubbini" at Cal State Fullerton 12-25-99 Maui Basketball Notes
The high school basketball rules here are slightly different than the CIF: 1) No 35-second clock is used - no rush when you are in Hawaii! 2) A 3-man referee crew, like in college or the NBA, is used instead of 2 - less work to do than 2 men. This year's Lahainaluna Invitational includes 4 teams from SoCal: Fullerton, Pacifica, Arlington of Riverside, and Los Al. Pacifica and Los Al are staying at the same hotel, the Kaanapali Marriott Resort. The Lahaina Civic Center is where the Maui Invitational occured during the Thanksgiving weekend. This year's field, hosted by Chaminade of Honolulu, included Purdue, North Carolina, Georgetown, Utah State, Memphis State and Florida. Big Time! 12-21-99 
It's a small world after all
Senior Center Jeff Grgas discovered upon arriving in Lahaina, that he may have met a distant cousin, whom he never knew he had. Marko Ljubic (pronounce LEW-BEECH) is an exchange student at Lahainaluna High School, the host of the tournament. He is the starting point guard for the Lunas' basketball team. Ljubic's parents live in Germany, according to Victor Grgas, Jeff's father. The elder Grgas discovered the player, Ljubic, in the newspaper and recognized that the last name is his mother's maiden name and a very rare name. Apparently the name comes from a small town in Croatia. The elder Grgas is doing some research to ensure that Ljubic's parents are indeed a distant cousin of his. A follow-up of this story will be published. Unfortunately Jeff will not have a chance to play against Ljubic, as the host team lost to Maryknoll from Big Island in the 2nd round of play. Seeing in picture at left, Ljubic, center, met the Grgas'. 12-21-99 
DAY 8 THURSDAY 12-23-99
Lahaina, Maui - Los Al defeated a strong Arlington team from Riverside, CA 66-52. Ryan Keller made a comeback from being fouled out in the previous game, to lead all players in scoring with 15 points. More impressively, he held Daniel Tang, the Lions point guard from penetrating and doing the fancy passes that he did through out the tourney. Arlington is a CIF playoff quality team that likes to run and gun. Sophomore 6-7 Center Chad Carter was held to 8 points by a very stingy Griffin defense. Click here for photos of the game. DAY 7 WEDNESDAY 12-22-99
Lahaina, Maui - The Griffins played their first Non-Hawaiian team, the Newport Knights of Bellevue, WA. The Knights showed some quickness, but foul trouble kept them from upsetting Los Al. The Grifs had some foul trouble themselves, got whistled for 24 fouls, including 3 players with 5 fouls (Keller, Prettyman and Carter), but hung on to win a tight one, 66-46, to improve to 11-1. Click here for full coverage. DAY 6 TUESDAY 12-21-99
Lahaina, Maui - The Grifs, once again displayed size, quickness and talent, to beat University High of Oahu, 78-45. Click here for complete coverage. DAY 5 MONDAY 12-20-99
Lahaina, Maui - The Griffins jumped to an 18-4 lead after the 1st quarter to cruise to a 69-32 win over King Kekaulike of Maui. Click here for complete story. DAY 4 SUNDAY 12-19-99
Lahaina, Maui - The team spent the day at the Beach and Luau. Click here for photos and story. DAY 3 SATURDAY 12-18-99
Molokini Island, Maui - The team was being treated to a day of snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing on the Pride of Maui, a 65-foot catamaran en route to Molokini Island. Click here for photos. DAY 2 FRIDAY 12-17-99
Mawakao, Maui - Los Al beat Seabury Hall 67-34. More on story.... 
DAY 1 THURSDAY 12-16-99
Lahaina, Maui - Not much to report, except that it's our day long journey from the mainland to the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arrival on Maui, we had a little delay checking out our vans, but everything got into places. Soon after a 40-minute ride to the Lahaina area, we checked in and went to dinner shortly after. Coach Smith had underlined a 10PM curfew and a 9AM breakfast, following by a workout in preparation to our 5PM non-league game on Friday at Seabury Hall. Victor Grgas will, as usual, provide with some nice action photos for you folks back home... Hawaiian style of course! |
