*Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.
By Marcus D. Smith—
Mournful is how to describe the news of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant that shook the world as if it were hit by an earthquake with an 8.24 magnitude. Bryant, along with eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash traveling to compete in their next basketball game in Southern California on Jan. 26.
The entire week, there have been tributes paying respects to those who’s lives were lost. From the NBA down to high school basketball, players paid homage in a multitude of ways such as changing their jerseys, taking violations to start the game, or simply acknowledging with a moment of silence.
That level of respect didn’t stop in Citrus Heights.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, when San Juan High School hosted Highlands High School, each team took the time to honor the late-legend and the others in their own ways.
Up first were the girls varsity team(s), who took a shot-clock violation on their first possession. This originally began in the NBA with the 24-second shot clock violation as a tribute since Bryant wore the number 24. High School girls basketball has a 30-second shot clock, making the gesture just as meaningful.
“It was definitely a big impact…you didn’t have to really watch basketball like that to understand the impact that he had on everybody,” said San Juan High School junior guard Paris Burney. “He’s a huge inspiration. Lately I’ve been watching him and he’s really been keeping me motivated.”
The boys varsity teams were next to play and next to pay tribute. They agreed to set the shot clock to 24 seconds on the first possession for the team that wins the tip-off and eight seconds for the next team’s possession.
“His dog mentality, he never stopped going whether that was in practice, games, doesn’t matter…he’s always [going to] work,” said San Juan Spartans sophomore guard Nanik Tagore. “I read his book ‘Mamba Mentality.’ It’s just working…countless reps, and just applying that is [how] I get to be where I am today.”
Both San Juan boys and girls would fall to Highlands, but at that moment there were other matters more endearing.
“Sunday was a hard day and I understand it was harder for the families who were closer to Kobe and the others that were lost,” said San Juan High School varsity head coach Fred Bryant. “We lost a great one, as far as in the flesh. You know, the physical form we lost a great one, but his legacy will (live) on.”
On Friday night, Jan. 31, Mesa Verde hosted Dixon High School and decided to allow a 24-second moment of silence before the start of the varsity basketball games. Following the moment, a recording was played of Whitney Houston’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in her Super Bowl XXV performance.
Mesa Verde girls basketball lost to Dixon, 51-19, but boys basketball won, 49-43. Their next games are at Mira Loma High School.
Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.
