HOOP DREAMS

It was a hot evening last Saturday night, both weather wise as well as the show of support of the community for the new basketball coach at Mariposa County High School.

More than 200 people turned out on a steamy evening at the Van Ness Ranch where the event was a combination fundraiser for the newly-formed AAU basketball team as well as an introduction to coach Bill Flarida, who will be guiding the Grizzlies during the upcoming season.

The team is dubbed the “Mean Green” during their tour of the state playing against other teams.

“We want to keep the tradition going,” said Flarida, who grew up in Mariposa and graduated from MCHS in 1982. He looks back fondly on how MCHS sports programs grew under the leadership of many key people.

They grew so much, he said, MCHS has been a powerhouse in sports for decades — a tradition he wants to continue for the boys basketball program.

One of the key programs he has introduced this year is forming an AAU traveling team, giving this year’s players a chance to compete against top competition. He said 25 to 30 games are being played this offseason and added that playing against stiff competition makes the team better in the long run.

It was apparent the players are buying into the program as they were busy making sure guests had parking spots before the dinner to actually serving up the steak and fixin’s to everyone in attendance.

It was a real sports crowd on hand, with former coaches, current coaches and even the county sheriff, himself a football coach.

“We will be very competitive when it comes to the high school team,” said Flarida.

The evening unfolded in a casual manner, with Trace DeSandres, considered by many one of the biggest figures ever at MCHS, kicking things off with a speech. DeSandres, along with Debbie Leonard, are assisting this year in athletic duties while the district searches for a permanent person.

Flarida also addressed the crowd, reminiscing about the past and looking toward the future.

The dinner was served up for the people who attended as the athletes carried the plates to each person, showing their dedication to the basketball program they hope leads to a stellar season this year.

There was also a live auction conducted by local resident Tim Mankins, who got the most out of the items that were up for bid.

Flarida said all of the money raised through ticket sales and the auction will benefit the basketball program.

Even though it was a warm evening both outside and inside the venue, that didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the people in attendance, many of whom commented on the big turnout in the summertime for what is a winter sport.