Lindbergh boys basketball takes trip to Portland

Even with the loss, the Eagles have a memory they’ll never forget.

By Benjamin Ray • December 22, 2023 3:15 pm

For the Lindbergh High School boys basketball players, Christmas came early this season. The Eagles had the experience of a lifetime Dec. 20 in Portland, playing at the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers.

“It was a dream come true. I never dreamed of myself even attending an NBA game and then playing on the court was a really cool experience. I hope I can do it later in my life as well,” said James Huff IV.

Even the night before was special, the Eagles entire team and coaching staff attended the Blazers game against the Phoenix Suns.

“For the guys to see NBA players the night before and then playing on the same court, got the guys pumped. They were excited and energy was through the roof,” Head Coach Abraham Garcia said.

For the game itself against Auburn Mountainview, the Eagles didn’t play their best, losing 68-43. But the occasion wasn’t about the game, it was about checking off a bucket list item for every player who played in the game. There might have only been 20 or so fans in the arena that holds 20,000-plus for Blazers games, but there were still nerves with the players.

“I was kind of nervous. The court was way bigger than high school. When I got in the game I wasn’t ready at all, I was just in awe,” Huff said.

Sure, Lindbergh would have wanted to win. Auburn Mountainview made the state tournament last year and is off to a hot start this year. The Eagles were able to get every player on the floor which says a lot about how much Garcia respects his players.

James Huff IV and John Choul led the Eagles in the loss with eight points apiece. Shooting was no doubt an issue with the NBA three-point line and the adjusted backdrop.

“Our guys don’t give up… I think our guys never fold,” Garcia said.

At the end of the fourth quarter with the game out of reach, both sides had bench players getting a shot on the big stage. It became more about the game of basketball rather than winning the game.

“It didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but I am happy for them to be able to experience and just play hard the entire time. Everybody went in, we played eleven deep,” Garcia said.

“This is my family. I’ll go to war with them. I got their side and I know they got my side,” Huff said.