The seats of McArthur Court shook, literally, unlike anything I’d experienced in my short two years of attending men’s basketball home games.
I sat toward the back of a section of student seats in the game against California. My view was partially obstructed by the seats above me, but I watched a thrilling comeback unfold on the court below.
As exciting as watching Oregon’s second-half offensive fireworks was – and it was thrilling – it reminded me of an equally exciting turnaround the night before. My high school, Camarillo High, located within Ventura County in Southern California, hosted a match-up with Oxnard High.
The two schools are basketball powerhouses within the Pacific View League. The match-up may not have the venom or notoriety of an Oregon-Oregon State match-up, but it’s close. When these two teams play, people swarm and media attends.
Last Friday, I looked online, saw the game listed on Camarillo’s schedule and called my dad. Hours later I dialed my home number, and my dad, breathless and excited, picked up the phone.
Moments earlier, he ran from a packed gym and escaped a gnarled parking lot. He detailed the final play, a length-of-the-court sequence, which left Camarillo celebrating an improbable 49-48 win.
Improbable in that Camarillo’s win marked just the second time in nine seasons in the Pacific View League that Camarillo has downed Oxnard.
Camarillo accomplished the feat with a little luck and misfortune on Oxnard’s part.
On the final play, Camarillo’s Gordon Galloway grabbed the rebound of a missed one-and-one free throw. Galloway dished to point guard Mike Diacos, who dribbled left and fed a streaking Danny Rasp for the game typing lay-up and the foul as time expired.
Rasp sank the free throw and fans swarmed the court. Students hoisted their classmates onto their shoulders.
What separates this win above others is Camarillo’s comeback from nine points down, with 2:52 remaining. Oxnard outscored Camarillo 35-13 to take the lead, but was unable to finish, with shots missed on two bonus free throw chances in the final minute.
My interest in the current Camarillo team, other than being an alumnus, focuses on Rasp, a multitalented 6-foot-6-inch post player who is likely to continue his playing career at the next level. Colleges tossed around include Portland, Portland State and UC-Irvine.
Four years ago, I watched his brother, Derek Rasp, an even more impressive talent, consistently bury shots under pressure. He took his game to UC-Santa Barbara for two seasons and last summer I shared the same court in a men’s basketball league.
They shared a knack for leading teams – as leaders and in scoring – in a Camarillo uniform. So as I watch Oregon’s unparalleled 18-1 start, I also think of an exciting brand of high school basketball taking place in my hometown.
Much the same way Oregon fans are likely to remember Aaron Brooks’ clutch skills for years to come, I think of the Rasp brothers for their exploits on the basketball court. I detailed the story of their athletic family in my hometown newspaper last summer. Their father, Don Rasp, spent a season under coach Don Shula with the Miami Dolphins.
This family of athletes can thrive under pressure, and as Friday showed, will continue to do so in memorable fashion.
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