Clippers connect with Cypress; Kaprielian’s MLB debut and Gillespie’s legacy

Clipper Darrell (middle) joins the Cypress basketball players after a game in January 2019. (Photo courtesy Cypress boys basketball)

When the Los Angeles Clippers play the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA Western Conference playoffs, we’re guessing the coaches and players from Cypress High will be watching with interest.

After OC Sports Zone republished a story Sunday of the Centurions visit to Staples Center earlier this year, the program responded on Twitter: “Go Clips.”

Another player tweeted he had great memories of the team’s trip in January. Cypress defeated South Torrance 46-45 and the players got to meet with Clippers’ assistant coach Natalie Nakase, who is a long-time friend of Cypress Coach Derek Mitchell.

The Centurions have had some connections with the Clippers over the years.

In 2019 the Centurions invited one of the Clippers’ top supporters, Clipper Darrell, to a Cypress game.

“The boys were excited to have Clipper Darrell come out to support them after meeting him when they played at the Staples Center,” said Mitchell at the time.

KAPRIELIAN’S JOURNEY TO MAJORS

Many followers of the Beckman and UCLA baseball programs were undoubtedly happy to see James Kaprielian make his Major League debut Sunday with the Oakland A’s. It has not been an easy journey for Kaprielian, who had to bounce back from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for two seasons, to reach the Majors.

Kaprielian was the leader of the Beckman High School baseball team coached by Kevin Lavalle and showed his determination and amazing talent on the mound. He always credited his teammates and coaches and was humble in victory. It seemed like every time he took to the mound, fans thought he had a chance to pitch a no-hitter. On the rare occasions he did lose, he handled it with class. He always wanted to make his number one fan, his mother Barbara Kaprielian, proud.

Barbara Kaprielian died in June 2014 after a long battle with breast cancer. But now her son has made it to the Majors and he is with a team that looks to have a shot at winning the World News. So, no doubt she would be very proud.

REMEMBERING UCI’S MIKE GILLESPIE

Many baseball fans were saddened about the death of former UCI and USC baseball coach Mike Gillespie. There were so many wonderful comments about Coach Gilliespie and the impact he had on his former players.

Coach was such an intense competitor and focused on winning every game he could. We always remember how well he was prepared and how much he loved the game.

He was always great with reporters too, taking plenty of time to talk with us, with or lose. No one blamed him for taking a little more time to get to reporters after losses, but he was always courtesy and always helpful, always ready to stand up for his players, win or lose.

“Skip,” as he was called, will be missed.

Send your items to Tim Burt; timburt@ocsportszone.com so we can share with our readers over the next few months. We want to have some fun and keep it light when we can and get as many names in these articles from all sports as possible.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com