Players and coaches from the two boys teams celebrate after Friday’s game. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Leon Raya, president of the RAYA Foundation, got the same question asked often during Friday’s Santa Ana Prep Basketball Showcase at Godinez High School.
Many wanted to know if the event will be held next year.
“The feedback had been incredibly positive,” Raya said. “We will back next year, God willing. That’s the question everyone was asking. The was the plan all along, to establish this as an annual event and improve each year.”
The event was first scheduled for 2020, but the Coronavirus pandemic delayed it for a couple years.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
Photo: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt
Raya said the event, which included girls and boys senior all-star games, along with 3-point shooting contests and a youth intra squad game, “exceeded all of our expecations.”
“We knew Santa Ana was ready for and needed an event like this,” he said. “It celebrates so much of what makes the Santa Ana community special. Our volunteers were superb and shout out to my wife Pearl, foundation co-founder, who was there all night getting things done despite a broken foot.”
Seniors from the six Santa Ana Unified Schools were divided into two all-star teams for the girls and boys games and make for some entertaining and competitive games.
“It was rewarding to see players from different schools and different neighborhoods, once opponents, play and encourage each other, all in a positive way,” he said.
“It was touching to hear their thanks and appreciation. They were so stoked at the practices and at the games.”
Players received commemorative shirts and awards and programs were also printed which had pictures of all the players and coaches. The costs were covered through proceeds from the event, sponsored by the RAYA Foundation, Raya said.
“The remainder helps support RAYA Foundation programs, for example our youth track meet on May 14, our youth basketball clinics and leagues, leadership work shops and scholarships,” Raya added.
OC Sports Zone provided extensive coverage of the event.
Click below for links of the stories and photos:
Saints boys coach goes out with a victory:
Two late free throws lift team to win in girls game
Santa Ana’s Jack Rivera captures 3-point contest
Prep Showcase also takes a look at the future
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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