Santa Ana Prep Basketball Classic returning next year with one possible change

Players from Santa Ana High Schools took part in a 3-point shooting contest. (PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

A popular community sporting event in Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Prep Basketball Classic, will return next year, but could be played on a different day than in the past, according to director Leon Raya of the RAYA Foundation, which sponsors the event.

This year’s fourth annual event was held for the first time at Santa Ana High School after being at Godinez the first three years. The games have all been held on Friday nights.

“We loved being at Santa Ana High School, it’s the oldest high school in the city and a great venue, with great staff,” Raya said. “We’re getting feedback on the event and are considering a Saturday event so folks have plenty of time to arrive for the 3-point contest and the games.”

Raya estimated attendance at 400 for the two games. The boys game tipped off at approximately 8 p.m. last month.

“We’re definitely doing it again next year and will reach out to some of the newer schools in the city now playing CIF basketball,” Raya said.  “It was great to include Samueli and Nova players. At practice one of the Nova girls mentioned how happy she was to be making history being the first athletes from Nova to be in the event. 

“We appreciate City Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vasquez and SAUSD Board Member Dr. Alfonso Alvarez presenting the awards.”

Raya said the reaction from players and coaches was satisfying.

“The kids compete with so much pride and effort,” he said. “I saw one of players on Sunday (the weekend of the event) and he said he had a great time. We found out Issac Alvarez (Santa Ana High School) is the grandson of an old friend of ours we haven’t seen in years.  It demonstrates how the event brings everyone together.”

Raya said he was also happy for Andre Macias of Godinez. Macias was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points helping the Home team defeat the Away team 80-74.

“We’ve known Andre since he was 10,” Raya said. “To be able to have him excel one last time in front of his family and friends is what this event is about.  It’s a blessing to be able to provide this opportunity to these kids.  Shout out to the Santa Ana Elks Lodge and JFK Transportation for their generosity. 

“We’re blessed to be able to do something that let’s these kids know how much we appreciate them.”

There were also 3-point contests and prizes awarded for halftime shootouts for fans to participate in.

In the girls game the Away team jumped out to a fast start against the Home team and rolled to a 66-38 victory.

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