By Jay Steiger
Grossmont High School’s Basketball program achieved a rare feat with four of its teams winning league championships, with one of them undefeated in league play and two advancing to California Interscholastic Federation playoffs.
The boys varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams all secured a Grossmont Hills league win, with varsity, coached by Frank Foggiano, and JV, coached by Jacob Ober, only giving up one loss each and the freshman, coached by Tom Lore, going undefeated. The girls varsity, coached by Grace Campbell, also won league with only one loss.
Both varsity teams advanced to CIF playoffs with the girls winning their division and advancing to state playoffs. The boys varsity, with their strongest player, Tom Rutherford, temporarily injured and facing local powerhouse Foothills Christian, was unable to secure a win, but because they were playing in the Open Division, they automatically advanced to state playoffs where they won their first round.
Coach Foggiano complimented the dedication and hard work of all teams and players, noting how much off-season time they spend working on their skills and preparing for the next regular season. Varsity captain Rutherford praised the team and stated that his basketball experiences have made him a better player, student, and person and he is grateful for this opportunity.
Coach Campbell also expressed great pride in her team and appreciation for their hard work and success. She noted that they believed in themselves and committed to work and win as a group. Team captain Symone Griffith said that playing four years of basketball for Grossmont was the best decision she made. She thinks of the team as part of her family and stated she will be sad to leave but will carry the lessons she learned with her for life.
The Grossmont teams and players will be recognized at a future school banquet and awards event. Grossmont Principal Dan Barnes called the basketball program “a powerhouse” and said he is thrilled with their successes. The basketball program also has a youth skills clinic called Destined to Be Stars and is currently preparing for summer league competition.
—Jay Stieger is a Grossmont High School parent and District Advisory Council representative.
