City Section Boys’ Basketball: A Journey Towards Better Days Ahead

Decline of City Section Basketball Raises Concerns Over Future Talent

The current landscape of City Section basketball has reached a troubling low, prompting reflections reminiscent of folk songs lamenting lost glory. With the stark decline in talent, one might wonder, “Where Have All the Players Gone?”

This downturn is particularly evident following the recent successes of standout players like Alijah Arenas, a McDonald’s All-American from Chatsworth High, and Tajh Ariza, who led Westchester to the City Section Open Division title just a year ago. Both players stayed loyal to their roots; however, Arenas transferred to USC after graduating early, while Ariza moved to St. John Bosco and then to a prep school.

Historically, Westchester was a powerhouse under Coach Ed Azzam, who won 15 City titles in his 42 seasons until his retirement in 2021. Similarly, notable coaches like Willie West at Crenshaw, who notched 16 City titles, and Derrick Taylor at Taft, with four titles, contributed to a legacy that seems lost today. Fairfax’s Harvey Kitani, who accumulated nearly 1,000 victories, is another example of the rich history now at risk.

Even with such illustrious backgrounds, these once-dominant City schools now struggle. The departure of elite talent is significant, with legends like Marques Johnson, Gail Goodrich, and Gilbert Arenas among those who have shaped the landscape over decades.

The cause of this decline is multifaceted. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) bears some responsibility, having contributed to the erosion of traditional schools through rapid openings of new ones amid declining enrollment. The rise of charter and private schools has further siphoned off top athletes, while many veteran coaches have exited due to bureaucratic frustrations, including restrictions on offseason gym access.

Currently, Westchester exemplifies the challenges facing City Section programs, sitting at a dismal 2-8 this season. Two key players from last year, Gary Ferguson and Jordan Ballard, have transferred to St. Bernard, and the school’s roster is conspicuously absent from MaxPreps. Meanwhile, King/Drew managed to win its first City Open Division title in 2024 but has since seen coach Lloyd Webster’s senior son, Josahn, leave for Rolling Hills Prep.

In contrast, charter schools like Birmingham, Palisades, and Granada Hills continue to gain traction across City Section competitions, as they are not confined by enrollment boundaries. Following significant student losses after last year’s wildfire, Palisades has seen an influx of transfers, aided by online courses that facilitate student participation.

The demographic shifts in traditional powerhouse schools such as Crenshaw and Dorsey have led to increased reliance on walk-on coaches rather than seasoned educators. Competing against charter institutions such as View Park Prep and Animo Watts, legacy schools are losing young talent rapidly, as promising players are often scouted by private schools or AAU coaches.

Currently, leading teams like Palisades, Washington Prep, and Cleveland are struggling to break the cycle of decline, boasting records of 3-10, 8-8, and 7-6 respectively against predominantly Southern Section teams.

There is hope that this plunge is a temporary setback, with the potential for recovery hinging on coaches who prioritize not just basketball skills, but also life lessons and college preparation. For the revival of City Section basketball, parents must find compelling reasons to enroll their children in these schools, while LAUSD and school leaders are called to act decisively in revitalizing the programs through passionate coaching.

In the midst of these challenges, dedicated individuals remain committed to improving the situation. Their efforts are crucial to fostering a brighter future for City Section basketball.