It was the night before Thanksgiving, and about 100 people packed the stands of the Fairfax High gym Wednesday night to witness a memorable first dunk by Loyola High junior Jeff Jeffery, who looked like Clark Kent in a headband but jumped like Superman.
A year ago he was 6 feet tall. Now he’s 6-2, has size 13 shoes and a spring in his legs that makes him look like an elite volleyball player.
“I should grow to 6-6,” the 16-year-old said.
He dunks for friends at lunch at the Loyola gym. He had never dunked in a real match before, so when he did in the first quarter the adrenaline was flowing and he was given a technical when he turned and faced a Fairfax player who was labeled taunting. If that dunk had happened at Loyola, his classmates would be asking for autographs and treating him like a celebrity.
He finished with 12 points as Loyola defeated Fairfax 4-0, 66-51. The Cubs are trying to win as many non-league games as possible to put them in position for a major playoff berth because they are in the powerful Mission League, where wins can be difficult to come by.
Fairfax (0-2) is still awaiting the approval of two transfer students.
Joseph Riggins scored 16 points for Lions, who fell behind 11-0 and 15-2.
Loyola coach Damaine Powell was happy with his son Tyson, who made two threes, had a block and an assist. He gets ice cream and pie for Thanksgiving.
Price 53, San Pedro 44: Tyrell Miller had 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Shalhevet 54, Legacy Christian 48: Aiden Bitran and Sam Jacobson each scored 21 points for Shalhevet.
Rolling Hills Prep 61, South Torrance 41: Kawika Suter had 21 points for 5-0 Rolling Hills Prep.
Westlake 85, Knight 79: Austin Maziasz finished with 30 points and Trey Kostenuik had 20 points for the 5-1 Warriors.
Moorpark 78, Lancaster 69: Levi Oakes scored 30 points for Moorpark.
Tesoro 69, Long Beach Wilson 66: Nathan Draper’s 21 points put Tesoro up 4-1.
Crean Lutheran 57, Bakersfield Christian 54: Hunter Caplan led Crean Lutheran with 19 points.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
