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Memorable night for Woodbridge, Halagan
IRVINE – Woodbridge's boys basketball team inched closer to the Pacific Coast League title Friday night, defeating Northwood, 59-42, at Woodbridge.
The Warriors (17-7, 7-1) have a one-game lead over Corona del Mar (15-8, 6-2) with two games remaining,
It was part of a big evening for Warriors coach John Halagan, who was honored before the game by Woodbridge fans and former players for his 20-year coaching career at Woodbridge.
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Bill Shannon, who was the Woodbridge coach before Halagan, also attended along with about 30 former players.
Shannon presented Halagan with a golden basketball honoring his 20-year career with the Warriors.
"Coach Shannon was the architect and my mentor," Halagan said. "He set the foundation for the coach I became. I learned so much from Bill in my early years. It's been a great ride. In 20 years, we've obviously had some great players, supportive parents and a great administration.
"I had no idea they had a plaque for me. I was a little shocked to have it and I'm really happy that so many alumni could come out and watch our guys play hard."
Former Warrior and ex-NBA player Adam Keefe was not in attendance but he sent a note congratulating Halagan.
Woodbridge did that from the start, jumping to a 22-17 halftime lead. Jason Gregson's 3-pointer in the final seconds of the second quarter gave Woodbridge a lift going into second half.
Northwood (12-12, 3-5) cut the lead to two points midway through the third quarter before Woodbridge took charge again.
The Warriors extended their lead to 37-29 after three quarters and were in control the rest of the way, outscoring the Timberwolves, 22-13, in the final quarter.
"I thought the current version of the Woodbridge varsity certainly did the jersey proud tonight," Halagan said. "I thought we played extremely well defensively. Northwood came in and was well prepared and well coached.
"This is probably our best defensive game wire to wire because they have some good players running around out there."
Zach Pierce led the way for Northwood with 15 points, but he was the only Timberwolves player to score in double figures.
Gregson and Ace Haidrey scored 11 points each and Alex Busch had 10 points to lead Woodbridge, which was able to bounce back from Tuesday's 60-56 loss to Corona del Mar.
"It was a very emotional win," Haidrey said. "Our loss to CdM was tough. We want to secure first place and win a league title, it's been a few years. We want it but we still have to win our next two games because CdM is still in the race."
"This was our first alumni celebration and they punctuated it correctly," Halagan added.
Woodbridge is trying to win its first league title since 2006 and the 10th in the history of the program.
The Warriors play at Irvine Monday and host Beckman Wednesday night.
