Scott Hinman would have been proud and very happy.
Hinman, the popular Irvine water polo and swimming coach, established the El Nino Tournament 22 years ago.
Hinman died last March but his legacy continues through the help of his family and many volunteers at last weekend’s tournament. Hinman would have been pleased that how well the tournament went, and that Irvine took fourth place with a 3-1 tournament.
It’s certainly a credit to Scott Hinman, his wife Barbie, daughter Crystal (the new Irvine coach) and son Chase, that it went so well.
But no one can ever really replace Scott Hinman. He was a special man and coach who gave so much to so many.
ALCINDOR CONTINUES TO SHINE
Irvine guard Josh Alcindor continues to shine for the Vaqueros. Last week, Alcindo scored 33 points (which ironically is his jersey number) in a 58-44 nonleague loss to Laguna Beach Friday, Dec. 8 at Irvine.
Alcindor was the only Vaquero who scored in double figures.
“He’s (Alcindor) been putting in the work so it was good for him to be able to come out and show it,” said Irvine Coach Kris Klamberg. “But teams are going to know who he is and once we get it league, it’s going to get harder. We’re going to need other guys to make plays and make shots and take a load off of him.”
We’ve noted before that Josh Alcindor is no relation to the basketball player formerly known as Lew Alcindor, who also wore No. 33.
SO CAL ELITE RAYA CLASSIC CONTINUES
The So Cal Elite Gary Raya Boys Basketball Classic continues Friday, Dec. 15, with games at Irvine gymnasiums. Games began on Tuesday night, Dec. 12.
The finals are Saturday night at 6:15 at El Dorado.
