WESTMINSTER — The Orange Coast Sports Association announced its 2013 All-Nikkei Basketball teams on May 15, during a banquet in Westminster.
Twenty-eight girls and four boys from high schools in Southern California received plaques for their efforts and excellence on the court and in the classroom.
OCSA co-director Jesse James recalled the brainstorming, a little more than a dozen years ago, that led to the annual awards, when the OCSA decided to find the seven best Nikkei boys and girls playing high school ball.
“Boy, did I have to struggle in those days. It was easy to find the seven best girls, because they were the best on their teams. But finding seven boys who were significant to their teams – you wouldn’t believe how many basketball games I had to go to. I was looking for guys not who sit on the bench, but those who get into the game and play.”
James said the game has since changed drastically, with Nikkei players routinely starting.
Also honored at the event was William Gayler, who was named the OCSA’s Coach of the Year and praised the organization for its commitment and excellence.
“The class and the dignity in the way you folks here conduct yourselves makes my life so much easier and so much more enjoyable,” Gayler said.
Photos by MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo
