Waikle Gives Capistrano New Wrinkle

Only a year ago, Capistrano Valley High School center John Waikle was termed a “project” by most basketball coaches and scouts. That’s a nice way of describing a tall player who isn’t very good.

Waikle had transfered to Capistrano Valley from Villa Park and spent countless hours with Cougar Coach Mark Thornton working to improve his game. It appears the hard work is paying dividends.

Waikle, a 6-9 senior, scored 20 points and had 13 rebounds to lead the Cougars to a 55-45 victory Monday night over Verbum Dei in the opening round of the Tournament of Champions in Cal Poly Pomona’s Kellogg Gymnasium.

It was the first appearance for the Cougars in the prestigious tournament, and they scored an impressive victory against the only team that has participated in the event for all 14 years. It was Verbum Dei’s first loss after three wins.

Capistrano Valley rolled to its sixth victory without a loss by combining an aggressive defense with a strong, inside game. The Cougars’ 2-3 zone was instrumental in Verbum Dei’s poor shooting night as the Eagles made 19 of 52 field-goal attempts.

Waikle was a force inside, hitting 7 of 14 shots from the field and adding 6 of 7 from the free-throw line.