Prep talk: Like father, like son. Drew Spooner officiates first state basketball final

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Drew Spooner, an Oak Park graduate whose father, Bill, was an NBA official, worked his first state championship game, the Division II boys basketball final at Golden 1 Center on Saturday. (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Bill Spooner was a proud father at Golden 1 Center on Saturday. He traveled to Sacramento to see his son, Drew, an Oak Park graduate, work as one of the three officials for the state Division II boys basketball championship game.

Bill was a longtime NBA official. Before that, he was one of the best football players in Taft High history, playing receiver.

Former NBA official Bill Spooner has worked many times at Golden 1 Center. Now he gets to see his son, Drew, officiate Division II final Chatsworth vs. Jesuit. Proud moment. pic.twitter.com/7KctcJRrnm

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 15, 2025

Now Drew, 24, is following his path officiating basketball games. He's been assigned to top games in the Mission League and got his chance to experience the state final.

SALUTE to Alijah Arenas!

No. 14 all-time in California

No. 1 all-time in the #CIFLACS

Top 5 LA City leading scorers:

Alijah Arenas - 3,002
Deon Green - 2,540
Danny Walker - 2,354
Dwayne Polee - 2,162
Gilbert Arenas - 2,124

Credit to @RonMFlores and @CalHiSportspic.twitter.com/bhri7slZHi

— CIF LA City Section (@CIFLACS) March 17, 2025

The only pressure Drew probably feels is when Dad is on the golf course. Then the competition gets intense. ...

Warriors Dancing into March Madness!

Justin Rochelin - UC San Diego
Luke Murphy - Colorado State
Malik Moore - Montana
Skyy Clark - UCLA #HCS1family#itsgreattobeaheritagewarrior@skyyclark@mooremalikk@justin_rochelin@HCSwarriors@Heritage_Sports@LACourtReport@CIFSSpic.twitter.com/aUAQENFsnd

— Heritage Christian Basketball (@HeritageBBall) March 17, 2025

March Madness in college basketball will see lots of former Southern California high school products participating for men and women. The USC and UCLA women's teams are loaded with Southland products and both are considered title contenders.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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