Senior Gillig Makes 29 First Impressions

Charles Gillig, a 6-foot-6 senior making his first varsity start, scored 29 points while sinking 10 of 16 shots from the field as Harvard-Westlake High opened its basketball season with an 80-67 win over host Moorpark Monday night.

“Who’s Charles Gillig?” a Harvard-Westlake assistant coach joked afterward.

Gillig wouldn’t have been starting except returner Alex Holmes is still involved in the football playoffs. Gillig played junior varsity last season and was known more for his academic success as demonstrated by his 1430 SAT score. But he spent the summer trying to improve, and what impressive progress he has made.

“I literally worked as hard as I could,” he said. “When I came home, I was unbelievably exhausted.”

His private coach was Robert Icart, who happens to be a Moorpark assistant. Icart worked with him on his quickness and jumping. On Monday, Gillig scored inside, outside, on post moves and on drives to the basket.

“I’m a totally different player,” Gillig said.

Added Wolverine Coach Greg Hilliard: “He’s taken full advantage of his opportunity.”

Russell Lakey scored 18 points and Dan Kinzer 11 for the Wolverines, who also received an encouraging performance from freshman point guard Craig Weinstein, who contributed some needed ball handling.

Moorpark was led by junior guard Todd Tomlinson, who scored 27 points but made only 11 of 31 shots from the field.