It has been more than 50 years since local basketball star Bill Walton helped lead the Helix High School boys’ varsity basketball program to back-to-back CIF titles.

Walton, who passed away in late May of 2024, was honored last Friday evening by the school as the Highlanders took on University City High. Despite Helix losing this contest by a 58-48 score, there was much to celebrate.

The evening was an opportunity for Walton’s teammates and head coach (Gordon Nash) to recall the big redhead, the key piece of the puzzle to the 1970 CIF title team (Helix also won the crown during the 1968-69 season).

Walton led the team not only to CIF gold twice, but a 33-0 record in his final season on the La Mesa campus.

Even though he is no longer here, his memory and basketball talent before he went on to lead the UCLA Bruins to glory and capture a pair of NBA titles (Portland, Boston) will never be forgotten.

Photo credit: Helix Charter High Athletic Department