You know the skinny beanpole on the far left—that’s Bill Walton, a head taller than his peers, at just 17 years old. While attending Helix High in La Mesa, Walton helped his team win 49 consecutive games and take home the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) title two years running. “It was a dream come true to be a part of a special team,” Walton says. “Helix is where it all began. It was a humbling honor and privilege to be on the same squad as true legends Monroe Nash, Wilbur Strong, Phil Edwards, and Bruce Menser. I’m the luckiest guy on earth.” The San Diego native went on to play for UCLA; in 1978, Walton was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (for the Portland Trail Blazers) and, in 1979, signed on with the San Diego Clippers. Now living in Hillcrest, he watches son Luke play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Talk about a family business!
Bill Walton, Helix High School
