Coach John Halagan's 20-year celebration in pictures

Woodbridge's boys basketball team inched closer to the Paciific Coast League title Friday night, defeating Northwood, 59-42, at Woodbridge.

The Warriors (17-7, 7-1) have a one game lead over Corona del Mar (15-8, 6-2) with two games remaining.

It was part of a big evening for John Halagan, who was honored before the game by Woodbridge fans and former players for his 20-year career as head coach of the team.

Former Warrior and ex-NBA player Adam Keefe could not be attendance because of a previous commitment but sent a note congratulating Halagan.

"He has changed the lives of young men for over 20 years, instilling leadership, dedication and hard work into their core," the letter read. "I am proud of what Coach Halagan has accomplished on the court and I am more impressed by the difference he has made off the court. He is a true leader of men who gives unselfishly of himself year after year."

Bill Shannon, who started the Woodbridge program before handing it over to Halagan, also attended along with about 30 former players.

Shannon presented Halagan with a golden basketball noting his 20-year career with the Warriors.

"Coach Shannon was the architect and my mentor," Halagan said. "He set the foundation for the coach I became. It's been a great ride. In 20 years, we've obviously had some great players, supportive parents and a great administration.

"I had no idea they had a plaque for me. I was a little shocked to have it and I'm really happy that so many alumni could come out and watch our guys play hard."

Woodbridge did that from the start, jumping to a 22-17 halftime lead. Jason Gregson's three-pointer in the final seconds of the second quarter gave Woodbridge a lift going into second half.

Northwood (12-12, 3-5) cut the lead to two points midway through the third quarter before Woodbridge took charge again.

The Warriors extended their lead to 37-29 after three quarters and were in control the rest of the way.

"I thought the current version of the Woodbridge varsity certainly did the jersey proud tonight," Halagan said. "I thought we played extremely well defensively. Northwood came in and was well prepared and well coached.

"This is probably our best defensive game wire to wire because they have some good players running around out there."

Zach Pierce led the way for Northwood with 15 points, but he was the only Timberwolve player to score in double figures.

Gregson and Ace Haidrey scored 11 points each and Alex Busch had 10 points to lead Woodbridge, which was able to bounce back from Tuesday's 60-56 loss to Corona del Mar.

"It was a very emotional win," Haidrey said. "Our loss to CdM was tough. We want to secure first place and win a league title, it's been a few years. We want it but we still have to win our next two games because CdM is still in the race."

"This was our first alumni celebration and they punctuated it correctly," Halagan added.

Woodbridge is trying to win its first league title since 2006 and the 10th in the history of the program.

The Warriors play at Irvine Monday and host Beckman Wednesday night.

(More coverage of Friday's event will appear Monday on this web site).