By Ethan Hughes | Writer & Blaze Gonzalez | Writer
March 16, 2015
The San Clemente area is well known for its plethora of basketball enthusiasts. This area is rich in local basketball talent with plenty of outlets for individuals to show off. My fellow colleague and I, with years of pick-up basketball experience, have narrowed down the top 5 courts of San Clemente to play at by listing the pros and the cons of each venue.
5. Marble Head
Marblehead is in a convenient location for many San Clemente residents. You can play at night because the court has great lights and it it also easy to meet friends at because of its convenient location. Plus, it is usually crowded meaning you will often encounter a few extra players to play against in some friendly competition. The cons of this court are that it is only half court and the true talent of San Clemente does not play here. If you are looking for some nice shooting practice and maybe to play 1v1 or 2v2 in an accessible area, then this is the court for you.
4. Liberty
Liberty Park has basketball courts located directly above the Liberty Park near the edge of town, in the depths of Talega. When arriving at this court you will notice that their is a surrounding area of multiple recreational opportunities at your disposal if basketball isn’t in your favor at that time. This court provides a full court set up with lights. Unfortunately this court is used for many youth team practices so it is not always available. This court also does lack talent and is not considered a hot spot to find ballers and instead is more of a location to gather a group of friends to play with. Lastly this court is ideal for family ballers and those who are looking to simply just shoot around and have some fun.
3. 24 Hour Fitness
The indoor full court at 24 hour fitness is located right off of Pico, within a half mile proximity of the high school. It is essential to note that a major con of playing at this court are the monthly Gym Membership fees that on the low end start from 30 bucks a month. This court does, however, offer a crowd at nearly any hour of the day with generally experienced players. Lastly this court is more for those who are seeking a game and not practice and it is for people who don’t mind to wait because one of the drawbacks of this court is that there are usually too many people.
2. San Gorgonio
This court can be found off of the greenbelt or off of Pacific coast highway and will require a slim knowledge of navigation to locate it. Once you have arrived at this facility you will notice that their are plenty of other recreational activities that you can participate in. This court does, however, have youth team practices here regularly but it is mostly for pick-up games. This court is a full court with lights that aluminate the night sky to be brighter than day. When playing here you will find more than decent games on a regular basis. This court also offers additional courts on the sidelines for those who wish to practice their shot while they sit out for the next game.
“Definitely the best lighted court,” said senior Collin Lippincott. “Clear as day.”
1. Capo Beach
Capo beach courts can be easily found off of Pacific Coast Highway with a spectacular ocean front view and cool ocean breeze even on the hottest south orange county days. This court will provide you with lighting on a full court set up with the perfect amount of skilled ballers on the court at all times. There is also a nearby drinking fountain, benches and restrooms; and if it gets too hot, why not cool off in the ocean just a few feet away. The only drawback of this court would be the occasional sand that finds its way onto the court. Whether you are looking for some friendly competition or want to work on your shot, Capo Beach basketball courts blows its local competition out of the water.
“The only place I would play is Capo Beach,” said senior Ethan Stark. “I can actually dunk.”
Enjoy Balling Tritons!
great thanks for the info guys!!!