By Aram Tolegian
In addition to being one of the better coaches around, Gordon Hamlow knows how to put on a good show.
Hamlow, the boys basketball coach at San Dimas High School, is about to become a very busy man. On Monday, San Dimas will host the Martin Luther King Shootout, which will feature four boys games and three girls games.
Then on Saturday, Hamlow’s SoCal Shootout will take place at Azusa Pacific University. And of course, following the season, Hamlow will wear the role of game organizer for the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic.

First things first, though. And that’s Monday’s event where the headline game will be San Dimas hosting Damien at 7 p.m. Damien is arguably the top team in the area while Hamlow’s Saints are one among the next tier of top teams.
“It’s a good opportunity for us,” Hamlow said of his team taking on Damien. “We’ve taken on several challenges this year and we knew this would be a big challenge. We’re trying to take on some quality opponents and prepare for the playoffs.”
For Hamlow, playing Damien will be coach versus pupil. Hamlow played for Damien coach Mike LeDuc at Glendora. But don’t expect LeDuc to take it easy on his former player. Damien is in the midst of a serious scramble in the hotly contested Baseline League and needs to remain sharp.
“I think he’s got to be preparing for Los Osos,” Hamlow said referring to Damien’s league opponent the following night. “He has four games next week, just like we do. His four are a little tougher than ours.”
Other boys games on Monday at San Dimas include Rowland versus Alta Loma, Duarte versus South Hills and Garey versus Baldwin Park. In girls action, El Monte plays Bonita, Sierra Vista takes on Arroyo Valley and San Dimas battles Garey.