The Eastlake Titans and High Tech High Chula Vista Bruins boys basketball teams got together on Saturday for a memorial game to spotlight the young life of Eastlake senior Aaron Joshua Reyes, who passed away on Christmas Day from nasopharngeal carcinoma.
Eastlake won the non-league match-up 86-57 to improve to 5-15 on the season while the Bruins saw their record dip to 10-7.
The game went beyond a winner and loser, however.
Reyes brought an unforgettable spirit everywhere he went. His goofy humor, infectious smile, love for this friends and deep passion for basketball made him a joy to be around to all who knew him.
Throughout his life, he was naturally athletic and curious, trying nearly every sporting activity: flag football, baseball, taekwondo, jujitsu, skiing, paddle boarding and boxing before discovering his true love for basketball.
He embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He drew energy from fiends who stood by him during his illness.
A capacity crowd at the game was witness to that.
Once he found basketball, he committed himself wholeheartedly. He spent countless hours in the gym refining his skills alongside his friends and coaches. He participated in numerous workshops and camps to strength his craft. He proudly played for Eastake High School.
Friendship was one of Reyes’ greatest source of strength. He adored his friends — far too many on the list. Loyalty, presence and love meant everything to him,
Reyes’ passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates and all whose lives he touched.
Photos by Jon Bigornia
