Two Decades of Cougar Talent Meet on Court : Basketball: The ‘70s all-stars are no match for the ‘80s squad, which wins 102-93. ‘Cougar Den’ gymnasium is renamed the Willie West Pavilion.

Two decades of excellence collided when Crenshaw High basketball players from the 1970s squared off with players from the ‘80s during an alumni all-star game July 8.

The event was held to kick off the Willie West Alumni Basketball Tournament. Under the guidance of 24th-year Coach Willie West, Crenshaw has won an unprecedented 14 City Section titles and six state championships.

The ‘70s team, coached by UCLA and NBA standout Marques Johnson, featured Robert Smith, who went from Crenshaw to Nevada Las Vegas before playing in the NBA for seven years, and former New Jersey Nets Darwin Cook.

The ‘70s all-stars, however, were no match for the ‘80s squad, led by John Williams. Williams, Crenshaw’s all-time leading scorer, had 22 points and 12 rebounds to help his team to a 102-93 victory.

Williams, now with the Indiana Pacers, had 16 second-half points, including six consecutive points to help break a 83-83 tie in the fourth quarter.

The all-stars were on hand to see the ‘Cougar Den’ Gymnasium renamed the Willie E. West Pavilion after their former mentor. Insignias inscribed with West’s name were unveiled behind the baskets.

“We really appreciate them coming out,” West said about his former players. “That makes it a whole lot better. They are here still thinking about us.”

“He made it possible,” said Smith, who played for West in 1974. “I don’t feel like we lost, because we’re all Cougars. There’s a lot of pride in this building.”

“It’s hard playing against these guys, because they brought me up,” said Williams. “They taught me a lot of fundamentals, which made it a lot easier.”

Smith and Cook had 18 points to lead the ‘70s all-stars. Wayne Davis added 14 points and nine rebounds.