Buller Earns His Stripes on the Court

A high school guard who loves to slash and drive with the ball, twisting for layups and drawing fouls, might be someone expected to appreciate referees.

Perhaps that’s why Elan Buller, an El Camino Real High senior averaging 21.7 points, drapes a whistle around his neck on Saturdays and officiates youth games in the Woodland Hills Recreation Center league.

That makes him something of a kindred spirit with the guys in striped shirts who call fouls on him during Conquistadore games.

“I try not to give refs a hard time because I know how they feel,” Buller said. “Most players take refs for granted.”

Gary Gold, coordinator of officials at the recreation center, appreciates Buller, who worked as a scorekeeper the past several years before becoming a referee this season.

“People love to see a great young athlete from the community giving back to the kids,” Gold said. “The kids look up to him.”

No wonder. In addition to ranking second among area City Section players in scoring, Buller averages 5.0 assists and 2.9 steals.