James Yodice: Ex-Cleveland coach Smith excels at new California high school
(WorldNews Mexico)

“I was trying to push for us to play a varsity schedule next season, but the problem is, they want all the sports going in at the same time,” Smith said. Smith started the Cleveland program from scratch, but not like this, beginning with only ninth-graders. And it’s also been some culture shock. From a largely Hispanic state like New Mexico, he has relocated to Irvine, where it is predominantly an Asian community. About 60-70 percent of the families that live in the area are Asian. There are perks for Smith. He had a previous relationship with former New Mexico men’s coach Steve Alford, who has hooked Smith up with UCLA tickets this season. Of course, there’s...