Malkinson Resigns at Royal, Takes Elk Grove Basketball Job

Joe Malkinson, the boys’ basketball coach at Royal High for the past four seasons, has resigned his position to take over the boys’ program at Elk Grove High, near Sacramento.

Calling it a move in the best interests of his family, Malkinson will replace Barry Zarecky, who resigned after 10 seasons.

Malkinson will inherit an Elk Grove team that finished 15-13 overall and third in the Delta League standings. Elk Grove was eliminated in the first round of the SacJoaquin Division I playoffs.

“The move was based 85% on my family,” said Malkinson, who has a wife and a 9-year-old son. “It had nothing to do with Royal. I like the Elk Grove area. It’s not a big town, but it’s growing.”

Malkinson, 39, compiled a 61-42 record at Royal, including a 28-22 mark in Marmonte League play. In 1987, he took over a struggling program and made it respectable.

The Highlanders finished 11-12 during the 1987-88 season and 12-13 in ‘88-89. Royal finished 20-7 and tied Simi Valley for the Marmonte League title with a 9-3 mark in 1989-90.

The Highlanders, 18-10 this past season, tied for fourth in the league with an 8-6 record. Royal was eliminated by Quartz Hill in the first round of the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs.