A New Star Rises in Hollywood

Walking down Sunset Boulevard on the way to classes at Hollywood High, Arturas Lazdauskas might as well be humming Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”

Born and raised in Lithuania, Lazdauskas moved to Hollywood two years ago with his mother, father and two siblings to play basketball and prepare for a college education.

Last season as a sophomore, he led the City Section in blocked shots with 147 in 25 games and averaged 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds. He’s 6 feet 7 and isn’t finished growing, with an older brother who’s 6-9, a father who’s 6-6, a mother who’s 5-10 and a sister who’s 6-1.

It’s still too early to tell whether he’ll develop into an elite basketball prospect, but there are flashes of ability.

“He changes shots, gets into the way and doesn’t foul out,” said North Hollywood Coach Rob Bloom, whose team lost for the first time in five years to Hollywood last season because of Lazdauskas.

Lazdauskas figures to dominate the Sunset Six League because he has the size and strength to post up and force teams to either foul him if they try to deny him the ball or risk giving up points playing him from behind.

Hollywood Coach Craig Laurent feels fortunate to have discovered Lazdauskas at his doorstep.

“I lucked out,” he said.

The family had friends in Florida and Los Angeles but decided to live on the West Coast. His parents speak little English. His responses were limited to grunts, nods, “yes” and “no” when he started working out with the Rockfish travel team two years ago. His improved English and communication skills have helped his basketball development.

“He’s still behind as far as knowing the game,” said Dave Benezra, who runs the Rockfish team. “He has the beginnings of a nice set of skills.”

Lazdauskas came in as the typical European player.

“In Lithuania, I was a shooting guard,” he said. “In Lithuania, our basketball was just passing and shooting. In America, everyone is stronger.”

Laurent has been trying to turn Lazdauskas into more of an inside player, focusing on rebounding and inside moves. He seems to be a natural shot blocker, using good leaping and timing skills to deflect shots.

“I just jump,” he said.

Hollywood hasn’t produced many top-flight athletes in recent years, causing Laurent concern that another successful City Section basketball school might try to persuade Lazdauskas to transfer. But a new transfer rule that requires students to move if they want to maintain their eligibility has eased Laurent’s worries.

And Lazdauskas is having fun walking down Sunset Boulevard and experiencing all the sights and sounds of Hollywood.

“I’m happy,” he said.

He does, however, have one complaint since his move.

“I thought I’d see movie stars,” he said. “I’ve seen nothing.”

He shouldn’t worry. Hollywood High, celebrating its 100th anniversary, may have found its first athletic star of the 21st century in Lazdauskas.

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The curiosity factor was extra high for Santa Ana Mater Dei’s boys’ basketball opener Monday in a nonleague game in Santa Margarita. The Monarchs, coming off a 35-2 season and state Division II championship, unveiled 6-6 Taylor King, who accepted a scholarship to UCLA before his first day of high school.

King’s shooting was a bit off, but he did many other things well. He finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in the Monarchs’ 109-69 victory over Carlsbad.

“It’s a heckuva start,” Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said. “I’m going to keep him.”

Mater Dei showed many weapons besides King. Oregon State-bound Marcel Jones scored 25 points. Washington State-bound Chris Henry scored 23 points on 11-of-13 shooting. And point guard Mike Gerrity had 19 points and nine assists.

“It’s a pretty good group,” said McKnight, whose team leaves for Kentucky this weekend for two games and will also play in Texas and New Jersey.

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Junior quarterback Terry Newsome of Sylmar acts as if he’s in his own little world during games

“He’s definitely different,” Coach Jeff Engilman said.

Added Newsome: “People get all wrapped up with the fans. I stay calm and block everything out.”

Newsome’s composure helped Sylmar rally from a 7-0 deficit last week and defeat Harbor City Narbonne, 27-24, in double overtime in a City Championship quarterfinal football game.

Newsome passed for three touchdowns, ran for a touchdown and rushed for 90 yards.

He has been writing poems since junior high and keeps a box filled with his poems at home.

He intends to write a poem about the Narbonne game and title it, “The Game of My Life.”

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Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.