Boys Basketball
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
The mission of Crean Lutheran High School Basketball is to develop young men that honor God and pursue excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
Upcoming Boys Basketball Events
- Coaches
- Full Calendar
- Game Schedule
- Photos
- Social Media
- Away Game Waiver
- Results: Max Preps
- College Athletes
- Previous Articles
Coaches
Coaches
Nate Klitzing - Head Coach
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Education
Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts and Education from Concordia University, Irvine
Masters Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, Irvine
Called Minister of Religion; Lutheran Teacher Certificate; California State Clear Credential
Experience
13+ Years of Teaching and Coaching in Lutheran Schools
My name is Nate Klitzing and I am blessed to be serving in Lutheran ministry. I was born in Long Beach, California, and grew up in Huntington Beach and later, Irvine. I graduated from Orange Lutheran High School and attended Concordia University in Irvine, where I was a member of the Men's Basketball Team. The love for teaching and coaching was instilled in me by my parents who are both in Education. They shared Christ's love with me every day and I felt the joy and passion they had for sharing God's word with others. Christian role models like my parents, teachers, and coaches that I have had throughout the years were an important reason why I too wanted to become an educator.
I began my teaching career at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Orange for 9 years. I coached Boys Basketball at Orange Lutheran High School for 7 years, as well as taught there for two. Now, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be teaching and coaching Boys Basketball here at Crean Lutheran. I am married to my wife, Ashley, and have two daughters, Siena and Zoe. They are truly a blessing to me. I am looking forward to an awesome year.
God's Blessings!
Contact:
nate.klitzing@creanlutheran.org
AUSTIN LOEB - ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH & operations athletic manager
For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self- control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Education
Received athletic scholarships to play basketball at both Colorado Christian University and Master’s University. I also played at Irvine Valley College.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S) from California Coast University
Contact:
austin.loeb@creanlutheran.org
949.387.1199 ext. 2150
ryan fink - assistant basketball coach
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
Education
BA, English; Minor: Global Cultural Studies; Concordia University Irvine
Preliminary California Single-Subject Teaching Credential: English; Concordia University Irvine
Lutheran Teaching Certificate; Concordia University Irvine
Contact:
ryan.fink@creanlutheran.org
949.387.1199 ext. 2292
Full Calendar
Game Schedule
Photos
Social Media
Social Media
Follow CLHS Boys Basketball on Instagram!
Boys Basketball Instagram
Follow CLHS Boys Basketball on Twitter!
Boys Basketball Twitter
Away Game Waiver
Results: Max Preps
College Athletes
alex davis, vanguard university, basketball
Mike Birket, Hope International UNiversity, Basketball
drew yezbak, Quincy University, basketball
Gum majak, class of 2019, life pacific college, basketball
jonathan scherer, class of 2019, vanguard university, basketball
thomas knott, class of 2017, university of puget sound, basketball
thomas scriven, class of 2016, simpson university, basketball
Previous Articles
2019-2020 Season Preview
Crean Lutheran boys basketball team looks for fulfilling season on and off the court
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team has served the Lord off the court and looks to have success on the court again this season. “Last year the boys basketball team partnered with the Compton Initiative by serving to beautify the city of Compton,” said Saints Coach Nate Klitzing.
“This season the Saints boys basketball program looks to continue to raise young men of faith and servant leadership both on and off the court.”
The Saints are coming off a successful season finishing second in the Empire League and advancing into the semifinals of the CIF 2A division. “The Crean Lutheran boys basketball team has aspirations of winning the Empire League championship this season,” Klitzing said. “The Saints look to continue their recent trend of playoff success in Division 2A.”
Among the talented returning players are senior guard Drew Yezbak, who was named second team all-league. He has been voted a team captain. “We are looking for Drew to have an outstanding season for the Saints,” Klitzing said. Senior forward Jackson Ebner, who will also be a captain, is another player expected to contribute. “Jackson will step into an even greater role this year with his rebounding and shot blocking ability,” Klitzing said.
Klitzing is also expecting a big year from senior guard Josh Shin, who also started for the Saints last season, and was named all-league honorable mention. “Josh brings speed, versatility, and excellent on-ball defense to the court,” Klitzing said. The new players include James Agany, a 6' 10" sophomore transfer from North Carolina.
2019-2020 Season Wrap Up
Crean Lutheran boys basketball finishes successful season on and off the court
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team finished a successful season advancing to the second round of the CIF playoffs while serving the Lord in a number of ways. Coach Nate Klitzing said he was proud that his squad took part in a number of service programs, including a school-wide service project and an Operation Christmas Child Event in which players assisted with packing and loading boxes.
The Saints finished with a 17-11 record and were second in two tournaments. The Saints won eight out of nine games in one stretch and had an opening round CIF playoff win over Diamond Bar.
“We had a variety of contributors from freshmen to seniors. I am most proud of the way our team bonded, bought into the philosophy of our program--including on and off the court” Klitzing said.
Klitzing said the players also demonstrated chemistry and cohesion. “In the end, everyone was selfless and caring for one another and wanted what was best for each other,” he said.
Seniors Drew Yezbak and Josh Shin earned first team all-league honors. Junior Michael Birket and sophomore James Agany earned second team honors.