A New Era for Calabasas Basketball
Calabasas High announced the hiring of Steve Baik as its new boys basketball coach, filling the vacancy left by Jon Palarz after his 17‑year tenure. The school district highlighted Baik’s reputation as a developer of elite talent and a strategic mind capable of elevating the program to new heights.
Baik’s résumé reads like a who’s who of modern high school basketball excellence. At Chino Hills, he guided a team that finished 35‑0, captured the CIF State Open Division championship, and featured the Ball brothers — Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo — as well as Onyeka Okongwu. The squad was also ranked No. 1 nationally by MaxPreps, cementing Baik’s status as a transformational coach.
His success did not stop in Chino Hills. Baik later led Fairfax High to a City Section Open Division title in 2019, becoming the only coach in CIF history to win championships in both the Southern and City Sections at the highest level. This unique double‑section achievement underscored his adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory.
After stepping away from the high school scene, Baik relocated to Nashville, where he focused on player development and training prospects at the high school level. His work there sharpened his ability to identify and nurture raw talent, a skill set he is now expected to bring to Calabasas.
Jon Palarz, who departs after securing eight Marmonte League titles and CIF championships in 2012 and 2014, leaves behind a legacy of sustained excellence. Under his guidance, Calabasas produced notable alumni such as Jeremy Lieberman, Larry Bush, Ryan Murph, Max Cheylov, Gavin Murphy and Max Hoetzel, many of whom have continued their careers at the collegiate and professional levels.
The community around Calabasas is eager to see how Baik’s philosophy will mesh with the school’s rich basketball tradition. With a pipeline of talented local players and a commitment to competitive play, the expectation is that the program will remain a contender for league titles and deep playoff runs under its new leader.
As the new season approaches, players and fans alike are watching closely, hopeful that Baik’s proven track record will translate into another era of dominance for Calabasas High basketball.