JEFF GARNETTJeff Garnett moved to Bakersfield from Cahokia, Illinois, in June 1966. After completing 8th grade at Lakeside School, he entered West High School in 1967, graduating in 1971. Jeff played four years of varsity basketball, four years of baseball with two years on varsity, and two years of football with one year on varsity. His many accomplishments were recognized and rewarded.
Jeff was West High’s MVP in basketball in 1970 and 1971, leading the team in scoring and rebounding both years. He was named 1st team All-SYL and All-City in 1970 and 1971. Jeff led Kern County in both scoring and rebounding in 1971. He held the school record for rebounds in a game, for a season, and in a career. In 1970, Jeff was Co-MVP of the baseball team and led the team in batting average. West had its first league championship in baseball that year. Jeff received numerous offers from four-year schools, including a full-ride scholarship to UC Berkeley. He decided to stay in Bakersfield and play basketball and baseball for Bakersfield College. While at BC, from 1971 to 1973, he led the basketball team in scoring and rebounding, was leading scorer in the Metro Conference, and made 1st team All-Metro Conference. In 1973, Jeff was leading scorer in California junior colleges. Against Reedley College, he scored 42 points, which was 3 points shy of the school record. He was also named 2nd team All-Metro in baseball in 1973. Following two very successful years at BC, Jeff enrolled at Cal State Long Beach after considering other scholarship offers. After red shirting for one year, he decided to return to Bakersfield. He enrolled again at BC, earned an AA degree, and then transferred to Cal State University Bakersfield in the fall of 1974. Jeff played basketball for CSUB for two years. He led the team in scoring and rebounding, received the Chairman of the Board Award, was named MVP both years, and was 1st team All-CCAA. He held the school record for most consecutive free throws. In 1975, he had 19 rebounds against Cal Poly Pomona, a record which lasted until 1997. In 1976, CSUB won its conference and qualified for the Division-II NCAA tournament. Jeff was 3rd team All-Regional. Through a blended family, Jeff and his wife, Susan, have six children: Jamie Garnett, Tori Sanchez, Jeff Garnett, Kristi Blair, Jake Garnett, and Matt Garnett. They have been blessed with fourteen grandchildren. Jeff is a sales representative and area sales manager for Core-Mark International. |