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Carson High boys basketball

Hadjighasemi becomes a Gator

Record-breaking Senator hooper makes college decision

Carson High’s Parsa Hadjighasemi, alongside his mother, Ashley, signs his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at San Francisco State. Hadjighasemi set numerous school and state records while playing for the Senators.

Carson High’s Parsa Hadjighasemi, alongside his mother, Ashley, signs his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at San Francisco State. Hadjighasemi set numerous school and state records while playing for the Senators.
Photo by Carter Eckl.

By Carter Eckl

Saturday, May 7, 2022

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 There were plenty of repeated words by Carson High administrators and coaches prior to Parsa Hadjighasemi signing his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday inside Morse Burley Gymnasium.
The Senator senior penned his commitment to the San Francisco State men’s basketball team behind a showering of praise and an audience of at least 100-plus.
One of Carson’s most prolific shooters, who etched his name in numerous record books, picked his next destination to continue his basketball career.
Of course, studies will be on the mind as Hadjighasemi, who was one of the highest ranking students in his class academically, but his dedication in the gym is just as much of a reason the 6-foot-3 combo guard will end up in the Bay Area.
After signing, Hadjighasemi wasn’t even able to guess at how many hours he had spent on the Carson High hardwood floor over his four-year career.
However, he only had a chance to compete for three seasons due to the pandemic canceling his junior year.
Despite that, Hadjighasemi finished four 3-pointers short of the NIAA Class 4A/5A state 3-point record with 214 career triples.
“I can’t even explain it right now. The emotions are pouring into me,” said Hadjighasemi, following his signing.
Hadjighasemi won’t be the only Carson High grad to be a part of the San Francisco State program.
The man who offered him a scholarship, San Francisco State head coach Vince Inglima, graduated from Carson High in 2002.
“My folks still live in Carson,” said Inglima. “It’s exciting. I haven’t really had this opportunity. We’ve dabbled with guys in the area before, but none from Carson. We were in those same classrooms and we played in the same Morse Burley Gymnasium.”
“That is, honestly, the coolest thing,” said Hadjighasemi.
Hadjighasemi will compete with the Gators at the NCAA Division II level and play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.


(Carson’s Parsa Hadjighasemi takes off his jacket to reveal his decision to play basketball at San Francisco State next season. / Carter Eckl)

Handling recruiting stress
Due to the pandemic, high school athletes have faced an abnormal amount of recruiting strain.
Hadjighasemi was no exception as extra years of eligibility were given out to collegiate seniors, drying up roster spots for potential incoming freshman.
One of the best outside shooters in state history carried that weight as his dreams of continuing his basketball career felt like they might have hung in the balance.
“The recruiting process has been the biggest up and down. It was pretty much my mood,” said Hadjighasemi. “After the season, not knowing if I was going to play … it’s such a relief. I’m blessed and have to thank coach Inglima for the opportunity and coach (Jordan) Glover for getting me out here.”
Junior year is arguably the most important season to gain attention from college programs, but Hadjighasemi proved his worth with his dedication nonetheless.
Though, the process may not have been the smoothest, Hadjighasemi is thrilled to have chosen his next destination.
“It’s not something to boast about, but I did this with all that in the way too,” said Hadjighasemi.

The future fit
Over the course of his three seasons in a Senator uniform, Hadjighasemi shot better than 36 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 19.6 points per game in his senior year.
He was an all-region selection in all three years of his varsity career with two second-team selections – as a freshman and sophomore – before earning first-team all-region honors as a senior.
He also set a Class 5A record by hitting eight 3-pointers in a game twice over his final year in blue and white.
His on-court talent was obvious to his soon-to-be head coach.
“It’s clear he’s an elite level shooter. His shooting ability and his range ... the way he can read a defense to get his shot off. He is at the level,” said Inglima. “The (next) steps for him are going to be the size, physicality and athleticism. It’s going to be dramatically different than what he’s used too.”
Though Hadjighasemi has work ahead of him, that doesn’t take away from his talent and dedication to his craft.
“It’s going to be tough, as it is for all freshman. Obviously, there’s going to be work to do, but he has one high-level talent. Shooting is a really important part of the game and that will help him with the transition,” said Inglima.
Hadjighasemi’s work ethic hasn’t only been noticed by his coaches, it’s also been apparent to administrators, who have tried to wrangle him out of the gym late at night.
Those late nights have left a few wondering if the senior sleeps in the gym.
Doubt, restrictions and the challenges life has thrown at him have all been worthwhile for Hadjighasemi.
“It’s ‘not my gym,’ but I’ve lived here for four years,” said Hadjighasemi. “It’s pretty big. I’ve had so many ups and downs on this journey. Now that I have a chance, it was time to take it.”
Once he steps foot on campus, Hadjighasemi plans to study biology with an emphasis in physiology.

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