The 2nd Annual Fall Classic held at Open Gym Ladera was an absolute treat. Many of the local South Orange County high schools competed and showed that they are ready for the upcoming season. There were also appearances from San Diego and Inland Empire teams who were able to play competition outside of their region.
4-0 Teams
Beckman: The patriots came into their first Scholastic Series event with a bang. Their combination of depth and energy stifled a lot of teams down the stretch. They are well coached and have plenty of players who go above and beyond to help their team win. They will definitely be a team to look out for this upcoming season.
Dana Hills: Despite missing standout Junior Collin Haugh, the Dolphins did not skip a beat. Senior Ryan Torab had himself a weekend averaging 22.8 points per game on 3.8 three pointers per game. They have plenty of shooters on the court and their system supports it. Expect Dana Hills to be a top team out of South Orange County.
San Clemente: Winning all their games by an average margin of 23.3 points, this team is a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry is off the charts and they have great depth to back it. They attack from the jump and show little to no signs of let up, watch out for the Triton’s this year.
San Juan Hills: Familiar territory for San Juan Hills, coming out of the weekend 4-0. 2022 League and CIF champs, this program has a winning standard. They are well coached with hardworking players and are a team that will definitely make some noise in OC Basketball.
Player Standouts
Derrion Manson (Lincoln): The explosive senior guard from Lincoln High School was quite possibly the best player in the gym all weekend. Averaging 31.8 points, he showed that he can get a bucket at all 3 levels and at any time. He hit clutch shots in a double OT game and ultimately helped create offense for him and his teammates every single game. A player to keep an eye on in the SD area.
Cooper Stearns (Irvine): A high motor Junior out of Irvine High School, Cooper averaged 23.5 points and 8 rebounds over the weekend. He uses his strength to get position on defenders in the post and has a soft touch around the rim. He is relentless on both the offensive and defensive glass and showed he is a key player for Irvine.
Coby Christensen (Palm Desert): A poised senior who can take and make tough buckets. He handles the ball with ease and has no problem when defenders pressure him. As defenders begin to help, he shows his IQ by hitting open teammates for good looks. His energy and effort, combined with his skillset makes him a great all around player who is bound to make noise this season.
Levi Oakes (Moorpark): Only a freshman, Levi displayed a skillset that is beyond his years. He plays with great pace, making the game look natural for him. Averaging 23.3 points on the weekend with a 44 point performance, he is definitely an underclassmen you are going to want to keep an eye on.
Ryan Torab (Dana Hills): The senior stepped up in the absence of Junior guard Collin Haugh. Ryan averaged 22.8 points on the weekend on 3.8 three pointers per game. He showed he can knock down shots from the perimeter but also create buckets for himself and others.
Isaiah Marte (San Diego): The junior guard averaged 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals on the weekend. He showed that he can do it all on both ends of the floor. In a guard heavy system, Marte helps lead the charge.
Jackson Cryst (Sage Hill): The 6’10 junior averaged 16.8 points and 10 rebounds a game over the weekend, showing that he is a double-double machine. His length and athleticism are something many teams will struggle with. Defensively, he moves well and protects the rim creating great transition looks for his teammates.
Mason Hodges (San Juan Hills): Averaging 17.5 points and 11.3 rebounds on the weekend, Hodges showed he is an animal down low. He has good touch around the rim and uses his big frame to get position on defenders. The junior is a key piece to San Juan Hills success.
Caydon Do (Beckman): The senior wing showed his versatility all weekend. His length helps him finish around the rim and his athleticism helps him on the boards. He shares the ball well when defenses collapse on him, creating good looks for his teammates.
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