The past week has seen a mix of triumphs and challenges for high school basketball teams in the Southern Section. Despite many schools being preoccupied with final exams, significant events like the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas have provided exciting updates. Eastvale Roosevelt emerged victorious at the tournament, while other teams such as Windward and Crespi made notable advancements. Meanwhile, Redondo Union is generating buzz for its early-season performance, hinting at potential Open Division contention. Key players have also stood out, including Nik Khamenia and Brayden Burries, who delivered outstanding performances.
Roosevelt's Triumph and Rising Stars
In an eventful week, Eastvale Roosevelt captured the Tarkanian Classic championship, defeating Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks. The team showcased remarkable resilience and skill, particularly through standout players who contributed significantly to their victory. Additionally, other teams like Windward and Crespi have demonstrated impressive form, climbing up the rankings.
Eastvale Roosevelt secured the Tarkanian Classic title with a decisive win over Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks. Brayden Burries led the charge with 26 points, while Issac Williamson added 19 points to the scoreboard. This victory was not only a testament to their teamwork but also highlighted individual brilliance. Elsewhere, Windward made significant strides, moving up the rankings after a series of strong performances. Crespi also re-entered the fold following an impressive victory over St. Anthony, signaling a resurgence in their campaign. Nik Khamenia's all-around performance against JSerra—scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists—was another highlight of the week. His one-handed pass to Amir Jones for a corner three-pointer exemplified the team's creativity and precision.
Challenges and Comebacks
Several teams faced setbacks but managed to bounce back with commendable efforts. Harvard-Westlake's dominant display against JSerra and La Habra's winning streak were notable achievements. In contrast, some teams experienced losses but showed resilience in subsequent matches. The Eagles, for instance, lost to NorCal power De La Salle but recovered with a win over Murrieta Valley.
Notre Dame suffered its first loss in the Tarkanian Classic final despite Tyran Stokes scoring 20 points. Lino Mark's limited playing time due to injury further complicated matters. However, the Eagles quickly rebounded from this defeat by beating Murrieta Valley. Trailblazers dominated Millikan with an 87-33 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess. La Mirada's sophomore point guard Dominic Loehle has been a bright spot for the Monarchs, who have won five of their last six games. Pius had a mixed showing at the Tarkanian Classic, going 2-2, while Jasone Crowe Jr. continues to impress with his scoring average. Canyon's Brandon Benjamin has been a scoring machine, averaging over 30 points per game in their five-game winning streak. Long Beach started its season on a positive note with a 63-42 win over Lakewood in the Moore League opener. The Griffins, although facing tough opponents, began league play with a win over San Clemente. La Habra's 11-game winning streak heading into the Classic at Damien underscores their consistency. The Knights, despite losing four of their last five games, competed against formidable teams like Harvard-Westlake and Long Beach Poly. Lastly, the Celts' 2-0 record, including a commanding 76-56 win over St. Anthony, marks a promising start since Preston Cole became eligible.