The Classic at Damien, one of the most prestigious high school basketball tournaments on the West Coast, commenced on Thursday at Damien High School in La Verne, California. This four-day event features 128 teams competing across eight divisions, with a total of 256 games scheduled. The highlight is undoubtedly the Platinum Division, which showcases top-ranked teams such as St. John Bosco, Redondo Union, La Mirada, Santa Margarita, and Eastvale Roosevelt. These teams will compete fiercely over the coming days, providing fans with an intense display of high-level basketball.
Inaugural Day Highlights Intense Competition Among Top Teams
On the first day of the tournament, held in the vibrant city of La Verne, California, several standout performances emerged from various matches. At the heart of the action was Redondo Union's commanding victory over Destiny Christian, with SJ Madison leading the charge by scoring 23 points. Hudson Mayes also made significant contributions, netting 21 points for his team. Meanwhile, Jaylen Valdez of Destiny Christian put up an impressive 31-point performance despite the loss.
Another thrilling contest unfolded between La Mirada and Parish Episcopal from Texas. Gene Roebuck of La Mirada shone brightly, racking up 34 points to lead his team to a narrow 76-72 win over their opponents. Julien Gomez added 26 points to support the Matadors' effort. Other notable games included Rolling Hills Prep's decisive 69-52 triumph over Crean Lutheran, where Mateo Trujillo led with 24 points, and Anaheim Canyon's solid 71-56 victory against Prescott (AZ), highlighted by Brandon Benjamin's 29-point contribution.
Scheduled matchups for subsequent days promise even more excitement. Key fixtures include Santa Margarita versus Layton Christian, Corona Centennial facing Heritage Christian, and Roosevelt taking on San Ramon Valley. The evening games featuring Sandra Day O'Connor against Damien and St. John Bosco versus Sunnyslope (AZ) are anticipated to be particularly captivating.
Additional divisional games are set to add variety and depth to the tournament, ensuring that spectators have plenty to look forward to throughout the event. Matches like Crespi vs Liberty (AZ), Los Alamitos vs Clovis North, Campbell Hall vs Redwood, Rancho Cucamonga vs Ironwood (AZ), Etiwanda vs Dublin, and Village Christian vs Northeast (FL) will further enrich the tournament experience.
For those unable to attend in person, live updates and scores can be accessed through dedicated platforms, keeping fans connected to all the action.
From a spectator's perspective, this tournament offers not only a showcase of exceptional talent but also serves as a platform for young athletes to prove themselves on a grand stage. It highlights the competitive spirit and dedication of these players, inspiring future generations of basketball enthusiasts. As the tournament progresses, it will be fascinating to see which teams and individuals rise to prominence, setting the stage for potential future stars in the world of basketball.