Recap: First day of Summer Take Flight Challenge
CULVER CITY, Ca. – The first-ever Summer Take Flight Challenge, featuring 16 quality high school programs from Southern California, tipped off Friday with six games at Culver City High.
The event is the brainchild of Reggie Morris Jr., who was recently hired by Culver City High following stints at three high schools in Southern California, notably Lawndale Leuzinger where he mentored three future NBA Draft picks in Russell Westbrook, Dorell Wright and Delon Wright.
Bishop Montgomery 44, L.A. View Park 34:
The defending state Open Division champions were minus seniors-to-be David Singleton and Fletcher Tynen. But the Knights’ strong Class of 2019 was on display via 6-2 Gianni Hunt, 6-6 Will Crawford and 6-3 Josh Vazquez.
Westchester 69, Culver City 51:
The long-time L.A. City powerhouse Comets showcased one of SoCal’s best 2019 guards as Jordan Brinson was dominant from the get-go. He’ll be an All-L.A. City selection next March. Culver City’s best player was 6-5 senior-to-be Cyrus Johnson, the son of former UCLA and NBA great Marques Johnson, now a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Harvard-Westlake 69, Van Nuys 40:
The Wolverines have Prep Hoops So-Cal’s No. 2 ranked 2020 prospect in Johnny Juzang and all of his marvelous offensive skills were on display in this clash. Also turning in an impressive performance was 6-7 Truman Gettings, on the path to being one of the best 2021s in SoCal next season.
Crossroads 70, Leuzinger 63:
Point guard D.J. Houston helped the Roadrunners – minus Arizona-bound Shareef O’Neal, who wasn’t in attendance – rally in the second half. Leuzinger was led by Prep Hoops So-Cal’s No. 4-ranked 2020 prospect Amound Anderson.
Mayfair 58, St. Bernard 53:
The Monsoons trailed most of the way until pulling ahead late and prevailing behind the play of Josh Christopher, No. 7 in Prep Hoops So-Cal’s 2020 rankings.
St. John Bosco 53, Beverly Hills 49:
The Braves overtook the Normans in the final five minutes and will face Bishop Montgomery Saturday night in what should be a competitive game.