Francisco’s Takes: CIFSS Open Division Top Contenders
CIFSS Open Division: Top Contenders
Mater Dei Monarchs
There are three things certain in this world—death, taxes, and Mater Dei being good at this game we call basketball. Gary McKnight and his talented squad are coming off 33-3 record and had their sites set on not only a “Open Division” State Championship, but also a possible National Championship. However, in the past month the Monarchs lost arguably their two most talented players in Bol Bol (Findlay Prep) and 2019 stud PJ Fuller (Seattle/Garfield). But don’t weep for the Monarchs because what they have returning is an impressive and deep roster despite the departures, beginning with Harvard-bound point guard Spencer Freedman—the quarterback/coach on the floor. 6-foot-5 seniors Harrison Butler and Reagan Lundeen will attack the rim with relentless passion while 6-foot-9 Michael Wang will exhibit his smooth all-around game. Toss in three stud freshmen in 6-foot-8 Wilhelm Breidenbach (skilled 4-man), 6-foot-3 Devin Askew (evolving pg), and sharpshooting 6-foot-7 Harrison Hornery, and you have the makings of a championship team.
Bishop Montgomery Knights
Defending Open Division Champions Bishop Montgomery lose their best player from a year ago in State POY Ethan Thompson, but also the hear and sole of the team in Jordan Schakel. Head Coach Doug Mitchell has no reason to frown however with what he has returning. Yes, the Knights will be without the services of junior point guard Gianni Hunt (broken ankle) who is expected back sometime in January. However, with the emergence of 6-foot-3 junior Josh Vasquez who can drain jump shots with the best of them and run some point, the Knights will be fine in the time being. UCLA-bound David Singleton is a bully-ball scorer while returning starter 6-foot-6 Fletcher Tynen will man the middle with his physicality and IQ. Unsung hero from a year ago (6-foot-6 junior Will Crawford) does a bit of everything in the paint area and can hit some shots too. Transfer 6-foot-4 junior Oscar Lopez (Lynwood) affects the game in many ways and look for 6-foot-4 junior Nick Schrader to have a breakout season.
Chino Hills Huskies
Dennis Latimore takes over the Husky program after the resignation of Stephan Gilling. The drama did not stop there as LaMelo Ball, one of the premier juniors in the country, was taken out of school by his father (Lavar). Although that is a irreplaceable component—LaMelo that is— Latimore still has a plethora of talent—led by 6-foot-8 junior Onyeka Okongwu. The elite rim-protector with a soft shooting touch will be the focal point of the offense while 6-foot-4 Ofure Ujadughele will harass opponents with his motor and defensive prowess. 6-foot junior Will Pluma will keep defenses honest with his deep shooting touch while 5-foot-11 junior Phaquon Davis can put defenses on their heels with his attacking style. In addition, look for 6-foot-4 junior Nick Manor Hall to give the team another rebounder and post defender. The key, however, may be the development of 6-foot-7 junior Andre Ball. If he can give the Huskies another scoring option to go with his athletic prowess, Latimore’s squad will be tough to beat.
Sierra Canyon Trailblazers
The loss of personnel is staggering for Head Coach Andre Chevalier. When you lose the No. 1 player in the country in Marvin Bailey III to Duke a season early as well as Division 1 signees Cody Riley (UCLA), Remy Martin (ASU), Adam Seiko (SDSU), and Terrance McBride—that is tough to swallow. But fear not as there was a bevy of reinforcements that “trailblazed” their way to the door step of Sierra Canyon—led by arguably the No. 1 player in So-Cal in Ohio State signee Duane Washington. High-flying juniors 6-foot-5 Cassius Stanley and KJ Martin impact the game with scoring (Stanley) and rebounding/rim-protection (Martin). Scotty Pippen Jr. is a jack-of-all-trades type of guard while 6-foot-7 sophomore Terran Frank is an inside-out scorer. If fall league results are any indication of how the Trailblazers are going to do this season (an impressive win versus Mater Dei), it should come as no surprise if they’re one of the schools cutting down the nets as they say come spring.
Damien Spartans
The Spartans under the guidance of Head Coach Mike LeDuc are coming off an impressive 31-5 season. They lose the inside-out efforts of Justin Hemsley and the outside shooting of Colin Cunniff, but the there is enough returning to declare the Spartans an Open Division candidate. Led by do-everything senior point guard Cameron Shelton that is a heck of a way to start a team. Shelton is an explosive left hander who affects the game at both ends and is a menace to deal with in transition. His running mate 6-foot-2 senior Elijah McCullough is a knock down shooter as is 6-foot-6 sophomore Austin Cook. Erik Hancik, a 6-foot-5 senior is a rugged interior post threat while 6-foot-6 sophomore Amar Brown will provide depth along the front line. Toss in gifted 6-foot-2 freshman Malik Thomas (fearless scorer), and the Spartans have the talent and experience to make a run for a championship.