Francisco’s Finest: Sierra Canyon vs Beverly Hills (Part 1)

Joel Francisco

May 23, 2021 @ 11:49 PM

Francisco’s Finest: Sierra Canyon vs Beverly Hills (Part 1) CHATSWORTH, Ca—Despite a resilient effort by Beverly Hills, Sierra Canyon had too much firepower as the Trailblazers cruised to an 89-69 victory. The Normans cut the lead to 9-points, due to their relentless press, but Sierra Canyon’s super junior, [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"], would have none of that as he blazed to an impressive 38-point scoring output. [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"] (Sierra Canyon) 2022, SG, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds Joel’s Take: Bailey is the No. 1 player in Southern California, regardless of class. With [player_tooltip player_id="680212" first="Peyton" last="Watson"]’s decision to not finish out his senior campaign with the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits, Bailey could cement that label by delivering that coveted CIFSS Open Division Championship. Bailey checks off every box when it comes to impacting a basketball game and he does it with a relentless motor at both ends of the floor. He rebounds exceptionally for a guard, is a high-level passer, and his bounce/burst is off the charts. His jump shot needs to get more consistent, but he projects well as a Russell Westbrook type going forward. Jac Mani (Beverly Hills) 2022, PF, 6-foot-8, 225 pounds Joel’s Take: Mani is an intriguing 4/5 for the next level. The skilled forward can play inside-out due to his 3-point touch and post-game. He converted a couple of 3s in the game and displayed a nice jump hook over his left shoulder. He rebounded well in traffic in the half-court set, displayed soft hands, and is a savvy passer. Ryan Grande (Sierra Canyon) 2021, SG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds Joel’s Take: Ryan, whose father (Rich) is a former USC standout, has a nice all-around game as well. He can nail the 3-point shot with regularity and he sets up his shot well. He has a quick release and is always on balance. In addition, he advances the ball well and knows how to cut and come off of screens to free himself up for the shot. Josiah “JoJo” Phillips (Sierra Canyon) 2023, WF, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds Joel’s Take: Phillips is the glue for the Trailblazers. He is a two-sport athlete—football being the other—and his overall athleticism and motor are noteworthy. He is a physical defender who can bang in the post or defend on the perimeter. He sprints in transition and can finish above the rim. Aaron LIberty (Beverly Hills) 2021, PG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds Joel’s Take: Liberty came into the game as his team’s leading scorer, but he had a tough outing against the Trailblazers—as he didn’t score his 1st bucket until 1:12 to go in the 3rd period. He did a solid job distributing and pushing the ball in transition. His burst is quick and he got to the rim several times, but he struggled to finish over the Trailblazers’ length.