Five Takeaways: La Mirada vs. San Gabriel Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LAS VEGAS — Two Southern California programs took the stage at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas for a Nike Division semifinal matchup at the Tarkanian Classic where La Mirada defeated San Gabriel Academy, 66-53, to advance to Tuesday's championship game where the Matadores will play Lone Peak of Utah. Below are five major takeaways from that game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Roebuck's scoring prowess prevails despite extra defensive attention</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six-foot-5 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2194355' first='Gene' last='Roebuck'] has been one of the state's best scorers since his first game at La Mirada and opposing defenses are paying special attention to that this season. The junior has seen every defensive coverage you can imagine but he still manages to get the ball in his hands and to his scoring spots - which is just about anywhere on the floor. Roebuck was face-guarded, double-teamed and denied touches at every turn but still finished with 29 points on 8-for-12 from the field, 2-for-3 from three and 11-for-16 from the free throw line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Muñoz no longer a "sleeper" prospect</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you go down the board on who raised their stock among SoCal guards regardless of class, La Mirada guard [player_tooltip player_id='2307230' first='Cisco' last='Munoz'] has earned a spot on that list. The 6-foot point guard brings a much-needed scoring, creating and ball handling presence to the Matadores back-court and his ability to knock down mid-range and three-point jump shots opens the floor for his teammates. Munoz is also a smooth paced and high passer and decision-maker who finished with 13 points, six assists and no turnovers to help La Mirada advance to Tuesday's championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Houston adds different dimension to La Mirada's offense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When [player_tooltip player_id='2194707' first='Jordyn' last='Houston'] is knocking down perimeter jumpers at the rate he did Monday he's a major x-factor for the Matadores. The 6-foot-6 stretch four-man is a pressure release for both of his teammates we mentioned above as his ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes and pick-and-pop threes draws opposing big men away from the rim which helps with spacing and driving lanes. Houston hit three of his six three-point attempts and finished with 14 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Diop's improvements adding more interior dominance</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Gabriel Academy center [player_tooltip player_id='2436298' first='Mahamadou' last='Diop'] is one of the few true dominant interior forces in the state's 2027 class and the improvement he has made to his interior offensive skill-set is adding to his interior impact. The 6-foot-10 junior made his mark as a lob threat and dunker spot finisher whose elite vertical athleticism allows him to elevate quickly and finish above the rim but Diop showed Monday that he has upped his back to the basket feel and touch with a couple of impressive jump hooks in the lane. Diop scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Arnold a 2029 guard to keep a close eye on</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a freshman class that is strong at the guard position, San Gabriel Academy point guard Zach Arnold is among those prospects that needs to be talked about. At 5-feet-11, and growing, Arnold is a smooth paced and high IQ ball handler and decision-maker in ball screen and transition offense. He sets up and comes off of ball screens with patience, makes smart reads and timely and accurate passes, and can score on mid-range and three-point jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->