Four Takeaways: Maranatha Summer Block Party Day Two
Pasadena, Ca. — Eight more games highlighted the second day of the Maranatha Summer Block Party with Mission League teams Alemany and Harvard-Westlake picking up victories along with Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Long Beach Poly, Valencia, Pasadena and Fremont.
Tuesday Results
Alemany 48, Highland 46
Harvard-Westlake 39, Mark Keppel 26
Brentwood 50, Dominguez 39
Beverly Hills 40, Muir 26
Long Beach Poly 54, Leuzinger 47
Valencia 42, El Camino Real 33
Pasadena 50, Cleveland 33
Fremont 50, Culver City 40
Here are four takeaways from Tuesday’s action:
Harvard-Westlake is a fringe Open Division team when full-strength
Coach David Rebibo wasn’t happy with the performance of his short-handed squad against Mark Keppel Tuesday, but when the Wolverines have all the pieces in place, they have the potential to be dangerous. Star junior wing Johnny Juzang to go along with 6-foot-10 center Mason Hooks, 6-foot-8 forward Truman Gettings, 6-foot-5 wing Brase Dottin, 5-foot-9 point guard Spencer Hubbard and plenty of solid complimentary pieces could have Harvard-Westlake in the Open Division conversation when playoff time rolls around.
Brentwood’s Christian Moore is one of the top incoming freshmen in SoCal
Christian Moore established himself as one of the top players in his class throughout his time dominating middle school competition and he’s now ready to bring his versatility to the high school level. Moore, whose older brother Payton – bound for Rice University – was a standout at Windward and Santa Monica, but the 6-foot-5, class of 2022 prospect has more innate feel for the game than his brother at the same stage. Moore is a point forward of sorts with his vision and passing ability coupled with his high level decision-making.
Poly’s three-guard attack will work yet again
Poly coach Shelton Diggs is deploying the three-guard attack for the second straight season and this year’s scoring column will be filled by seniors Giordan Williams, Justin Rene and Malik Salahuddin. The senior trio is thriving in the Jackrabbits’ uptempo attack where each of them is afforded the freedom to attack the basket when they please or pull-up for a 3-point shot.
Fremont is a City Section Division I contender
Fremont was the surprise of the evening in its 10-point victory over Culver City. The once Los Angeles City Section power has a talented trio of its own in senior point guard Roy Clarke, senior wing Carey Page and sophomore wing Chris Page. The Pathfinders have also added a bouncy and active 6-foot-6 forward in Cedric Luba to reinforce their paint presence. Look for Fremont to potentially make a deep playoff run if this roster stays healthy and intact.