I attended and convered the four quarterfinal games of the Orange Holiday Classic at Chapman University Wednesday.
Take a peek at my observations: They don't cost a penny!
Poly played poorly in its loss to Canyon of Anaheim. Coach Sherrief Metoyer still has enough talent and experience, though, to challenge for a Moore League title.
Look for junior forward Marquis Anderson (he wears uniform No. 21), a recent addition, to have a big Moore League season for the Jackrabbits.
Jerime Anderson had decent numbers for Canyon - 19 points and five or six assists and just as many steals -- but the junior, who is committed to UCLA, was a bit careless at times with the ball. He'll have to get a lot stronger, physically and with the ball, in two years if he is going to play significant time for the Bruins as a freshman.
But you have to assume he will do those very things. His ability to get the ball to open players is top notch.
Dorsey overwhelmed Diamond Ranch in the second half but I don't give the Dons much of a shot against Artesia tonight (6:50) in one of the semifinals.
Down at Torrey Pines, Dominguez is the only area team still in the championship bracket after Compton was snagged by Jesuit of Sacramento Wednesday night.
The Dons play Clear Lake of Texas in a 9 o'clock semifinal tonight.
It will be interesting to see how 6-6 Dorsey junior Jordan Hamilton does against the defense of Artesia's James Harden.
Harden was fabulous Wednesday night in another quarterfinal with Hamilton.
Mater Dei had difficulty guarding the ball and pressuring shooters against LACES, although it still won by 20 or so.
Once again, be sure to get to Chapman University (the Hutton Center) plenty early Friday if you intend to watch what almost assuredly will be an 8:30 title showdown before Mater Dei and Artesia.
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