Four SoCal teams reach tourney quarterfinals
The Cactus Classic traveling team boys' basketball tournament at the University of Arizona has proven every bit as competitive over the first two days as it was hyped to be.
And Southern California players are doing quite well in the event that began with 32 teams from across the country on Friday evening and was pared to eight late Saturday night.
Sunday morning's quarterfinal matches in the McKale Center included games between Belmont Shore and Compton Magic (10:10 a.m., Court 3) and Team Odom and the Northwest (Wash.) Panthers (10:10 a.m., Court 1).
Belmont Shore's roster includes Dominguez High senior Bryce Cartwright and a Dons' junior in Thurmon Woods. Cartwright hit the winning shot in Belmont's Sweet 16 overtime win over a team from Detroit (REACH) Saturday night. Also on the team is St. John Bosco freshman Cezar Guerrero.
The Compton Magic includes Cabrillo sophomore Deonta Burton.
Team Odom is led by Jordan Hamilton of Dominguez, and also includes Dons' junior Robert Mandino and sophomores Kalea King (who has played very well) and Kevin Smith.
The semifinals will be played at noon with the title game set for 2 p.m.