LA VERNE, Ca. – As was the case in its first three years, the fourth version of The Classic at Damien has proven to be an ideal “preview” of the CIF sectional Open playoff fields.
As a pristine example, Saturday night’s Platinum Division championship semifinals is made of four teams that will – barring surprise – be in the eight-club field when the Southern Section playoff field is unveiled in early February.
At 7:30 in Damien High’s Athletic Center, 13-0 Sierra Canyon (the two-time defending State Open champion and ranked No. 6, nationally, by BallisLife) takes on 9-1 Etiwanda.
And Rancho Christian (12-2) – led by soon-to-be McDonald’s All-American Evan Mobley (pictured), the top player in the country – faces St. John Bosco (also 12-2) at 9 o’clock.
Each of the programs were in the sectional Open playoff field last season, captured by Sierra Canyon on the way to its state title.
And it doesn’t end there Saturday night, “Open”-wise.
In the Gold semifinals in the Event Center on the Damien campus, Rolling Hills Prep (12-0) faces. L.A. Washington Prep (8-7) at 6:30 and Santa Clarita Christian (9-3) plays Chaminade (12-2) at 8.
Washington Prep was an L.A. City Open Division playoff semifinalist last spring and RHP, SCC and Chaminade are in contention for Southern Section Open spots this spring.
For the complete brackets and schedules for all action in the event’s five divisions, go to www.Theclassicatdamien.com
Standing-room-only crowds have been on hand for the Platinum Division games the first two days of the event. And it’s expected to be mostly the same on Saturday as well as Monday’s final day of action.
Those hoping to attend Saturday or Monday should plan accordingly and arrive as early as possible. General admission seating for all day is $15.
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