LONG BEACH – There is another batch of NBA “offspring” on their way to Southern California high schools . . .
Two of those will be in high school in the fall as freshmen.
Another is currently in sixth grade, meaning – barring a “hold-back year” that so many male and female athletes and their families opt for – he won’ be a high school freshman until the 2027-28 school year.
Each of those impressed during the Saturday-Sunday Pangos Junior High All-American Camp that drew about 140 participants at McBride High.
The annual event has attracted a large number players who have gone on to high school, college and NBA excellence.
The camp’s alumni in the latter category include Evan Mobley (Cleveland), Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta), Mello Ball (Charlotte), Jalen Green (Houston) and Julian Strawther (Denver).
Back to the three sons of former NBA players who played well over the weekend . . .
Eighth graders Tristan Ariza (former NBA forward Trevor Ariza’s son and Westchester High junior Tajh Ariza’s brother) and Myles Mobley (son of former NBA guard Cuttino Mobley) played in the “Best of the Best” all-star camp that wrapped up the event Sunday afternoon.
And the sixth grader with a former NBA player as his father is Dahntay Jones, Jr., whose dad works for the Clippers and played 13 seasons in the NBA.
The Most Outstanding Player in the 5th/6th Grade All-Star Game Sunday afternoon was 5-foot-6, left-handed sixth grader Austin Abney. His dad, Larry Abney, played professionally across the world for 12 years and was part of the Clippers’ coaching staff for two years. He’s now the head coach of the Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Taking MOP honors in the 7th Grade All-Star Game was 6-5 Bryce Bible, whose father is a long-time high school football coach and is now on the Sierra Canyon staff.
The MOP in the 8th Grade All-Star game was 6-1 Tysen Phoenix, who scored 13 points, with five rebounds and two assists, while helping the blue jerseys beat their white counterparts, 82-52.
Phoenix recently moved from Alaska to Las Vegas, where he attends Sid Rogich Middle School.
The respective MOPs in the Best of the Best Game – won by the white jerseys, 73-62 – were eighth grade guards Quali Giran (Carson/12 points, five rebounds and three steals) for the blue and Brendan Fragela (Miami/14 points and five rebounds) for the white.
And, sharing MOP honors for their overall performances over the two days were – pictured, right to left – 6-1 eighth grader Phillip Reed, Jr. (St. Jerome School in Los Angeles) and 6-2 eighth grader Isaiah Wright (Adams Junior High in Katy, TX).
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