From players to coaches to fans, getting the chance to see 16-year-old sophomore Alijah Arenas of Chatsworth is going to be one of the must-do things for the high school basketball season.
In his first appearance on Wednesday at Providence, Arenas faced repeated traps and double teams from Loyola. He ended up making 18 of 21 free throws and finished with 38 points in Chatsworth’s 68-48 loss. Sophomore Quincy Watson led Loyola with 27 points, including six threes.
The son of former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas, Alijah has grown to 6 feet 6. His father has kept him at Chatsworth to try to develop his skills without having to play on an all-star team. It’s almost Arenas against the world. It tests his patience and forces him to deal with moments of adversity on the court. His father believes it will help prepare him for his basketball future. And what a future he has.
“He’s an NBA lottery pick,” Loyola coach Damaine Powell said. “I’ve seen Baron Davis, DeMar DeRozan. I saw the Holiday brothers. He’s better than all of them, and he’s a sophomore.”
Lynwood 81, Gardena Serra 79: Sophomore Jason Crowe Jr. scored 40 points for Lynwood. Kayleb Kearse had 28 points for Serra.
Saugus 77, Oakwood 54: Bryce Mejia’s 19 points lifted the 2-0 Centurions.
St. Bonaventure 68, Garfield 37: Dylan Benner had 19 points and rebound rebounds for the Seraphs.
St. Francis 67, South El Monte 20: Mazi Mosley led St. Francis with 21 points.
Burbank 77, Marshall 68: Kevin Debashian had 41 points in Burbank’s double overtime victory.
St. Anthony 85, Long Beach Poly 59: Quincy Phillips’ 30 points led St. Anthony. Jovani Ruff had 30 points for Poly.
Foothill 67, Westchester 31: The Knights opened with a dominating win at Westchester.
