Golden oldies versus new kids on the block

Kevin McCarthy
 

Is the 2011 NorCal boys basketball class better than its 2010 elders? Well, let the banter begin. Luckily for the fans, the opportunity to witness the top 2011 juniors challenging the 2010 seniors for bragging rights -- is fast approaching. The initial contest of the NorCal ...

John McArthur

Is the 2011 northern California boys basketball class better than its 2010 elders? Well, let the banter: "...is...is not...is...is not" begin. Luckily for the fans, the opportunity to witness the actual matchup -- the top 2011 basketball juniors in northern California challenging the 2010 seniors for bragging rights -- is fast approaching. The initial contest of the Nor Cal Clash takes place Sunday, August 30 at Contra Costa College in San Pablo at 5:30 p.m.

This is a long thought about what-if confrontation is now turned into reality -- a spotlight on the best prep talents northern California has to offer. Not only does it transform longtime opponents into teammates for the night and vice versa but it features delicious individual matchups.

After all, who wouldn’t want to see soon to be on the tip of the tongue upstarts such as JT Adenrele, Roderick Bobbitt and Juan Anderson plus the more well known Josiah Turner, Kori Babineaux and Darius Nelson and wild card Kiwi Gardner ply their youthful skills against ‘big brothers’ John McArthur, Dominique Lee and Desmond Simmons, along with Josh Ritchart, Cody Kale, James Moore and others. The latter will be looking to prove to their brethren that seniority rules.

Not only will these matchup possibilities come to fruition but Bill Mellis of Division IV state champion Salesian will head one squad with Darryl Barbour of Division III titleholder Sacred Heart Cathedral coaching the other. That also means Mellis will be coaching against one of his two star players, either Simmons or Smith.

This contest is already a double winner, offering quite the fix for northern California basketball fans currently in hoops withdrawal and being a marquee event that is a must-attend for anyone wishing to retain or establish credibility as a high school basketball aficionado.

Here are the complete rosters:

2011-ers

• Robert Garrett, 6-foot-11, Sacramento
• Ramon Eaton, 6-foot-8, Sheldon
• JT Adenrele, 6-foot-6, Oakmont
• Stuart Wesonga, 6-foot-6, San Marin
• Darius Nelson, 6-foot-5, Sheldon
• Juan Anderson, 6-foot-5, Castro Valley
• Kori Babineaux, 6-foot-4, Folsom
• Rodrick Bobbitt, 6-foot-2, Castro Valley
• Josiah Turner, 6-foot-2, Sacramento
• Quincy Smith, 6-foot-1, Salesian
• Kiwi Gardner, 5-foot-7, Manteca

2010-ers

• John McArthur, 6-foot-8, De La Salle
• Jeremiah Kreisberg, 6-foot-8, Head Royce
• James Moore, 6-foot-8, Jesuit
• Josh Ritchart, 6-foot-7, Forest Lake Christian
• Desmond Simmons, 6-foot-7, Salesian
• Thomas Frye, 6-foot-4, Kennedy
• Dominique Lee, 6-foot-4, St. Mary’s
• Demetrius Lee, 6-foot-3, St. Mary’s
• Cody Kale, 6-foot-2, Rocklin
• Tyler Johnson, 6-foot-2, St. Francis
• Travon Abraham, 5-foot-8, Sacramento