Loaded field looks to dethrone Modesto Christian at Holiday Hoop Classic​

BASKETBALL
-
NEWS
James Burns
-
Dec 26, 2022
Fighting congestion and fatigue, Modesto Christian boys basketball coach Brice Fantazia admits it has been the most challenging opening month to a season since he’s returned to his alma mater.
The architect of one of the top programs in the state has had to weather a host of illnesses and injuries to his roster, while steering clear of the same bug that has ravaged his locker room.
He hopes the Crusaders will be close to full strength on Tuesday evening when they headline the opening day of the 22nd annual Holiday Hoop Classic. Modesto Christian is the defending champion, but it limps into the region’s premiere holiday tournament.
The Crusaders competed with just eight players at the Capital City Classic in Salem, Ore., last week. Among those left at home to rest and recover was highly touted junior and reigning Holiday Hoop MVP Jamari Phillips (foot), who recently committed to the University of Arizona.
“This has been the most challenging opening month of my career. The flu has just destroyed us,” said Fantazia, himself congested. “At one point we had four kids in practice; it was that bad.”
Low on numbers, Modesto Christian rallied to a third-place finish at the Capital City Classic. Led by San Diego State-bound senior BJ Davis, the Crusaders knocked off Texas state champion John Paul II in overtime in route to the podium.
Davis, an all-tournament selection, had 49 points on just 27 shots. He averaged 26 points per game for the tournament. On a court full of Division I prospects, Fantazia said Davis was the best.
“We all know how talented BJ is. He was one of the ones who got hit with the flu bad before the season started, so he got off to slower start to the season than he would have liked,” Fantazia said. “This weekend, his performance against the team from Texas was one of the better performances in Modesto Christian history.”

The 2021-22 Modesto Christian boys basketball program poses with the Holiday Hoop Classic championship trophy after beating Durango High of Las Vegas. (Samantha Schmidt)
Once again, basketball fans won’t have to travel far for some of the best prep action in Northern California. Annually, the Holiday Hoop Classic invites heavyhitters from across the state, and just last year saw Durango High of Las Vegas make a run to the championship game.
The Holiday Hoop Classic begins Tuesday, Dec. 27, with a full slate. All games will be played at Modesto Christian’s newly minted Anderson Gymnasium, beginning at 10 a.m.
Here’s a look at Tuesday’s matchups: Gregori-Clovis West, 10 a.m.; Edison-Clovis East, 11:30; Northgate-Cosumnes Oaks, 1 p.m.; Turlock-Campolindo, 2:30; Bullard-Weston Ranch, 4; Pleasant Valley-Vanden, 5:30; Downey-Modesto Christian, 7; and Ripon Christian-Manteca, 8:30.
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students with an ID card, and $5 for seniors (62 years and older) and military (with ID). Only CIF State, section and lifetime CIF passes will be accepted.
“I’m always excited for the Holiday Hoop Classic,” Fantazia said. “It gives me flashbacks to when I was playing. It’s sort of our crown jewel, as I like to say. Our boys are excited, we’ve got another strong field, and we hope to repeat.”
This year, three of the four podium finishers return, including host and defending champion Modesto Christian (4-4).
The Crusaders have limped out of the gates, but Fantazia hopes a strong showing at the Capital City Classic is a little wind in their sails. He lauded his team’s resolve on the road, despite leaving five players at home.
“Proud of the heart and togetherness this group showed. Missing five teammates this group of eight grinded and fought their way to a 3-1 record out in Oregon. Tough and Together!” Fantazia tweeted on Dec. 21.
After dropping its first three games of the season, Modesto Christian has won four of its last five. Its only loss was an overtime setback to West Linn of Oregon at the Capital City Classic. Through eight games, the Crusaders have played teams from Nevada, Texas, Oregon and Southern California.
“There is definitely some momentum and positive vibes. Early on with the schedule and the injuries and the flu, the season didn’t get started the way we hoped,” Fantazia said. “This is the next step, playing in front of our home fans.
“I hope we can continue to grow. We haven’t had our full team. We haven’t been healthy,” he added. “I hope we can continue to grow and take steps forward together.”
Modesto Christian beat Durango, which will not return, in the 2021 Holiday Hoop Classic final.
Pleasant Valley of Chico looks to build on its third-place finish in 2021, while Weston Ranch returns several key pieces from a team that won the consolation championship at last year’s Holiday Hoop Classic.
Weston Ranch has lost all six games to start the 2022-23 season but like Modesto Christian, the Cougars have played a national schedule. They’ve only played one opponent from the Sac-Joaquin Section (Inderkum). The rest have been from Florida, Utah, Idaho and San Francisco.
The Cougars have lost three games by seven points or less, including a one-point defeat to Coral Gables of Florida in their final game at the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.
“They’re going to come into the Holiday Hoop hungry,” Fantazia said of Weston Ranch, coached by close friend Nicolas Podesta. “They want to get some wins.”

O’Dea HS of Seattle is playing in the Torrey Pines tournament today vs. Dougherty Valley despite their flight being one of the many that was cancelled…. They didn’t take “No” for an answer…. They managed to get a charter bus, and drove 23 hours straight, all the way to San Diego…. Arrived less than an hour before the tipoff.

Not only that, they picked up another Seattle-are a team and took them along, dropping ‘em off in Pomona for a tourney there.

Amazing story…

First game, Clovis West is playing like the heavy favorite they are, their pressure causing much difficulty to Gregori…. It’s 11-2 CW, not even 3 full minutes in.

If anyone is looking for one, two or three games Wednesday through Friday, email me at claykallam@gmail.com.

To all my California HS football brothers

Coaches – We have a team coming from Seattle that just informed me that their flight is cancelled & earliest they can get on a plane is Wednesday. End result is we are looking for a team/teams to take a game/games tonight thru Thursday Dec 29.
Looking for a team to play TONIGHT Dec 26 at 6:30 PM at Marin Catholic High School.

What's up with the livestream of the St. Joe's vs. Serra game? Serra is up 29-12 and the score is listed as 51-45 St. Joe's. At times a team's total will decrease by three or six and sometimes it increases by 10. It's like a small child is playing with it. And the time remaining says like 13 minutes. I only know the real score because the camera sometimes shows the scoreboard on the wall.

You're invited to attend our 35th Annual Newark Optimist Club - Newark Memorial Girls Holiday Basketball Classic, to be held December 28, 29, & 30 (Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday), at Newark Memorial High School, 39375 Cedar Boulevard, Newark.

Opening Round Schedule - Wednesday, December 28

Varsity Division-

3:15 pm San Leandro vs. Foothill
4:45 pm Lynbrook vs. Carlmont
6:15 pm. Burlingame vs. Lowell
7:45 pm. Santa Clara vs. Newark Memorial


Junior Varsity Division-

9:00 am. Irvington vs. San Leandro
10:30 am. Foothill vs. Valley Christian (SJ)
12 Noon. Clayton Valley Charter vs. Lowell
1:30 pm. Carlmont vs. Newark Memorial

Daily Admission: $7 Adults, $5 Seniors (60+) & Students
Free for Children Under 10 Years Of Age


COME ON OUT AND WATCH THE EXCITING ACTION THIS WEEK!

Is the CIF's SJS a true champion for youth? Are the SJS administrative staff members responsible for processing transfer eligibility requests staunch advocates for all youth participating in youth sports?

Their rulings and decision-making regarding transfers have been incredibly tone def and show them great adversaries and opponents of youth in the Sacramento region.

The Kiku Parker fiasco made for bad press and left a sour taste in many people's mouths, especially those with strong ties to Sacramento. But, thankfully, NBA players, ex-MLB stars, politicians, youth activists, and members throughout the Greater Sacramento region supported Kiku Parker Jr. in his quest to play out his senior season at Grant.

I understand the need for a certain level of governance when it comes to governing youth sports. But the spirit of youth sports should always be advocacy!

There's no need for kids to miss six football games or half of the basketball season because they transferred schools, especially if they transferred before the school year or several months before the season starts. The CIF should grant the transfer full access to play sports if the new school accepts the student.


Does the SJS have a transfer problem? For example, what percentage of students athlete transfer schools in the SJS?

The Southern Section (SS), located in Southern California, is the largest in the state, with 400,000 student-athletes participating in athletic sports programs. Opponents accuse the section of high transfer rates, aided by a lax transfer policy that lets student athletes transfer relatively easily. According to their website, 98.25% of their student-athletes do not transfer schools during their high school experience. The section has a 1.75% transfer rate, which is neither extreme nor alarming.


I don't think that the CIF SJS respects the state legislature's power! I think it's time to meet with the California Legislature, which authorizes the CIF to administer High School sports in California, and share the countless stories of how the CIF SJS has ruined student-athletes career's/seasons. The SJS needs a firm reminder that just like it is a "privilege" for the athletes to participate in sports, it's also a privilege for the CIF-SJS to serve as governing body of the High School Sports of Sacramento.

If the CIF SJS doesn't want to ease up on the transfer rules, maybe it's time to tie them up in court and drain them of their resources! Per their website, "SJS Championship events generate 75% of their operating revenue." In other words, they can use the SJS championship earnings to fight lawsuits instead of making payroll to ruin kids high school seasons.

Per Sacramento Bee Newspaper Girls Basketball Rankings @ published 12/20/2022
(does NOT include Stockton or Fairfield area teams, aka St. Mary's or Vanden)

1. Folsom
2. Antelope
3. McClatchy
4. Oak Ridge
5. Christian Brothers
6. St. Francis
7. Colfax
8. Laguna Creek
9. Whitney
10. Vista del Lago
11. Rocklin
12. Woodcreek
13. Ponderosa
14. Lincoln (Lincoln)
15. Del Oro
16. Liberty Ranch
17. Monterey Trail
18. Grant
19. Cosumnes Oaks
20. Kennedy

This is an Homage to some of the old time posters, who used to post on here.
Some posters would pretend to be porn stars, there would be flame wars. Things used to be get really crazy at times. It was like the wild west.

T’was the night before tournament and all thru the gym, not a creature was stirring except Amber Lyn.
The nets were hung by her sister Ginger, Who could shoot out the lights with the flick of her finger.

The JV’s were snuggled all in their beds, Thinking “ Varsity” with good play , and a fresh pair of Keds.

When out in the hallway there came such a clatter, the “Drolls” stopped spinning balls, to see what’s the matter.
“Sparten23” flew to the window in just two beats, someone had called out “ De La Salle cheat’s!!

Then , what to my wondering eyes did appear? But eight little players who played with no fear.
They ran with the ball, so lively and quick, I wondered for a moment , Division 4 St. Nick?

More rapid than Freemont, his coursers they came, the whistle blew and he called them by name. “Now Sweetpea! Now Matsfan! Big Rod52! On JDub! On Lorenzo! On Oldschool!
To the top of the rim! To the top of the wall! Now rebound! Now outlet! Now fast break Y’all .

And then In a twinkling, a shout from the roof, “ THE BEST TEAM IS LODi !! And I’ve got the proof !!
I turned my head, and what did occur, In came this “ Player ” dressed in red fur. He picked up the ball with his Rosy red glow, and proceeded to drain ten in a row.

With a smiling face and a little round belly, he let out a laugh, like a bowl full of jelly.
He said: “ Wonce a yeer I’m glad to meatcha” wears dis guy called the Ingrich Teecher?

Up he sprang, when the Ref blew the whistle, and away they went, thru thick and Thistle.
Up the chimney, the same way they came, off his team went, to play a new game.

“I heard him exclaim, from way down the block, climbing the stoops. Merry Christmas to all,
Here’s wishing you great hoops!”

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Jamari Phillips, a four-star shooting guard in the class of 2024, has committed to Arizona.
The 6-foot-2 prospect out of Modesto (Calif.) Christian chose the Wildcats over offers from UCLA, USC, Kansas, Illinois, Oregon, Kansas State, and others.
Phillips is the first prospect to commit to Tommy Lloyd in the class of 2024. He ranks as the No. 27 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus — the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies (ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals, On3).

Phillips on his commitment to Arizona​

Phillips is only halfway through his junior year of high school but while on an official visit over the weekend in Tucson, he decided to make the early pledge to the Wildcats.
“I chose Arizona because they fit me and I fit them,” Phillips said. “I believe in the coaching staff and they believe in me. I can see myself going there and being really successful in that program. I know it’s going to feel like home.
“When it’s my time to come in, I’m going to make the best of it and really go after it.”
Jamari Phillips has a message for Arizona fans.

“I’m coming to turn up the city!”

2024 Four-Star Jamari Phillips sets official visit to Arizona​

Joe Tipton•12/06/22
Article written by:Joe Tipton
TiptonEdits
Jamari Phillips (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Jamari Phillips, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard in the class of 2024, will be officially visiting the University of Arizona on the weekend of December 17th.
The trip was originally scheduled for February but was moved up. Carter Bryant, a top-15 prospect in the 2024 class, will also be in Tucson the same weekend. The two are AAU teammates, playing for Paul George Elite on the EYBL circuit.
The Wildcats offered Phillips a scholarship in early November. UCLA, Kansas State, Louisville, Oregon, LSU, Kansas, USC, and others have extended offers to the California native.
UCLA is the only other school that’s hosted Phillips on a visit. He’s mentioned in the past that the Bruins were his dream school, but added he will “keep my options open and see what’s the best situation for me.”
The Modesto (Calif.) Christian guard ranks as the 27th overall prospect in the country according to the On3 Consensus — the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies.

Phillips talks his game​

“I can shoot the ball very well, at a high rate and I can let it fly,” said Phillips. “I’m a good facilitator as well and can get my teammates open, help them get shots off and get them going. I can handle the rock very well, even under pressure defense and I don’t lose focus on plays. I kind of study the reads on certain situations. I’m a good, all-around team player.”

Jamari Phillips is known for being a shooter. While that is true, he’s more than that. He’s a quick, shifty guard that finds his teammates with fast, accurate passes. He’s a two-way player, with solid defensive instincts. One thing for certain is… Phillips isn’t afraid to let it fly, as he mentioned, but he can also get to the free-throw line.

Well.. I guess a thread should be started for this wonderful week of basketball down in AZ...

Yesterday in the Vincent division:

Sidwell 64
St Marys Stockton 58

Desert Vista 49
Mitty 63

Mike division:

Skutt Catholic 48
BOD 57

Mesquite 32
CN 50

John division:

Salpointe Catholic 53
C-Let 69

Hamilton 37
Acalanes 69

Joe division:

Lakeside School 50
Salesian 43

Benson Tech 45
Folsom 64

Millennium 45
Oakland Tech 48

West Linn Has Oregon commit and some good size. MC too many fouls sending the Lions to the line and double bonus. BJ Davis scored 5 points before the half down 24-19. Zeke Davis hits a floater off the glass to take lead at the half. 28-27

Does anyone have a bracket for this year's event?

Arizona:

Emmanuel Karnley CB Las Lomas
Carlos Wilson WR Inderkum

California:

Nyziah Hunter WR Salinas
Jaivian Thomas RB McClymonds
Sai Vadrawale DB Rancho Cotate

Oregon:

Jerry Mixon LB Sacred Heart Cathedral
Jurrion Dickey WR Menlo-Atherton

Oregon State:

Zander Esty OL Placer
Zachary Card WR Pittsburg

Stanford:

Jackson Harris WR Berkeley
Simione Pale OL Elk Grove
Omar Staples DE/OLB Oakland Tech

UCLA:

Luke Duncan QB Miramonte

USC:

Alani Noa OL Grant
Amos Talalele OL Santa Clara

Utah:

Roger Alderman OL Sonora

Washington:

Leroy Bryant DB Rodriguez
Soane Faasolo OL Menlo-Atherton
Rashid Williams WR Pittsburg
Taeshaun Lyons WR Tennyson (has committed, but wasn’t a part of the signing release)

Washington State:

Noah Dunham OL Yuba City
Warren Smith DB El Cerrito

Air Force:

Ryan Henning RB Lincoln

Boise State:

Khai Taylor DB Pittsburg

Fresno State:

Charles Greer RB De La Salle
Devon Rivers RB Heritage
Isiah Chala DE Riordan
RL Miller LB Sacred Heart Cathedral

Hawaii:

Junior Finau LB St. Francis

Nevada:

Journey McKoy DB De La Salle

San Diego State:

Brady Nassar DE Amador Valley
Ryan Silver OL Serra

San Jose State:

Kenyan Higgins WR Pittsburg

Going to OT

Had surgery to take out my cancerous prostate yesterday... So far, I'm doing okay... but I have a catheter inserted until the 29th, whcih obviously will mess with my ability to get to games.

I'll still be able to watch and comment on any games of interest online, but no crazy in-person "semi-play-by-play" stuff for awhile (except if I feel like doing my thing on online games).

Is the CIF's SJS a true champion for youth? Are the SJS administrative staff members responsible for processing transfer eligibility requests staunch advocates for all youth participating in youth sports?

Their rulings and decision-making regarding transfers have been incredibly tone def and show them great adversaries and opponents of youth in the Sacramento region.

The Kiku Parker fiasco made for bad press and left a sour taste in many people's mouths, especially those with strong ties to Sacramento. But, thankfully, NBA players, ex-MLB stars, politicians, youth activists, and members throughout the Greater Sacramento region supported Kiku Parker Jr. in his quest to play out his senior season at Grant.

I understand the need for a certain level of governance when it comes to governing youth sports. But the spirit of youth sports should always be advocacy!

There's no need for kids to miss six football games or half of the basketball season because they transferred schools, especially if they transferred before the school year or several months before the season starts. The CIF should grant the transfer full access to play sports if the new school accepts the student.


Does the SJS have a transfer problem? For example, what percentage of students athlete transfer schools in the SJS?

The Southern Section (SS), located in Southern California, is the largest in the state, with 400,000 student-athletes participating in athletic sports programs. Opponents accuse the section of high transfer rates, aided by a lax transfer policy that lets student athletes transfer relatively easily. According to their website, 98.25% of their student-athletes do not transfer schools during their high school experience. The section has a 1.75% transfer rate, which is neither extreme nor alarming.


I don't think that the CIF SJS respects the state legislature's power! I think it's time to meet with the California Legislature, which authorizes the CIF to administer High School sports in California, and share the countless stories of how the CIF SJS has ruined student-athletes career's/seasons. The SJS needs a firm reminder that just like it is a "privilege" for the athletes to participate in sports, it's also a privilege for the CIF-SJS to serve as governing body of the High School Sports of Sacramento.

If the CIF SJS doesn't want to ease up on the transfer rules, maybe it's time to tie them up in court and drain them of their resources! Per their website, "SJS Championship events generate 75% of their operating revenue." In other words, they can use the SJS championship earnings to fight lawsuits instead of making payroll to ruin kids high school seasons.

Championship Game - Valley Christian (San Jose) defeated Arroyo Grande, 53-50
Third Place - Newark Memorial defeated Tamalpais, 49-35

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on 27 attempts

The staff of the CIF's Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS) takes pride in governing the second-largest section in California. The SJS comprises 26 leagues and 200 schools and reaches 225,000 students annually. The section also covers more than 14,500 square miles of California, consisting of Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Sutter, Amador, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties.

This single section governs a population exceeding four million residents, and experts crown the Central Valley as the fastest-growing region in the state.

Given its population growth and large landmass, has the SJS's geographic jurisdiction grown too large for one section to manage?

Take the Southern side of the SJS section:

Does it still make sense for Merced High to make the 5-hour round trip drive to Granite Bay for an HS playoff game? Or vice versa?

Given its present and future growth, do the San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced regions now have enough schools to support a prosperous/competitive section? (I'm confident that they have the facilities) (Probably have always had enough schools)

Should this region of more than 1.5 million people establish its own section and crown its own section winners?