Folsom Classic

[championcif75]

Rio has only lost once, to Jesuit. I heard from some friends who attended that game and said Jesuit played their most compete game of the season that night, so who knows. Rio hasn’t had a tough schedule, but 9-1, is 9-1.

I watched Rio play Folsom last night on nfhs,good game between the two but i wasn’t able to tell who was ahead or behind as they didn’t show clock or score,i bounced a couple times to get skimmy from LL and Kidmann on Norcal….but it was easy to see that even though both played each other close #23 for Rio definitely stood out amongst the rest from both sides…he i believe is what makes this Rio team that good and elevates his teammate,imho.The Rio Americano Raiders and #23 Miles Lake will be participating in the 80th Annual Kendall Arnett Tournament next week 12/28,29,30 at Placer High School….they open against Del Oro first night and then play winner of Del Campo vs Foothill second and if all goes well for Placer in the upper half of bracket where they play Bear River first night and winner of Elcinore vs Nevada Union second night and a possible Championship showdown vs Rio Americano final night.
I know the house will be rocking all 3 nights it usually does especially last two nights on winners side the last 2 games….Due to some construction on the outside of Earl Crabbe Gym and a little touch up on the inside Placer hasn’t played at home so far this season,they have been road warriors to this point compiling an 11-1 record with their only defeat so far being to a very good,fast and very athletic Dublin team in the Championship game of the Don Nelson Classic Tournament at Dublin HS.We Auburn locals are hoping that finally a taste of some HOME cooking will bring some extra much needed pop to our Hillmen vs a solid,very good Rio Americano team….and who knows it could be Del Oro or Del Campo that get to finals,anything can happen to any team any game….but i’m honestly hoping to see Placer vs Rio Americano in the Championship game in the 80th Annual of “The Kendall”….Go Placer
BTW,there is NO better place to watch a high school basketball game especially a tournament than the infamous Earl Crabbe Gym at Placer HS,imho….both sides are a good 8-10 ft above the floor and almost on top of the players,it’s close and very loud ,it’s definitely on top of the Golden Hillmen band….very cozy,very old school,lots and lots of wood….oldest running tournament in the state,amazing atmosphere especially for championship games whether league or tournaments…i’ll just leave it with this….”Hoosiers,Hoosiers,Hoosiers” 😉😉👏👏👍🏻👍🏻🏆🏆

 

[M.C. fan]

Folsom will be fine, Rio big win on the road. Great thing about developing players, schemes, plays, and passing, you don't always get what could be. I would hold-off comparing early victories or defeats to mid-season to play-off push to playoffs. Teams increase chemistry or they implode from differences. High School Athletes are going to make mistakes and can also easily correct them.
Keep supporting positively and know that even the best teams lose in a 30-game season. We need to see the success that comes from every effort, build on it and have fun. We talking basketball, basketball. Merry Christmas from a Christian to everyone on NOR-CAL PREPS!!

 

[larry legend33]

I watched Rio play Folsom last night on nfhs,good game between the two but i wasn’t able to tell who was ahead or behind as they didn’t show clock or score,i bounced a couple times to get skimmy from LL and Kidmann on Norcal….but it was easy to see that even though both played each other close #23 for Rio definitely stood out amongst the rest from both sides…he i believe is what makes this Rio team that good and elevates his teammate,imho.The Rio Americano Raiders and #23 Miles Lake will be participating in the 80th Annual Kendall Arnett Tourney next week 12/28,29,30 at Placer High School….they open against Del Oro first night and then play winner of Del Campo vs Foothill second and if all goes well for Placer in the upper half of bracket where they play Bear River first night and winner of Elcinore vs Nevada Union second night and a possible Championship showdown vs Rio Americano final night.
I know the house will be rocking all 3 nights it usually does especially last two nights on winners side the last 2 games….Placer hasn’t played at home so far this season,they have been road warriors to this point with an 11-1 record and its only defeat so far was to a very good,fast and very athlet Dublin team in the Championship game of the Don Nelson Classic Tournament at Dublin HS.We Auburn locals are hoping that finally a taste of some HOME cooking will bring some extra much needed pop to our Hillmen vs a solid,very good Rio Americano team….and who knows it could be Del Oro or Del Campo that get to finals,anything can happen to any team any game….but i’m honestly hoping to see Placer vs Rio Americano in the Kendall Championship! Go Placer
👏👏👍🏻👍🏻🏆🏆

Champ! Thx for the update. I’m going to try to get up there for that tourney. Rio vs placer would be a great matchup and what a setting for hoops. My one takeaway.
Don’t let these Rio kids set there feet. Especially the young blond kid.

Rio kids really understand spacing well and don’t make a lot of mistakes. It reminds me of an old city league team of ex Hs/college players who all can shoot. Also Rio is a little more athletic than looks the eye. The got to the rim against Folsom and we’re able to finish on a lot of plays.

Not a bad loss for Folsom. They need to be prepared on the opening tip. Let’s see if they bounce back and win down at Marin Cath tourney.

Great time of year.

 

[Coach55Coach]

Folsom will be fine, Rio big win on the road. Great thing about developing players, schemes, plays, and passing, you don't always get what could be. I would hold-off comparing early victories or defeats to mid-season to play-off push to playoffs. Teams increase chemistry or they implode from differences. High School Athletes are going to make mistakes and can also easily correct them.
Keep supporting positively and know that even the best teams lose in a 30-game season. We need to see the success that comes from every effort, build on it and have fun. We talking basketball, basketball. Merry Christmas from a Christian to everyone on NOR-CAL PREPS!!

Johnson, Folsoms PG didn’t play and that was the difference.

 

[championcif75]

Folsom will be fine, Rio big win on the road. Great thing about developing players, schemes, plays, and passing, you don't always get what could be. I would hold-off comparing early victories or defeats to mid-season to play-off push to playoffs. Teams increase chemistry or they implode from differences. High School Athletes are going to make mistakes and can also easily correct them.
Keep supporting positively and know that even the best teams lose in a 30-game season. We need to see the success that comes from every effort, build on it and have fun. We talking basketball, basketball. Merry Christmas from a Christian to everyone on NOR-CAL PREPS!!

MC….Bravo,Bravo,Bravo…Merry Christmas to you and yours from ours my friend as well as Streak and ALL of our Norcal bloggers!👏👏👏🎄🎄🎄

 

[larry legend33]

Johnson, Folsoms PG didn’t play and that was the difference.

Yes, but keep in mind the fresh pg for Folsom (Jones) made all tourney. He played lights out. I think spacing and micah mid range game and penetration was hurt on Folsom side by his absence. Also micah is a really good on ball defender and creates some chaos.

@Streak One , better get chase Rawlings on your 2025 list of kids to watch. 6”3 Soph for Folsom. He will end up 6”7 and plays wing. (Brother of Mitchell). If you know hoops in this area you know Hes a baller. His sister holds major offers on the girls side.

 

[ESPN Ken]

I watched Rio play Folsom last night on nfhs,good game between the two but i wasn’t able to tell who was ahead or behind as they didn’t show clock or score,i bounced a couple times to get skimmy from LL and Kidmann on Norcal….but it was easy to see that even though both played each other close #23 for Rio definitely stood out amongst the rest from both sides…he i believe is what makes this Rio team that good and elevates his teammate,imho.The Rio Americano Raiders and #23 Miles Lake will be participating in the 80th Annual Kendall Arnett Tournament next week 12/28,29,30 at Placer High School….they open against Del Oro first night and then play winner of Del Campo vs Foothill second and if all goes well for Placer in the upper half of bracket where they play Bear River first night and winner of Elcinore vs Nevada Union second night and a possible Championship showdown vs Rio Americano final night.
I know the house will be rocking all 3 nights it usually does especially last two nights on winners side the last 2 games….Due to some construction on the outside of Earl Crabbe Gym and a little touch up on the inside Placer hasn’t played at home so far this season,they have been road warriors to this point compiling an 11-1 record with their only defeat so far being to a very good,fast and very athletic Dublin team in the Championship game of the Don Nelson Classic Tournament at Dublin HS.We Auburn locals are hoping that finally a taste of some HOME cooking will bring some extra much needed pop to our Hillmen vs a solid,very good Rio Americano team….and who knows it could be Del Oro or Del Campo that get to finals,anything can happen to any team any game….but i’m honestly hoping to see Placer vs Rio Americano in the Championship game in the 80th Annual of “The Kendall”….Go Placer
BTW,there is NO better place to watch a high school basketball game especially a tournament than the infamous Earl Crabbe Gym at Placer HS,imho….both sides are a good 8-10 ft above the floor and almost on top of the players,it’s close and very loud ,it’s definitely on top of the Golden Hillmen band….very cozy,very old school,lots and lots of wood….oldest running tournament in the state,amazing atmosphere especially for championship games whether league or tournaments…i’ll just leave it with this….”Hoosiers,Hoosiers,Hoosiers” 😉😉👏👏👍🏻👍🏻🏆🏆

You were a little off on your predictions buddy. Del Oro by 17 over Rio, by 11 over Foothill, and by 8 over Placer! But you were spot on about the environment! As always, no better venue or atmosphere for a high school basketball game than against Placer in the championship game at the Kendall! Thanks for hosting us!

 

[larry legend33]

You were a little off on your predictions buddy. Del Oro by 17 over Rio, by 11 over Foothill, and by 8 over Placer! But you were spot on about the environment! As always, no better venue or atmosphere for a high school basketball game than against Placer in the championship game at the Kendall! Thanks for hosting us!

Del Oro surprised me. But they have the best all around athlete in probably norcal in Pinnick. He’s a problem. Was he mvp? Placer and Pondo should have some good league games and Del Oro may give Folsom some problems in SFL?
Congrats to DO.

 

[ESPN Ken]

Del Oro surprised me. But they have the best all around athlete in probably norcal in Pinnick. He’s a problem. Was he mvp? Placer and Pondo should have some good league games and Del Oro may give Folsom some problems in SFL?
Congrats to DO.

Yes Pinnick was MVP. He had huge games against Rio & Foothill. Only had 8 against Placer but had a lot of assists & solid D. Jake Williams had 22 and Brandon Hill had 19 against Placer. Both were All-Tournament. All 3 of those guys are football standouts. DO opens league Friday at Folsom. Should be fun!

 

[larry legend33]

Yes Pinnick was MVP. He had huge games against Rio & Foothill. Only had 8 against Placer but had a lot of assists & solid D. Jake Williams had 22 and Brandon Hill had 19 against Placer. Both were All-Tournament. All 3 of those guys are football standouts. DO opens league Friday at Folsom. Should be fun!

Thx for updates. Love to hear kids playing 2 sports also. Pinnick is a treat to watch. Folsom will have there hands full. They are getting healthy but the starters haven’t played that much together so far. They did play better as the Marin Cath tourney went on. Folsom and DO look to be the teams to beat in SFL. (Whitney also if oakmont transfer is eligible)

 

[ESPN Ken]

Thx for updates. Love to hear kids playing 2 sports also. Pinnick is a treat to watch. Folsom will have there hands full. They are getting healthy but the starters haven’t played that much together so far. They did play better as the Marin Cath tourney went on. Folsom and DO look to be the teams to beat in SFL. (Whitney also if oakmont transfer is eligible)

Derek Lamb is eligible for Whitney starting this week. But don’t rule out Rocklin. They’ve lost some games but to strong out of area opponents

 

[Coach55Coach]

Yes Pinnick was MVP. He had huge games against Rio & Foothill. Only had 8 against Placer but had a lot of assists & solid D. Jake Williams had 22 and Brandon Hill had 19 against Placer. Both were All-Tournament. All 3 of those guys are football standouts. DO opens league Friday at Folsom. Should be fun!

Best athlete, I disagree with that but he’s solid.

 

[larry legend33]

Best athlete, I disagree with that but he’s solid.

Love to hear who you think is a better 3 sport athlete in norcal? Football, baseball, and hoops. Pinnick can arguably play any of them at next level. Hell, I don’t know if there are 10 kids that even play 3 sports anymore yet alone at his level.

 

[championcif75]

You were a little off on your predictions buddy. Del Oro by 17 over Rio, by 11 over Foothill, and by 8 over Placer! But you were spot on about the environment! As always, no better venue or atmosphere for a high school basketball game than against Placer in the championship game at the Kendall! Thanks for hosting us!

Del Oro's Pinnick is an unbelievable athlete,this kid can do it all pretty much.Even though Placer did good job containing him in scoring of which he averages around 19 or 20 a game and big games vs Rio and Foothill he did other things to propel the Eagles to victory...rebounding,assists,defense....good game experience for Placer vs a solid D2 squad from the SFL,but huge props to the Eagles for their Kendall victory...Bravo,Bravo
BTW,as usual the Earl Crabbe Gym was packed and extremely loud especially during the Kendall,many were left standing,many of us planned ahead to sit on the visitor side rather than home side because the home side is just to loud to packed to get a front row seat unless you camp out day before,lol,even on visitor side it was difficult finding closer seating, so good job by everyone at Placer for once again making the Kendall a HUGE success....Bravo

 

[larry legend33]

Del Oro's Pinnick is an unbelievable athlete,this kid can do it all pretty much.Even though Placer did good job containing him in scoring of which he averages around 19 or 20 a game and big games vs Rio and Foothill he did other things to propel the Eagles to victory...rebounding,assists,defense....good game experience for Placer vs a solid D2 squad from the SFL,but huge props to the Eagles for their Kendall victory...Bravo,Bravo
BTW,as usual the Earl Crabbe Gym was packed and extremely loud especially during the Kendall,many were left standing,many of us planned ahead to sit on the visitor side rather than home side because the home side is just to loud to packed to get a front row seat unless you camp out day before,lol,even on visitor side it was difficult finding closer seating, so good job by everyone at Placer for once again making the Kendall a HUGE success....Bravo

Yeah he’s as good of a Hs athlete as I can recall. He was MVP of the SFL which was the best football League in norcal and he’s also a great baseball player. Rare in this day.

Congrats on a great tourney. You guys played a solid pre season which will bode well for league and playoffs! I hope to catch a league game coming up.

 

[Coach55Coach]

Love to hear who you think is a better 3 sport athlete in norcal? Football, baseball, and hoops. Pinnick can arguably play any of them at next level. Hell, I don’t know if there are 10 kids that even play 3 sports anymore yet alone at his level.

Playing 3 sports doesn’t make you the best athlete.

 

[larry legend33]

Playing 3 sports doesn’t make you the best athlete.

That is your response? You are not smart. Anybody who has any clue about this kid knows how gifted of an athlete he is.

 

[BigMann08]

I’ll have to check this kid out live over the next year. Sac has had some incredible three sport athletes, Jerry Manuel and Dusty Baker ring a bell. There have also been a few two sport athletes that really impressed like Reggie Rogers, Matt Barnes, Kevin Johnson…

There are not many kids playing multiple sports these days so it’s always great to see them excel in various sports.

Is he a division 1 recruit?

 

[larry legend33]

I’ll have to check this kid out live over the next year. Sac has had some incredible three sport athletes, Jerry Manuel and Dusty Baker ring a bell. There have also been a few two sport athletes that really impressed like Reggie Rogers, Matt Barnes, Kevin Johnson…

There are not many kids playing multiple sports these days so it’s always great to see them excel in various sports.

Is he a division 1 recruit?

Yes, he was SFL player of year as a jr. He’s an absolute treat to watch. He’s a big sky type recruit mainly due to lack of size at Qb. (6”0 185). But his best option long term is probably baseball.

 

[mrbig864]

I’ll have to check this kid out live over the next year. Sac has had some incredible three sport athletes, Jerry Manuel and Dusty Baker ring a bell. There have also been a few two sport athletes that really impressed like Reggie Rogers, Matt Barnes, Kevin Johnson…

There are not many kids playing multiple sports these days so it’s always great to see them excel in various sports.

Is he a division 1 recruit?

Do yourself a favor and look up Kevin Wilhite. Not sure if he played a 3rd sport but he was an All-American Track Star and National HS Football Player of the Year.

Ricky Jordan and Channing Williams were 3 sport stars out of Grant back in the early 80s. Those guys rolled in Football, Basketball and baseball. Jordan had a great MLB career, Williams won a Rose Bowl with ASU.

 

[larry legend33]

Do yourself a favor and look up Kevin Wilhite. Not sure if he played a 3rd sport but he was an All-American Track Star and National HS Football Player of the Year.

Ricky Jordan and Channing Williams were 3 sport stars out of Grant back in the early 80s. Those guys rolled in Football, Basketball and baseball. Jordan had a great MLB career, Williams won a Rose Bowl with ASU.

Oh yeah, those Cordova teams were amazing. I’ve read about Wilhite before from some of the old school guys on football side. Class all by himself.

 

[BigMann08]

Do yourself a favor and look up Kevin Wilhite. Not sure if he played a 3rd sport but he was an All-American Track Star and National HS Football Player of the Year.

Ricky Jordan and Channing Williams were 3 sport stars out of Grant back in the early 80s. Those guys rolled in Football, Basketball and baseball. Jordan had a great MLB career, Williams won a Rose Bowl with ASU.

Oh yeah! I’m definitely familiar with Wilhite, Rick Jordan and Channing…

I was trying to stay away from the football/track combo but I’ll give you a few to look up that people never talk about…. John Smith (Grant High School) and James Owens (Norte)…. From what I’ve heard, these two were just as good as Whilhite…. They may have been better football players…

 

[observer22]

Do yourself a favor and look up Kevin Wilhite. Not sure if he played a 3rd sport but he was an All-American Track Star and National HS Football Player of the Year.

Ricky Jordan and Channing Williams were 3 sport stars out of Grant back in the early 80s. Those guys rolled in Football, Basketball and baseball. Jordan had a great MLB career, Williams won a Rose Bowl with ASU.

I definitely remember Kevin Wilhite. He was an incredible talent.

It may have been brought up on here before, but is there any relationship between him and the young man King Wilhite, who just left Riordan for a prep school?

 

[H.E.A.T.]

We are in different times . Way too much pressure from Coaches , clubs, aau etc to stick with one sport year around. The 80’s and 90’s no one played a sport year round. I think it’s even worse on the girls side with pressure of one sport. See it all the time in softball where a higher level club team won’t give offers to kids that play other sports and are told “It’s time for you to choose. ‘

 

[BigMann08]

We are in different times . Way too much pressure from Coaches , clubs, aau etc to stick with one sport year around. The 80’s and 90’s no one played a sport year round. I think it’s even worse on the girls side with pressure of one sport. See it all the time in softball where a higher level club team won’t give offers to kids that play other sports and are told “It’s time for you to choose. ‘

Indeed! I don’t think that the kids realize that playing multiple sports makes them a more rounded athlete. Also gives them more options.

Some schools won’t let you play multiple sports if they have a rigorous year round program.

I see too many athletes that would benefit from playing multiple sports. A lot of football players are told to play basketball in the offseason.

More basketball players should play other sports. It will give them a different perspective.

Football definitely helped Lebron!

 

[PatCarrillo]

We are in different times . Way too much pressure from Coaches , clubs, aau etc to stick with one sport year around. The 80’s and 90’s no one played a sport year round. I think it’s even worse on the girls side with pressure of one sport. See it all the time in softball where a higher level club team won’t give offers to kids that play other sports and are told “It’s time for you to choose. ‘

Parents of the athletes shouldn’t succumb to the pressure, unless if that is what the kid wants to do! Send their kids to schools who encourage multiple sport athletes.

 

[larry legend33]

Parents of the athletes shouldn’t succumb to the pressure, unless if that is what the kid wants to do! Send their kids to schools who encourage multiple sport athletes.

Generally today if you go to a smaller school you still have a chance to play a couple sports. But it’s far and few. Kids have so many more miles on there bodies now from never shutting down.

 

[kiddman32]

Also, seasons overlap a LOT now.

 

[PatCarrillo]

I know in our league, Acalanes, Las Lomas, Miramonte, are still good destinations for the multi-sport athlete.

 

[mrbig864]

We are in different times . Way too much pressure from Coaches , clubs, aau etc to stick with one sport year around. The 80’s and 90’s no one played a sport year round. I think it’s even worse on the girls side with pressure of one sport. See it all the time in softball where a higher level club team won’t give offers to kids that play other sports and are told “It’s time for you to choose. ‘

I think the reason it’s “worse” on the girls side is because for all of the primary girls sports (volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, swim, etc.) there are year round club opportunities in those sports. For boys, there isnt a ‘year round’ club option for football players, so you are much more likely to see high level football players also playing at least one other sport in high school. It’s pretty common to see a football stud also play basketball, wrestle or maybe some rugby. For girls, the top players generally only play a single sport. Unfortunately, if they don’t play on a club team for their top sport, they’ll get left behind.

 

[larry legend33]

I think the reason it’s “worse” on the girls side is because for all of the primary girls sports (volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, swim, etc.) there are year round club opportunities in those sports. For boys, there isnt a ‘year round’ club option for football players, so you are much more likely to see high level football players also playing at least one other sport in high school. It’s pretty common to see a football stud also play basketball, wrestle or maybe some rugby. For girls, the top players generally only play a single sport. Unfortunately, if they don’t play on a club team for their top sport, they’ll get left behind.

Football is sort of the last untouched sport. To many barriers to entry (liability, equipment, fields) for spring/summer league. (Other than 7x7 crap).
It’s a pressure cooker for these kids.

 

[mrbig864]

Oh yeah! I’m definitely familiar with Wilhite, Rick Jordan and Channing…

I was trying to stay away from the football/track combo but I’ll give you a few to look up that people never talk about…. John Smith (Grant High School) and James Owens (Norte)…. From what I’ve heard, these two were just as good as Whilhite…. They may have been better football players…

I do remember Owens, played for the 9ers. Think he was one of the first primary TRACK guys, that went to the NFL (ala Renaldo Neimieah) Def a Great call by you remembering him.. I don’t remember anything about Smith, maybe before my time. All of that stated, I’m fairly confident those guys werent in Willhite’s class as a HS football player.

from Willhite’s wiki:
…was also a great prep sprinter. As a junior in 1981, he won the 200 meters at the California State track meet with a legal wind-aided time of 20.8. As a senior in 1982, he ran 100 meters in 10.5 and had a hand-timed 10.4.

In 1981, he was named the California prep athlete of the year (for football and track) and was separately named the California prep football player of the year. After his senior football year, he also earned three national honors. He received the Dial Award as the outstanding scholar-athlete of the year. Making the 1982 Parade Magazine All-American team, he was named the national back of the year, despite very highly recruited Marcus Dupree from Philadelphia, Mississippi, who became a freshman sensation with the Oklahoma Sooners as a true freshman in 1982, being a contender. He was also selected for the Sam B. Nicola Trophy as the National High school Player of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio in 1981. In the 1982 Long Beach Press Telegram Best in the West football recruits rankings, he received 10 votes for the best college running back prospect on the West Coast which was the most a recruit could receive…

 

[mrbig864]

Football is sort of the last untouched sport. To many barriers to entry (liability, equipment, fields) for spring/summer league. (Other than 7x7 crap).
It’s a pressure cooker for these kids.

Yep. High school football is the only high school sport played at the highest level. For all other sports, the club teams are generally far superior in competition level than the High School Teams are.