SoCalHoops High School Newsadidas Double Pump Hoop Challenge Game 4
Preview: Sylmar v. Simi Valley--(Jan. 15, 1999)
What: 1st Annual adidas Double Pump Hoop
Challenge
Nine games: First game 9:00 a.m.; last game starts 9:00 p.m.
When: Saturday January 16, 1998, MLK, Jr. Holiday Weekend
Where: Cal State Dominguez Hills, Carson California
The fourth game of the day will tip-off at 1:30 p.m. between the Sylmar Spartans and the Simi Valley Pioneers. Here are the rosters:
| Simi Valley Pioneers Rafael
Berumen (6'-9" Sr. C/F) |
Sylmar Spartans Brandon Jacobs (5'-10" Sr. PG) |
There have been few changes to Simi Valley's starting lineup from last year and they will again challenge for a Division I-AA Southern Section title. Last year they lost to Artesia in the semifinals, but this year they’re determined to go all the way. Rafael Berumen, one of the best center/forwards in the area, has signed to play at New Mexico next year, and the team features three other D-I college prospects: Branduinn Fullove, a great shooter who will play the two/three, and brothers Brett and Shaun Michel. Brett will play the two, while Shaun will handle the point. Rafael, Brett, and Branduinn all played at ABCD camp this year. In the frontcourt off the bench, look for Dustin, who has grown 3 inches over the summer. Vying for time at guard will be Calvin Bell, Ben Williams, and Anish Sharda.
Sylmar, the City Section 3A Champs in 1997-98 have played great in the preseason, taking 3rd at the Fresno Buchannan tourney, and finishing 12th (out of 54 teams) at the Reebok Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic. The Spartans have several D-I college prospects: Jeremiah Turner, a great slashing wing, attended ABCD Camp last summer, and will sign in the spring; George Wrighster is a major D-I football prospect who will also play basketball in college. TK Reid and Brandon Jacobs both handle the point ably; Jerry Calzada, Dallas Townsend, John Valdez and Terrell Massey can hit from inside or outside, and down on the blocks Joey Youmans adds power and he garnered major attention from big-time programs in Vegas and Fresno. Damien Derrico and Tony Esquival add depth to an already strong team which will contend for a City Championship and a trip tothe State Tournament.
Matchups we'd expect to see: Berumen v. Youmans & Turner; George Wrighster v. Bret Michel; Branduinn Fullove against TK Reed and Jerry Calzada; and the point guard duel of Branden Jacobs and Shaun Michel. The one wild-card which could possibly give Simi an advantage is Dustin Villepigue, who gives the Pioneers some options down low along with Berumen that the Spartans really don't have; but Sylmar is a faster and more athletic team, so maybe it will all balance out. One thing's for sure; only one of these teams will win, and we're not making any predicitions.
A great game, 1:30 p.m. at Cal State Dominguez Hills. See you there.
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Contact: jegesq@SoCalHoops.com
