Juniors v. Seniors:  This game features some of the best seniors in the State of California (Verbum Dei) up against some of the best juniors, if not the best junior in the country in Washington Union's DeShawn Stevenson.  Look for matchups like Dalron Johnson and. . . well, in order to stop Dalron, WU is going to have to figure out a suitable double teaming scheme; and likewise, in order to stop DeShawn, Verb is going to have to figure out how to suitably double him, perhaps with Ricardo and Washum, or maybe Earl Shuford.  At point, Verbum Dei probably has the edge with Marlon playing some of the best ball he's ever played, but Coupe Taylor is pretty darn good too, and Copeland is rumored to be a big-time player (although we didn't see him in Vegas).  

Verbum Dei last year won the State D-IV Title.This year, Coach Greenwood’s teams is better than ever, and they’ve already knocked off several ranked teams, including upsetting Artesia in the semifinal of the Best in the West tourney. Dalron Johnson has signed with UNLV, and there are several other D-I college prospects, including the unsigned Marlon Parmer, the best pure point guard on the West Coast in the senior class. Marlon is backed up by the diminutive and exciting Huston Holley, who has a great handle and can stop on a dime. Jamaal Dean and Rashawd Cobbs are able shooters, and Ricardo Suazo, a wiry thin forward can jump out of the gym. Nick Dodson cleans the glass, while Washum Dashiell is one of the most versatile players anywhere. Larry Davenport and Larry Diggs also add depth while Earl Shuford adds muscle off the bench.

The Panthers won their first State D-IV title in 1988, and then again in 1996. This year, they’ve won the Coca-Cola KMOX Shootout in St. Louis, played in Las Vegas, and at the adidas Kingdom Classic in Florida, and they look ready to challenge Chaminade, USDHS, and Bishop Montgomery for a State D-III Title. The Panthers feature the top consensus junior prospect in America, DeShawn Stevenson, a "human highlight film" who will be the top college prospect next year. Shammel Stallworth has signed with USF and Coupe Taylor will likely join ex-teammate Richard Millsap at Alabama State. Carvell Wafer will cover the four spot with Adam Fain, Aaron Johnson, and DeShawn Anderson. Keith Sconiers adds depth and power off the bench. Archie Copeland has good hands and makes excellent decisions, and Maruice Moore, who will play point is a crafty player. If Marvin Carraway plays (he didn’t at the Reebok Holiday Prep Classic) he could be the best player since Chris Jeffries (Arkansas) to star at Union according to Coach Webb.