sayno

SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Just Say No Classic: Marshall v. Muir;
Game Report, Team Previews--(Oct. 1, 1998)

We got an e-mail from our friend Doren Wade, who was coaching the Pasadena Marshall team at the 2nd Annual Empire Slam Say-No Classic Fall Shoot Out, which was held this past weekend, September 25, 26, and 27 at Montclair High School. The tournament featured some great teams, including Arlington, Arlington #2, San Bernardino, Cathedral City, Chino Hills, North Fontana, Duarte, Pico Rivera, South Pomona, North Riverside, Redlands, Burbank, South Fontana, J. Town, San Dimas, Pasadena, Rowland, North Pomona, Ontario, Total Impact, Hacienda Heights, Empire Slam, Beaumont, Pasadena Marshall, Pasadena Muir, and several others.

We didn't get a chance to get out there for the action, but we heard from lots of people who did. Unfortunately, we don't have the details of each game, or even who won the thing. But we do have a report on the Marshall v. Muir game which took place on Sunday at noon at Montclair High. Here's what coach Wade had to report:

I had the pleasure of coaching Marshall in Sunday's matchup with Muir. It was a very bittersweet experience for me because I was previously the Muir Freshman Coach (where I coached Jeff Washington (6'-0" Sr. PG) and John Parker (6'-4" Sr. SF) of Muir) and I was also formerly a Muir JV Assistant (where I coached Jason Bonwell (6'-2" Grad G), Derrell Rowe (5'-11" Jr. PG/SG) , and Nate Johnson).

Despite its Division III or IV classification Marshall has excellent talent and depth. The game was played at a high level of intensity and
was very competitive. Muir benefitted from the leadership and skills of Washington (easily double figures in scoring and assists) and Parker (a double in scoring and rebounding) who both were able to answer all of Marshall's challenges and then some. Significantly Marshall was without Alim Wade (6'-2") shooting guard (a Muir transfer) who is very experienced and skilled.

Muir jumped out to a 9 to 2 lead and with approximately 5 minutes remaining in the first half Marshall closed to about 5. The game turned
the first five minutes of the second half when Muir stretched its lead to about 15. Marshall made a run to close to about 8, but Muir won
going away by 12.

1998-1999 will be a banner year for Pasadena high school area basketball. Marshall will feature Deverian Mackey (6'4" Jr. SG/SF) a wing player with the whole package, Brian Holifield (6'-4" Sr. SG/SF) and Chris Bennett (6'-10" Sr. F/C); Muir with Washington, Parker, Bonwell and Rowe will be very tough; and Tim Tucker at Pasadena High may have his best team ever with Clayton Coleman (6'-4" Sr. SG), George DeJohnette (6'-2" Sr. SG) and JaShawn Ridley (6'-3" Sr. SG), David Ball (6'-1" Sr. PG) and a bevy of other top notch players.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to let SoCalHoops' readers know about some of our Pasadena players.

Hey, anytime coach Wade. We'll be looking forward to receiving more of your reports throughout the season from our friends over in Pasadena.