SoCalHoops High School News

L.A. Chatsworth High: Richard Harrison
Gets His Props & Team Wins--(Nov. 25, 1998)

Today's Valley Section of the LA Times featured a small story by Eric Sondheimer, who covers the San Fernando Valley region in prep sports, on yesterday's game between Chatsworth and Mid-City Magnet, a game which Chatsworth won handily, 93-72. 

More importantly, as much as the article was about the game, it was also about one of the Chatsworth players,  Richard Harrison (6'-5" Sr. SF/PF), who right about now has to be one of the most under-recruited and under-rated players in the region, and one who we believe should be getting some attention. We've been following his game for the last year and a half, and he played very well this summer at West Coast All-Stars, and happend to get stuck on a team (well, "stuck" is perhaps not the right word, because the team had some other fine players, like Adam Drell (6'-6" Jr. F) also from Chatsworth, a strong, young player who competed for LA's Maccabi team this summer in Detroit and who also did very well at West Coast All-Stars, and Andrew Bloomfield (6'-2" Jr. SG) from LA Baptist.  The team did not do well overall, but each of these guys competed very well, as did Robert Warren (5'-10" Sr. PG) from LA El Camino Real, who may just be the only ballplayer from that school we've heard about in the last two years. . . ah, but we digress).

Sondheimer's piece was really about Richard, and it was pretty nice. The best way we'd describe Harrison is as a sort of "Gary-Holmes-clone".  We're talking about Gary Holmes (6'-6" Sr. F) from Fontana who has signed to play with the Big Sky's Eastern Washington University next season.  Both are about the same size, both play tough, tenacious defense, and both can play inside or outside, and remarkably, they both look pretty much alike. In fact they look like they could be brothers, and we've almost confused them on more than one occasion where they've both been at the same event, like Dinos Trigonis' Long Beach Fall Hoops Classic or the second session of West Coast All-Stars.

The only difference between them right now aside from minor differences in game style which are largely imperceptible, and about an inch in height,   is that Gary has signed a National Letter of Intent, while Richard hasn't.  He should, and we predict he'll get some good offers in the spring and will sign then, but for now, he's certainly worth a look, as are some of the other players on Chatsworth's team this year.

Here's what Sondheimer had to say:

Richard Harrison of Chatsworth High says he spent four mornings each week during the summer lifting weights. If anyone doubts his claim, just test his strength. He muscled his way for 20 points, making nine of 12 shots, to help the Chancellors launch its boys' basketball season with a 93-72 victory over Mid City Magnet on Tuesday at Chatsworth.  The Chancellors had four players reach double figures to offset a 32-point performance by 6-foot-4 senior Robert Turnbull of Mid City. Mid City pulled to within 58-56 with just under three minutes left
in the third quarter.

Then the Chancellors tightened their defense, forced three consecutive turnovers and went on a 9-0 run. They led by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter.  Bobby Bowlin scored 16 points, Ronald Ruffin had 15 and Marlik Morris added 14. Chatsworth also received eight assists from point guard Mark Cannon.

What the opening game revealed is how effective the Chancellors could be if they get the ball inside to Harrison, a 6-5 senior. Most of his nine baskets came on layups.  "Harrison is a man-child," Coach Fluke Fluker said. "Nobody out there is stronger than him."  Harrison, though, doesn't want opponents to just think he scores on power moves.  "I want to rely on my jump shot when I can," he said. "I worked hard over the summer. I don't want to be a one dimensional player."

Harrison said he bench presses 260 pounds. His weight is up to 215 pounds, an increase of 10 pounds.  "I've noticed the suit I wear, the pants are now tight," he said.  With Harrison an impressive inside weapon and quickness throughout the lineup, the Chancellors are hoping to challenge Cleveland in the West Valley League.   "We will win or lose this season based on the defense," Fluker
said.

The article didn't note that Adam Drell also had 8 points and some very impressive rebounds and great defense.  But unlike Richard, Adam's still got another summer and winter season remaining before the colleges jump all over him.  For Harrison, who we understand was a bit disappointed that he didn't get more looks following the summer, we'd just tell him to hang in, because some good college program will surely come and get him.

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