History will be made Sunday at Las Positas College in Livermore as the first Prep2Prep California Classic all-star event is held.
The game for 2017 Northern California vs. Southern California All-Stars is at 1:30 p.m. and the NorCal vs. SoCal 2016 all-stars tip off at 3:30 p.m.
The hoops fest will feature 48 of the best players in the state, which would seem to be a treat for fans and a help to college scouts wanting to see a large collection of talent in one place.
The SoCal 2016 roster is led by Lonzo Ball (Chino Hills), De'Anthony Melton (Crespi), Mubashar Ali (St. Bernard), Keith Fisher (Westchester), Vance Jackson (Prolific Prep), Devearl Ramsey (Sierra Canyon), Vittorio Reynodo-Avila (La Mirada) and Henry Welsh (Loyola).
The SoCal 2017 team is paced by LiAngelo Ball (Chino Hills), Remy Martin (Sierra Canyon), Brandon McCoy (Morse) and Cody Riley (Sierra Canyon).
The Balls are brothers who have committed to UCLA.
Melton led Crespi to a state title last winter and wants to succeed Sunday as well.
"I'm not a big fan of losing - we'll do whatever we have to do to win," he said. "If we have to get serious - as long as we have fun, though. But I just want to win."
Reynoso-Avila helped La Mirada win last season’s state Division II title and has a 4.7 grade point average. He has not committed to a college.
The NorCal 2016 team is led by Cal commit Oscar Frayer of Moreau Catholic, Jordan Ford (Folsom), Peter Hewitt (St. Francis), Robinson Idehen (Modesto Christian) and Nikhil Peters and Jordan Ratinho (both of De La Salle).
The NorCal 2017 squad is paced by Alfred Hollins and Ramzi Carter of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Jeremy Lillis (Placer), Damari Milstead (Moreau Catholic), Sebastian Much (Mitty) and Jade Smith (St. Joseph Notre Dame).
Said Ford of the opportunity to play in the game: "When I was first was approached to play in it, it sounded like a great idea. It gives so many great players a chance to showcase their skills and I’m looking forward to it.”
Ty Nichols of Sierra Canyon will coach the SoCal 2016 team, while Reggie Morris of Redondo Union is guiding the SoCal 2017 team. Sierra Canyon won the 2014-2015 CIF-State Division V state title.
Bishop O’Dowd coach Lou Richie is coaching the NorCal 2016 team and Brian Botteen of San Ramon Valley will guide the NorCal 2017 squad. Richie led O’Dowd to the state Open Division title, while Botteen paced SRV to the state DI championship.
For those who have not yet purchased tickets, they will be available at the gate.
