News Summary

Ladera Ranch, California, welcomed high school basketball fans for the CaliLive event from June 27-29, 2023. Teams showcased talent in a competitive environment that emphasized school pride and teamwork. With vibrant performances, notable wins such as St. John Bosco’s victory, and standout players capturing attention, the tournament highlighted future prospects. The next CaliLive event is scheduled for June 27-29, 2025, coinciding with the NCAA’s recruitment period, ensuring another unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.

Ladera Ranch Hosts Thrilling High School Basketball Event

This past weekend, from June 27-29, 2023, Ladera Ranch, California, transformed into a basketball fan’s paradise as the CaliLive basketball event featured high school teams vying for glory. This wasn’t just any basketball tournament; players shined not as individuals, but as representatives of their school teams, breaking away from the typical AAU setup that often attracts attention.

Why CaliLive is a Game Changer

The CaliLive format allows college coaches to get a closer look at young talents in a context that highlights their natural roles and teamwork. When players are competing wearing their school colors, there’s a sense of unity and continuity that individual tournaments can miss. Fans and coaches alike appreciated this unique atmosphere as teams battled it out on the hardwood.

Notable Winners and Standout Performances

Fans experienced some nail-biting finishes as schools showcased their talent. The tournament saw St. John Bosco take home the honors in the Aussie Basketball Travelers bracket with a close victory over Crespi, finishing at 45-42. In the Kangaroo bracket, Salesian pulled off a thrilling 64-62 win against Notre Dame Sherman Oaks. Harvard-Westlake shone bright, beating Inglewood 69-60 in the OCYSF bracket, while JSerra claimed the victory in the Grip Spritz bracket, overcoming Redondo Union with a score of 69-56.

Among the stars of the event was Jason Crowe Jr. The standout player put up jaw-dropping numbers, averaging an impressive 37 points per game and notched a whopping 47 points in a single game against Eastvale Roosevelt. His explosive performance led Inglewood to the semifinals before falling to Harvard-Westlake, showcasing the pressure and excitement of tournament play.

Future Prospects Brighten

Looking forward, buzz surrounds the prospects for the CIF Southern Section Open Division, with early rankings floated for the class of February 2026. The top contenders include:

  1. Notre Dame
  2. St. John Bosco
  3. JSerra
  4. Santa Margarita
  5. Redondo Union
  6. Harvard-Westlake

This upcoming season will see JSerra strengthening their roster with the addition of Jaden Bailes, a transfer from St. Augustine, further enhancing their guard play. His impressive skills garnered an offer from Cal Berkeley during the tournament.

Injury Excuses and Rising Stars

Crespi made it to the finals despite missing star player Carter Barnes due to injury, with junior Isaiah Barnes stepping up and averaging almost 20 points per game throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Campbell Hall officially introduced their new 6-foot-10 center, Kyle Sanders, who has already attracted attention from high-profile schools like Stanford and USC.

Adding to the excitement, Josiah Johnson, a guard from Mayfair’s class of 2026, grabbed the spotlight by averaging an impressive 27 points per game. Even the future looks bright, as incoming freshman Will Conroy Jr. led his Village Christian team with a stunning average of 31.3 points, placing him as one to watch in the 2029 class.

Looking Ahead to the Next CaliLive Event

As the dust settles from this year’s thrilling competition, basketball fans can circle their calendars for the next Boys California Live event set to return to Ladera Ranch from June 27-29, 2025. This will coincide with the NCAA’s live recruitment period, making it a can’t-miss occasion for teams looking to shine in front of college coaches.

Organized by the SCIBCA, the CaliLive event serves as a platform for showcasing high school basketball talent. Applications are currently open for teams eager to participate in what promises to be another unforgettable event. With excitement in the air and talent on display, who knows what amazing performances await us in the future?

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