When sophomore guard Phoenix Smith came off the bench Monday night in Crespi's season opener against Cleveland, two things were clear: his long hair and his 5-foot-7 frame, the smallest on the court.
He played for the youth team last season and let's just say Celts coach Derek Fisher will enjoy working with him. Smith was 3-for-3 on 3-pointers and finished with 16 points in Crespi's 81-44 win over Cleveland.
He collected nine points from the end of the first quarter to the start of the second quarter. Leaving it open this season is not a good strategy. Another JV player from last season, Kayman Martin, led Crespi in scoring with 17 points. Carter Barnes scored 14 points and Isaiah Barnes had 13 points.
Crespi has a big game coming up Saturday at Pauley Pavilion against Mater Dei.
Saint Bernard 81, Claremont 56: Brandon Granger led St. Bernard with 30 points.
South Pasadena 77, Franklin 43: Nick Rios scored 22 points and Rob Hollesy added 21 for South Pasadena.
Carson 59, Southeast 37: Under new coach Corey Kitani, the Colts are 2-0. Blake McCall had 16 points and nine rebounds.
Mira Costa 85, Torrance 70: Logan Dugdale finished with 18 points and Pax Bell had 17 points and 12 rebounds in Ocean View's first-round tournament game.
Wiseburn Da Vinci 73, Oak Park 56: Aidan Ebrahimi scored 15 points for Wisburn Da Vinci.
Santa Margarita 89, Temecula Valley 38: Drew Anderson had 30 points and 11 rebounds and Kayden Bailey added 26 points for the Eagles.
Canyon Country Canyon 65, Antelope Valley 28: Alex Lazo made nine threes and finished the game with 27 points for the Cowboys.
Servite 100, United Christian Academy 18: Tariq Johnson scored 22 points for the Friars.
West Torrance 64, Venice 55: Ben Heinemann finished with 15 points for West Torrance.
Valencia 47, Heritage Christian 44: Ali Eldein led Valencia with 18 points.
