Two California preps have scaled the heights, being named to the USA Today All-USA first team.
Chino Hills’ Lonzo Ball, in fact, was named the publication’s player of the year. The other highly honored Cali player was Josh Jackson of Prolific Prep in Napa.
Ball led Chino Hills to the CIF-State Open title on Saturday as the Huskies defeated De La Salle 70-50. He averaged 23.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. The senior 6-foot-5 forward is headed for UCLA and in the USA Today capsule on him named former Chino Hills teacher Mrs. (Soko) Cisneroz as his “favorite teacher.”
Jackson is a senior 6-7 forward who arrived at Prolific Prep via Detroit. He averaged 26.9 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists and is 19-0 playing in various USA Basketball games. He also named chess as his hidden talent in his USA Today profile.
Also, TJ Leaf of Foothills Christian-El Cajon was named to the second team. The senior 6-9 forward averaged 28.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists and will be attending UCLA.
Chino Hills' Steve Balk was named coach of the year after leading his team to a 35-0 record.
