The youthful Sea Hawks of Redondo Union lost two D1 players to graduation but in steps 6-9 sophomore Billy Preston ’17 who creates instant credibility for the team. 6-9 Billy Preston, who has offers from Arizona St, Fresno St, and Oregon is long, can handle the ball and pass like a point guard.
Supporting Cast
Guards Leland Green ’16 and Ryse Williams ’17 will provide youthful energy and a solid defensive perimeter while junior forward Cameron Williams ’16 is capable of stepping up to make a play. 6-6 senior forward Jeremiah Headley ’15 and 6-0 senior Cameron High ’15 provide senior experience as they contribute to a deep Sea Hawk squad.
Early Season Results
Redondo took second place in their Redondo Pacific Shores Tournament losing to Long Beach Poly 63-61 in the championship.
Redondo won the Tarkanian Classic title in Las Vegas over the weekend defeating Centennial (Corona, CA) 55-54 in the semifinals and then defeating Putnam City West (Oklahoma City, OK) 66-51 in the finals held at the Orleans Arena.
Tarkanian Classic Was a Holiday Classic Preview
2014 Holiday Classic National Division teams that were in the Platinum Division at the Tarkanian Classic included Centennial (Corona, CA), Foothills Christian (El Cajon, CA), Redondo and Windward (Los Angeles CA).
# 1 Los Angeles Times Ranking
Coming off their Tarkanian Classic title Redondo enters this week ranked # 1 on the Los Angeles Times Top 25 rankings in the Southland (LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura counties). Five other teams in the National Division are in the LA Times Top 25: Centennial is # 4, Fairfax (Los Angeles, CA) # 5, Loyola (Los Angeles, CA) # 7, Cantwell-Sacred Heart (Montebello, CA) # 11 and Westchester (Los Angeles, CA) # 21.
Revenge on Westchester
Last year Redondo lost to Westchester in the state quarterfinal 76-67. If both teams win their first three National Division games Redondo would face Westchester in the championship game.
Big Goals
At 56 acres Redondo Union is the biggest high school in California and the Sea Hawks look to win the biggest trophy at the Holiday Classic.
Redondo will play Loyola at 2:15 pm at Torrey Pines on December 26 in the first round.
Redondo Union Sea Hawks at a Glance
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Established: 1905
Type: Public
Head Coach: Reggie Morris Jr.
2013-14 Season: 25-6, CIF State Open Division Quarterfinalist
Key Players
# 35: 6-9 Billy Preston ‘17
# 2: 6-3 Leland Green ’16
# 14: 6-4 Cameron Williams ’16
# 0: 6-2 Ryse Williams ’17
# 12: 6-6 Jeremiah Headley ’15
# 15: 6-0 Cameron High ’15