Marcus Adams
Narbonne, Senior
As a freshman at Narbonne, Marcus Adams Jr. had those performances that made you take notice, including a 50-point night.
Adams eventually left Narbonne for a prep school, but returned to Narbonne for his senior season and the Gauchos' games turned into must-see events.
“It was a breakout season,” he said in April, when he signed a letter of intent with Kansas University. “It was a season for me to show everybody what I could do, show my talents and do the best I could for the school. I thought it was just going to be a regular season, but I brought a lot of eyes and a lot of attention. It was a crazy, special season.”
Adams put all of his talents — scoring, rebounding, defense, playmaking — on display this season and he added his name to the school record book with another 50-point performance.
“We expected him to have a big season,” Narbonne coach Kumase Demesma said. “It was his senior year. He came back with a chip on his shoulder, with a lot to prove. So I think he proved that he was one of the better players, if not the best player in the City.”
Adams' numbers for the season were impressive: 29.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4 assists per game as the Gauchos played in some of the top tournaments and showcases.
“We've had a lot of good players (at Narbonne),” Demesma said. “A lot of people (in the past) didn't get the recognition they should have got, but he's definitely up there and he definitely deserves everything he's received. There are so many great Gauchos, especially guards, but he's definitely up there.”
Next up for Adams is beginning his college career at Kansas. He has goals for his freshman season.
“I'm expecting to help with assists, points, be an impact player defensive-wise and hope we can make it to the national championship,” he said. “I want to take it year by year, try to make an impact.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Wai Sett, North Torrance
The North Torrance came a long way in a hurry.
During the two seasons impacted by COVID, the Saxons posted a 13-24 overall record, winning just two games in the Pioneer League.
But this season the Saxons posted a 26-7 overall record and won the Pioneer League title by going 10-2. Sett guided a roster with just three seniors all the way to the CIF Southern Section Division 5AA semifinals and to the CIF SoCal Regional playoffs.
DAILY BREEZE ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM
Xavier Edmonds, Bishop Montgomery, Sr., Center Anthony Hrboka, San Pedro, Sr., Guard
Tyler Rolison, St. Bernard, Sr., Guard
Will Householter, Mira Costa, Sr., Forward
Brayden Smith, Peninsula, Sr., Forward
Christian Jones, Bishop Montgomery, Sr., Forward/Guard
JV Brown, Rolling Hills Prep, Sr., Forward
Nick Lundy, Mira Costa, Sr., Forward
Alex Hassanein, Palos Verdes, Jr., Guard
Will Smith, Bishop Montgomery, Sr., Guard
Devin Ringer, Redondo, Jr., Guard James McCallum, St. Bernard, Sr., Forward
Amire Jones, Leuzinger, Sr., Guard
SECOND TEAM
Michael Hill, Westchester, Sr., Guard
Cole Stokes, Redondo, Sr., Center Dylan Black, Mira Costa, Sr., Guard SJ Madison, Redondo, Fr., Guard/ Forward
Maximo Adams, Narbonne, Fr., Forward/Guard
Kelcy Phipps, Bishop Montgomery, Sr., Guard/Forward
Amare Holmes, West Torrance, Sr., Guard
Laron Tunupopo, San Pedro, Sr., Forward
Kai Bradley, North Torrance, Jr., Guard
Elliot Langston, North Torrance, Jr., Guard
Kendyl Sanders, St. Bernard, Jr. Forward/Guard
Andre De Los Reyes, Torrance, Sr., Guard
Tahj Ariza, St. Bernard, Fr., Forward
Ahmose Daniels, Wiseburn Da Vinci, So., Forward
Kenny Manzi, Rolling Hills Prep, Sr., Forward