Boys’ basketball: Damien improves to 8-0 behind Bryce Peters, Isaiah White

The Baseline League is home to the best player in the state, point guard Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills.

But there’s another point guard who also can dunk, make great passes and lead his team to victory.

His name is Bryce Peters of Damien, a Colorado signee who came through with 16 points, eight assists and a couple dunks on Thursday to help the Spartans improve to 8-0 with an 82-46 win over St. Francis in the La Canada tournament.

Isaiah White, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Upland, led the way offensively with 27 points.

Damien has had little trouble adjusting to first-year Coach Mike LeDuc, who took over for Matt Dunn. He was at Glendora for 29 years. The Spartans are running a lot more screens and trapping with an effective zone defense.

Peters is related to two former standouts that LeDuc used to coach at Glendora, brothers Tracy and Cameron Murray. They told him LeDuc is good working with shooters, and so far, Peters said, “I love it. I think the team is jelling really well.”

LeDuc is also enjoying the change.

“It’s been a wonderful thing for me,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed the people and the kids.”

Damien is scheduled to play Chino Hills on Jan. 22 at home and Feb. 9 on the road. The Spartans will need to keep improving, but Peters & Co. plan to be ready.

In a consolation game, Renaissance defeated Arcadia, 73-45. La Canada defeated Ribet, 54-41.

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