Woolridge surrounded by young talent at Harvard-Westlake

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When it comes to basketball at Harvard-Westlake, there’s no question about who the big man on campus is. It’s highly-touted Renaldo Woolridge, for obvious reasons, and listing them all could take some time.

The 6-foot-8 senior, who recently committed to Tennessee, is a three-year starter for the Wolverines and the undisputed leader this season, in charge of mentoring a largely inexperienced group. That, however, doesn’t mean the youngsters around Woolridge aren’t capable of contributing. They’re more than capable.

In fact, the underclassmen haven’t been playing like underclassmen, particularly sophomore Erik Swoope, who averages 9.8 points and 12.4 rebounds a game. Fellow 10th-grader Austin Kelly is making the most of his time on the floor, and freshman Damiene Cain has made, perhaps, the biggest impact thus far.

Sure, it’s early in the season. And sure, the Wolverines, No. 15 in The Times’ preseason rankings, are only going to go as far as Woolridge takes them. Still, the rapid maturation of his teammates has to bring some sense of relief. The do-it-all Woolridge doesn’t have to do it all. Apparently, he’s getting plenty of support, far sooner than most expected.

--Sean Ceglinsky, guest blogger