Basketball play is just a whole lot better in Southern California

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Figured while I was way, way, way up North, in Redding, visiting my daughter, Charli, that I’d check out some of the local high school basketball talent to see if the level of play measured up to what I’m used to seeing in the Southland from kids such as Demar DeRozan, Renaldo Woolridge and Renardo Sidney.

Big mistake. It’s not even close. Sure, teams like Enterprise and Shasta from the Eastern League play fundamentally sound ball, in front of decent-sized crowds. But someone like Taft, top-ranked by The Times for the second week in a row, would run both of those programs right out of the gym. Shoot, the Toreadors junior varsity team would do damage.

Knew things were pretty bad when my 13-year-old turned to me and said, ‘They’re not very good here, huh dad.’’ Remarkably enough, she would know, having sat next to me in the bleachers numerous times in the past while down South. Ever the optimist, my search for competitive hoops continues tonight.

I plan on taking a look at this Matt Fogarty guy after finding out he is among MaxPreps.com‘s top 65 scorers in the state, averaging 21.8 points a game for Foothill. Somehow, I’ve got a feeling he’s no Jrue Holiday, one of Southern California’s best, and the nation’s finest. Guess I miss our brand of basketball. Can you tell I’m eager to return home?

-- Sean Ceglinsky