Collins Makes Foes Feel Rejected

Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate how dominant Jason Collins can be.

Sometimes it’s not.

An example came in Harvard-Westlake High’s 58-47 overtime victory over San Diego University in the Division III Southern California Regional final March 9 at the Pond in Anaheim. Collins, a 6-foot-11 junior center, finished with a game-high 20 points--barely above his season average of 18.2--to lead the Wolverines to their first state final in Sacramento.

But a better yardstick to measure Collins’ value were the points not scored by University during overtime.

Collins contributed only one basket during his team’s decisive 13-2 spurt. But he prevented scoring with his outstretched arms and intimidating presence.

Collins had four blocked shots in overtime, including two in the span of only a few seconds.

On one play, University’s Matt Blakely attempted to loft a short jump shot over Collins, only to have the offering swatted into the third row of the courtside seats.

Collins, who had eight blocked shots in the game, reacted to the rejection by letting out a howl.

“He just reminded us how dominating he can be,” said Harvard Coach Greg Hilliard, who began coaching Collins and twin Jarron when they were freshmen. “He let out a little yell when he blocked that shot because, I think, he was letting off a little frustration.”

For Collins, every game--and virtually every trip down the court--meant facing defenses double- and triple-teaming him as the Wolverines claimed a state championship with a 62-49 victory over Sacramento Grant. Such was the case against University, which forced Collins to dish the ball more often than dunk it.

But for Collins, who already is among the nation’s best high school players, the situation was nothing new.

“I was a little frustrated,” Collins said. “But I knew if I stayed patient, I’d see the ball again.”

Stacking the deck against Collins has only helped with his long-term development, Hilliard said. For all his ability as a scorer and rebounder, Collins also has become an accomplished passer.

“He’s become so well-schooled in finding the open man, as opposed to scoring himself,” Hilliard said. “With all the double- and triple-teams he’s faced, he’s inclined to pass. We have to tell him when we need him to score.”

That’s when Collins clearly dominates.

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All-Valley Boys’ Team

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Position Name School Year Height F John Burrell Highland Sr 6-3 F Jarron Collins Harvard-Westlake Jr 6-10 C Jason Collins Harvard-Westlake Jr 6-11 F Carloes Harper Canoga Park Jr 6-3 F Cameron Henderson El Camino Real Sr 6-4 F Anwawn Jones Montclair Prep Sr 6-4 G Jerome Joseph Chatsworth Sr 6-0 G Brian Laibow Agoura Sr 6-3 F Onaje Longmire Van Nuys Sr 6-4 F Maurice Potter Verdugo Hills Sr 6-6

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SECOND TEAM

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Position Name School Year Height F Junior Brignac Cleveland Sr 6-3 G Danny Bush La Canada Sr 6-2 G Ruben Douglas Bell-Jeff So 6-4 F Anthony Ellison Canoga Park Jr 6-3 F Cory Johnson Hart Jr 6-4 C Shannon Johnson North Hollywood Jr 6-7 F Le’tre Kelly Antelope Valley Jr 6-6 C Eddie Miller Chatsworth Sr 6-8 F Donald Patterson Grant Sr 6-1 F Nathan Sinning Crescenta Valley Sr 6-5

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