Local players stand tall

Don’t tell these players that All-Star games don’t count.

Wednesday night at the University of Miami, 48 of the nation’s best high school basketball players competed in two of the closest McDonald’s All-American Games ever played.

And players from California did their part.

USC-bound players Christina Marinacci and Monique Oliver teamed for 15 points in the West’s 69-68 win over the East in the girls’ game.

On the boys’ side, Georgia Tech-bound Derrick Favors had a team-high 19 points -- including the clinching dunk -- to earn MVP honors for the East in its 113-110 win over the West.

“I’m happy I made 11 points,” said Santa Ana Foothill High’s Marinacci. “I couldn’t ask for more. . . . Now I’m looking forward to going to USC. It will be a challenge.”

The East had a chance to send the game into overtime when Kelly Faris was fouled attempting a tying three-pointer with one second left.

But Faris, headed for Connecticut, made just two of her three free throws.

The West boys weren’t as fortunate. Despite having a 110-109 lead with 1:40 left, there was little the West could do against Favors late. He had a pair of dunks and helped the East close the game on a 6-3 run to clinch the win.

Los Angeles Fairfax’s Renardo Sidney Jr., bound for USC, had 11 points and Rancho Verde’s Michael Snaer had 13. Santa Ana Mater Dei’s David Wear and Travis Wear combined for six points.

--

christina.cabrera@sun-sentinel.com