The Anthony and Avery show is boosting Ocean View’s ratings
Anthony Brown and Avery Johnson have been best friends since seventh grade. And now, in their senior basketball season at Huntington Beach Ocean View, their closeness, unselfishness and knowledge of each other’s strengths and weaknesses come through as if they were brothers.
“We have that connection,” the 6-foot-7 Brown said.
Added the 6-4 Johnson: “We’re just clicking. It makes our team as one because we can get things done.”
There are teams with talent, teams with chemistry and teams with intelligence, all of which are enjoyable to watch and admire. But one of the most refreshing and compelling scenarios is taking place at Ocean View. It’s about two players pushing and prodding each other to success even if one surpasses the other.
“There’s not a hint of envy or jealousy between the players,” Coach Jim Harris said. “They want each other to do well. It’s been an instant friendship.”
Brown is the one college recruiters have judged as more advanced. He signed with Stanford in the fall after compiling a 3.9 grade-point average. But he’s doing his best to make sure Johnson gets his scholarship soon.
“I have a scholarship, and I know he’s trying to get his, and I’m going to help him any way I can,” Brown said. “I know what he’s capable of.”
The two were integral players on last year’s state Division III finalist team and have helped Ocean View to a 17-3 record this season.
Brown is averaging 17.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. Johnson’s stats are almost identical at 17.4 and 6.4.
Both are versatile, can play inside or outside and have the athleticism to get up the court in a hurry.
Most important, they mesh so well and know each other’s tendencies, creating special moments that only they can see and anticipate.
“He makes things a lot easier,” Brown said. “He’s unselfish. He’s getting assists, he’s getting steals.”
But there is competition between the two, especially when it comes to showmanship.
“I think there’s a friendly competition trying to get to the basket and throwing it down,” Avery said.
“And I like throwing the lob,” Brown added.
Yes, there’s usually at least one Avery dunk a game aided by a Brown lob pass, followed by the two in high-five formation.
“It’s all fun,” Avery said. “I’m happy for him and he’s happy for me.”
It’s time for Gretzky
After three years of preparation, 6-4 Trevor Gretzky is ready to take over as the starting quarterback at Westlake Village Oaks Christian, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) and Nick Montana (Washington).
“I think he can be outstanding,” Coach Bill Redell said. “I think he’ll be the surprise player in Southern California.”
And don’t worry about pressure.
“The kid already has pressure on him,” Redell said, referring to his being the son of hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
One thing going for Gretzky is that he will have a trio of outstanding receivers in Jordan Payton, Trey Smith and Blair Holliday.
Gretzky first is focusing on his junior year in baseball.
Big games Saturday
With two weeks left in the regular season, basketball teams are trying to reach peak form, and there are two outstanding games set for Saturday at Los Angeles Fairfax in the State Preview Classic.
Los Angeles Price (18-2), ranked No. 5 by The Times, is playing No. 18 Los Angeles Crenshaw (13-2) at 6:30 p.m., and No. 8 Woodland Hills Taft (15-3) is taking on No. 4 Gardena Serra (21-1) at 8 p.m.
Indoor track
The inaugural California State Indoor High School Invitational for track and field is set for Feb. 6 in Fresno at the Save Mart Center.
High school athletes will compete unattached. Two who have qualified are high jumper Harrison Steed of San Juan Capistrano JSerra, who cleared 7 feet 2 1/2 inches last weekend in Cerritos, and pole vaulter Michael Woepse of Santa Ana Mater Dei, who cleared 16 feet.
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