Boys’ basketball: Ball brothers prove too tough for Sierra Canyon

In six months, lots of people are expecting Chino Hills and Sierra Canyon to face off for a championship in the Southern Section Open Division basketball playoffs and then in the state playoffs, so Sunday’s fall basketball league game in the Ron Massey tournament at Long Beach Jordan was well worth a visit.

The fans who stayed in a hot gym were treated to a fantastic duel. Sierra Canyon opened a 13-point lead in the second half. But no lead is safe against the UCLA-bound Ball brothers, whose ability to make three-pointers can erase any lead.

That’s what happened, as LiAngelo Ball got hot. The Balls combined for eight threes in the second half. LiAngelo Ball, a junior, made a three with two seconds left to break a 76-76 tie and give Chino Hills a 79-76 victory. He had 27 points. Freshman brother LaMelo was good early on and senior brother Lonzo had 20 points in another typical all-around game.

Sierra Canyon had to like what it saw from junior Ira Lee, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury. He had 18 points and lots of rebounds. Junior guard Remy Martin was matching Lonzo Ball’s speed and had 23 points.

The level of play was outstanding considering the season doesn’t begin until the end of November.

In other games, Corona Centennial came back from a 10-point deficit to defeat Mater Dei, 57-56. Long Beach Poly got some revenge for its football team losing to Las Vegas Bishop Gorman on Friday with a 67-61 basketball win over the Gaels.

Ethan Thompson led Bishop Montgomery to a 65-61 overtime win over Redondo.

In the championship game, Chino Hills defeated Poly, 85-55.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer