Sons of Shaquille O'Neal, Manute Bol meet in Southern California playoff game

By Leland Gordon Feb 17, 2017, 11:00pm

Some serious starpower on the floor Friday night as Mater Dei knocks off Crossroads in California's Southern Section Open Division Championships.

Video: Bol Bol faces off with Shareef O'Neal
Sons of prominent former NBA players square off in section playoffs.

A battle between celebrity sons added some intrigue to Friday night's California Southern Section Open Division first round contest between Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and Crossroads (Santa Monica).

Ranked No. 5 nationally, Mater Dei (29-1) advanced easily with an 80-44 win. The sidebar was junior 7-footer Bol Bol of Mater Dei crossing paths with 6-foot-10 Crossroads junior Shareef O'Neal.

The talented 2018 prospects are the sons of a pair of prominent former NBA players – the late Manute Bol and Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal.



Both are regarded as Top 50 prospects in the junior class by 247Sports.

O'Neal led Crossroads with 20 points, with much of his damage coming from the outside.

Bol battled foul trouble all night and finished with 12 points, but that was more than enough for Mater Dei. The Monarchs led 46-17 at halftime and move on to meet Roosevelt (Eastvale) in the quarterfinals Tuesday.
Crossroads' Shareef O'Neil (left) squares off with Mater Dei's Bol Bol on Friday night.
Crossroads' Shareef O'Neil (left) squares off with Mater Dei's Bol Bol on Friday night.
Photos by Louis Lopez
Mater Dei's Bol Bol soars in for a dunk.
Mater Dei's Bol Bol soars in for a dunk.
Crossroads' Shareef O'Neal drives for a layup.
Crossroads' Shareef O'Neal drives for a layup.