The
Chino Hills (CA) Huskies boys basketball team captured its first CIF open division title after a dominating 70-50 victory over De La Salle of Concord and completed the program’s 13th varsity season at a perfect 35-0. At the conclusion of its 2015-16 season, Chino Hills finished No. 1 in the MaxPreps national rankings and was one of 10 boys teams named to the 11th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, which is in its 10th year honoring the top basketball teams throughout the country.
As MaxPreps and the Army National Guard arrived on campus on Friday, May 20th, they were greeted by Athletic Director Phil Garcia who helped them get situated for a community celebration on the football field on a rather windy, yet sunny day.
Principal Brenes worked from a well-scripted program for what was called the "Chino Hills Extravaganza.” This was a ceremony recognizing not only the boys basketball team for its No. 1 MaxPreps national ranking, but also its music program and dance program. The performances by the music and dance program were phenomenal.
Following the national anthem by the school's chorale, Principal Brenes turned the ceremony over to MaxPreps representative Leland Gordon who recognized head coach Steve Baik as the
MaxPreps Coach of the Year and senior Lonzo Ball as the
National Player of the Year. He also awarded both LaMelo Ball and Onyeka Okongwu with
Co-Freshmen of the Year honors.
Next, Josh Canales of MaxPreps took center stage to give a brief overview of the MaxPreps national rankings system. He then introduced Staff Sergeant Edgar Arevalo of the California Army National Guard who presented the Army National Guard national ranking trophy to Coach Baik and the Chino Hills Huskies.
Staff Sergeant's Arevalo, Brown and Lopez were dressed in their finest, most decorative uniforms and presented with great pride and class. After the trophy presentation, the team posed for pictures and photo ops for media, family and school admin. Finally, interviews were conducted with Coach Baik and a select few athletes to wrap up the MaxPreps Tour of Champions celebration at Chino Hills High School.
Congratulations Huskies on a great season and being named the MaxPreps national basketball champions!
To view the Chino Hills TOC photo gallery, click
here.
