The sons of two of the greatest players in NBA history — LeBron James and Scottie Pippen — are shining in new roles for
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) this season. Junior wing
Bryce James and senior guard
Justin Pippen have helped the Trailblazers compile an 18-1 record and position themselves for a Southern Section Open Division berth.
Unsigned 6-foot-3 guard Pippen has been the catalyst for the Trailblazers, averaging 18.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest, and establishing himself as one of the most under-the-radar prospects in the Class of 2024 in the process.
Pippen's numbers are a vast improvement from last season when he played sparingly and averaged 4.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 24 games.
Bryce James has been a key cog for the Trailblazers this season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Three-star junior James has been a key cog off the bench and showed major improvement as well this season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
James played in just 12 games as a sophomore and averaged 3.8 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists across 12 games last season while playing alongside brother Bronny.
Although Pippen and James are the most notable names on the roster, Cal State Northridge signee
Noah Williams and three-star junior guard
Bryce Cofield have showed strong development as well this season.
Williams upped his averages from 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds as a junior to 16.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest this season. Cofield increased his per game numbers from 5.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists per outing as a sophomore to 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest this year.
Unsigned senior Justin Pippen has been the catalyst for Sierra Canyon this season, averaging 18.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest. (Photo: Heston Quan)
Many thought Sierra Canyon's level of play would drop off this season after the graduation of Bronny James (USC) and Ashton Hardaway (Memphis), but the Trailblazers have done just the opposite.
Sierra Canyon surged into the top 50 of the national rankings this week after picking up a quality victory over St. Pius X-St. Matthias (Downey) 51-42 last weekend.
There is plenty of room for upward mobility in the rankings. Sierra Canyon has upcoming contests against No. 8 Harvard-Westlake (Studio City) on Jan. 19 and a showdown with undefeated Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) on Jan. 26.
