Boys’ basketball: If it’s Sunday, the stars are out at Salesian

Ever since the Southern Section got rid of its Association rule that forbid coaches from coaching their players in competitions during the off season, teams have been free to play and practice whenever they want. So Sundays at L.A. Salesian High this winter have brought together top teams and players in basketball.

It got so intense on Sunday that Alemany Coach Tray Meeks was playing defense on the sideline trying to motivate his players to get a five-second violation. And it worked.

You never know who might show up, such as when the No. 1 sophomore in the nation, 7-footer DeAndre Ayton, who attends a private school, Balboa City in San Diego, put on a show. Against Chaminade, he had four dunks, 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Then he played against Alemany, and junior Daron Henson got his own motivation to score 26 points, including five threes, in a win over Balboa City.

The best game was Sierra Canyon and Riverside North going at it, with fans equally intense in the bleachers. It was tied, 38-38, late in the game until Cody Riley of Sierra Canyon scored six consecutive points. Sierra Canyon hung on for a 48-43 victory.

North has one of the best junior guards in Dikymbe Martin, who was scoring on drives and outside shots.

Games are scheduled to be held at Salesian for the next three Sundays before the season begins. The talent and teams are outstanding, and you never know who might make an appearance.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer