MARSHALL RECEIVES ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
By Earl Williams
Sportswriter and Editor
As a ninth-grader entering Lynwood High four years ago, you could tell that Rayah Marshall had all the tools to become a really good player and the possibility to be recruited as an NCAA Division I prospect.
Well on Tuesday, when the 2021 McDonald's All-American team was revealed, the 6-foot-3 USC signee appeared on the roster that recognized her as one of the best basketball players in the nation.
Unfortunately, the 19th Annual girls' team will not compete this year due to the coronavirus. In 2002, the McDonald's All-American committee conducted the first game. This came 25 years after the boys' roster was announced in 1977. A year later, top players in the country competed in the first event.
the 19th Annual girls’ team was announced Tuesday.
This year's girl's roster includes Rolling Hills Prep 6-foot-5 center Clarice Akunwafo, Mater Dei High forward 6-foot-2 Brooke Demetre, and Harvard Westlake High 6-foot-2 forward Okikola Iriafen.
Last season, Marshall averaged 18.1 ppg, 10.5 rpg., 2.1 apg, 2.4 spg., 2.6 bpg. to lead the Knights to San Gabriel Valley League title, the CIF Southern Section Open Division Playoffs and quaterfinals appearance of the SoCal Regional Division I playoffs.
WATSON RECEIVES ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
By Earl Williams
Sportswriter and Editor
LONG BEACH - Long Beach Poly High 6-foot-7 small forward Peyton Watson made the 2021 McDonald’s All-American team, it was announced on Tuesday.
The 44th annual All-American game will not be played this year due to the coronavirus. This will be the first time game will not be played since 1977 when the first roster, recognizing the top seniors in the country, was simply a list. The actual game began in 1978.
Watson became the first player from the Moore League to be bestowed the honor since DeMar DeRozan, a 6-7 small forward from Compton, in 2008, and Travon Bryant, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Long Beach Jordan in 2000.
He is also the first Jackrabbit since Chris Sandle (6-6 forward) received recognition in 1984.
A LEGEND REMEMBERED
EARTH-QUAKING DUNKS: Hardy, who had “Trouble” written on the sides of his customized green van, makes an unbelievable dunk from behind the backboard against Santa Clara during a WCAC game between 1976-1978. The legendary Long Jordan Panther was known for doing acrobatic dunks like this in high school.
IUSF' ATHLETIC HALL-Of-FAME: In 2017, Hardy was inducted. The Dons went on an incredible run to a WCAC regular season title , to a No. 1 ranking in the AP National Poll and to 29 consecutive victories.
He was an AP Honorable Mention All-American in 1977 and 1978. He made the 1976 West Coast Athletic Conference All-Freshman team.
OVERSEAS TOUR: Hardy forged a successful basketball career on the other side the pond. He played pro ball for teams from the Philippines to Italy.
By Earl Williams
Sportswriter and Editor
LONG BEACH — How many basketball players have you ever witnessed elevate a basketball above the square for an earth-quaking dunk while having to duck his head to avoid hitting the back of a backboard during a game?
Well, it really happened folks. The story isn’t a myth. James Percivell Hardy did it. And he wasn’t playing a game of horse. In the basketball archive at the University of San Francisco, there is a vintage black and white photo of the 2017 USF Athletic Hall-of-Fame inductee posterizing Santa Clara players during a West Coast Athletic Conference game. Hardy, who died from a heart attack at age 64 on Dec. 29, gave basketball fans in San Francisco, Long Beach, and around the world a plethora of unforgettable highlights for generations of fans to talk about.
L.B. PANTHER AND ENTREPRENEUR FOUND LASTING LOVE
GOOD TIMES:
James Hardy and Catherine McLamb enjoyed a meal. The couple has known each other for at least 50 years. They met when the legendary basketball phenom moved to the Carmelitos Housing Projects in North Long Beach.
By Earl Williams
Sportswriter and Editor
LONG BEACH -- Catherine McLamb grew up in the Carmelitos Housing Projects, a place many people in North Long Beach, in the 1970s, called the “Bricks.’’ She met James Percivell Hardy, who died from a heart attack on Dec. 29 at age 64, when he was 13 years old. At 8, she used to be at the Hardy’s house visiting family members more than her own home. She was considered a goddaughter.
Hardy, who became a high school basketball phenom, thought of her as a little sister. Later, the 1975 Parade All-American, went on to play college basketball at the University of San Francisco, the New Orleans Jazz (now Utah), and overseas. He got married and had children. She did, too.
In 2009, they found love. He had traveled all over the world looking for a lady who could make him a happy home.McLamb had been there all the time. The couple got married and blended their families. He raised her children as if they were his own. “James always wanted to have a family,’’ McLamb said. “We have always been in contact with each other. He was finally able to get back to his true love.
“He used to tell people, ‘I married my sister’,’’ she fondly recalled.
