José Luis Villegas / Bee file, 2012
Dakarai Allen (4) and his Sheldon teammates were 4-0 at last week's Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. Allen was the National Division's MVP. He scored 21 points in the final.
Poll
Who was the most entertaining high school basketball player in area history?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
High school basketball features little conflict or chaos. That means news that the Kings might move to Seattle and Sacramento's urgency to secure billionaire "whales" isn't on the menu.
Tonight, the plight of the Kings won't be foremost in the minds of those packed into the Pleasant Grove gym to see The Bee's No. 2- ranked team host top-ranked Sheldon in what could be the boys basketball game of the year.
At stake are neighborhood bragging rights, first place in the Delta River League and The Bee's top ranking.
Pleasant Grove (17-3) is unbeaten in 2013. The Eagles are led by guards Malik Thames and Matt Hayes, both three-year starters; sharpshooter Cole Nordquist; and screen-setter Matt Smrekar.
Sheldon (15-4) features veterans Dakarai Allen, D'Erryl Williams and Ryan Manning. They are flanked by Darin Johnson (fresh off a 42-point game on 25 shots) and rebounding leader Antonio Lewis.
There will be fundamental plays, athletes sprawled on the floor going after loose balls, highlight dunks and plenty of defense.
It will be amateur basketball at its best.
Today's poll
Who was the most entertaining high school basketball player in area history?
• Matt Barnes, Del Campo, 1999
• Monty Buckley, Christian Brothers, 1990
• Bill Cartwright, Elk Grove, 1975
• Isaac Fontaine, Jesuit, 1993
• Kevin Johnson, Sacramento, 1983
• Ernest Lee, Kennedy, 1982
• Nomo Williams, River City, 1985
• Other
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
How many of the Kings' remaining home games this season do you plan to attend?
• All 18: 7%
• 13-17: 7%
• 7-12: 14%
• 2-6: 19%
• 1: 6%
• None: 47%
Total votes: 904
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