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The Pasadena High School boys basketball program is entering the playoffs on a 16-game winning streak, and much of the reason being the Bulldogs’ ‘triple threat.’
Juniors Bryce Hamilton and Darius Brown II, and sophomore Darius Mason make up a ‘Big 3’ that is pretty unmatched in area basketball.
They combine to average 53 points, 22 rebounds and 14 assists per game.
What makes them so cohesive together includes all being friends since about the fourth grade, they are all good students (above a 3.0) and each of the three have solid home lives with strong parental figures.
Three of Pasadena’s five losses came by 2 points, and they haven’t lost since late December.
The Bulldogs will open as the CIF-Southern Section Division 1-A’s No. 2 seed, and will host the wild card winner of Beaumont and Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night at 7.
Pasadena (21-5 overall, 14-0 in league) has an even longer winning streak than the Open Division’s top-seeded, Sierra Canyon, which has won 15 straight.
Hamilton is arguably the area’s most complete and talented player.
The 6-foot-4 guard/forward scores 22 points and grabs 11 rebounds per night.
He also dishes out 4 assists, has 3 steals and 3 blocks each game.
Hamilton’s high game was a 36-point, 13 rebound and 6 assist effort in a double-overtime loss to Faith Lutheran.
“Bryce: is everything you would want in a student-athlete,” Pasadena coach Tony Brooks said. “His family emphasizes academics. If he has physics/calculus homework, that comes first. Offensively, he is dynamic and he is athletic and can shoot over people or elevate over people. His biggest improvement is his 3-point shot. He’s able to hit those shots. There is no weakness. Bryce can create for his teammates. He see’s the court to help his teammates have success.”
Hamilton’s mom, Jamie Jackson, and brother, Blake Hamilton, who plays basketball at the University of Buffalo, are incredibly influential and inspirational for the 16-year old to be as good off the court and in the classroom as he is in a gymnasium.
“My role on the team is to be a leader, make my teammates better, to always guard the best player on the opponents team and to play aggressive at all times,” Hamilton said. “In the playoffs, I think we are capable to win it all. We are a good team and as long as we play Pasadena basketball, I believe that we can win it all.”
Darius Brown II is as intelligent and articulate as he is an assassin on the court.
The 17-year old point guard averages 18 points, grabs 5 rebounds, dishes out 6 assists and has 3 steals per game.
He may be just 6-feet tall, but he has no problems playing above the rim with his athleticism, but it’s his IQ (on and off the court) that give him an advantage over most of his opponents.
Brown’s father, Darius Sr., is on the bench for every game as an assistant coach, and his freshman brother, Davian, is also on the Pasadena roster.
His mom, Leah, is someone Darius says has been there for him from day one and is the rock of the family.
Brown’s high game was a 27-point, 10 assist, 5 rebound game in an 82-61 victory over Crescenta Valley.
“Darius is a high-character kid and a good student,” Brooks said. “He gets the best out of everyone, because of his intellect and talent. He is a great kid to have in your program in the way you act and play. He knows what the team expects out of him and brings it every single day. I’ve been blessed this year. This particular team has pure basketball players. They’ve been playing year-round all their lives.”
Brown said he’s an extension of his coach out on the floor and that his job is to keep the Bulldogs a well-oiled machine.
“If everyone on the team does their job, we are going to be a tough team to beat,” Brown said. “My role isn’t different than it was in the regular season, but we’re now in a win-or-go-home scenario so we have to tighten things up. We love the atmosphere here, because Coach Brooks cares about us as much on the court as he does in the classroom and our lives. He’s made a huge impact on all of us.”
Mason is just a sophomore, but he plays like a chiseled veteran.
The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals per game.
Mason might be considered the “third option” on this team, but he is capable and trusted to be the go-to guy when needed, and he could be the No. 1 star on most any other team.
But it’s his contributions that complements a Pasadena team that has their best record in 5 years.
“Darius Mason is another talented player and good kid,” Brooks said. He has the respect of the team, and.plays like an older, veteran player. He is very mature, and has a rebounding, defensive, and athletic presence. Mason thrives against athletic teams. He is very athletic himself.”
Mason’s mom, Georgia Jones is his hero, his guide and his biggest fan.
“My mom has always been there for me, and encouraging me to be the best I can be on and off the court,” Mason said. “She supports me and she is at all my games and events and she inspires me to be great.”
Mason’s most impressive effort came in a 64-60 Pacific League showdown against Burbank when he had 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in a victory.
“My role on the team is hard D lock up , always be a threat on offense, and always a scoring option,” Mason said.
Pasadena, which won its 13th consecutive Pacific League title might be led by Hamilton. Mason and Brown II, but the entire roster has done their part.
Jesse Watkins, Justin Taylor and Kalonji West have all played vital supporting roles for Tony Brooks.
As proud as Brooks is of his entire team’s success, he couldn’t help but emphasize how much more their efforts in the classroom are paramount to the successes in the gym.
Quotable:
Bryce Hamilton on Brown II & Mason: “They’re just great teammates. They help me in practice by competing on the offensive and defensive side. They’re also both good scorers. We always encourage each other to do better.”
Darius Mason on Hamilton & Brown II: “Darius is a good facilitator, always keeps his composure and never gets rattled. Bryce is always in attack mode. He is always ready to play and you can count on him for a big shot. He is always in control.”
Darius Brown II on Hamilton & Mason: “Bryce: makes such tough shots, and that’s amazing to me. Darius has the ability to finish around the basket. His overall ability, and both of their abilities to dribble the ball. They are tall guards who can dribble and score from the outside.”
Muir coach Simaine Stewart on Mason, Hamilton & Brown II: “They are three different types of players. Darius Brown II has become a really good point guard. He developed his all-around leadership skills. He gets his guys involved, plus he makes timely baskets. Darius Mason is a very constant, hard match-up due to his size and his athletic ability. Bryce is a high-end Division 1 player. He can play various positions, and he makes tough shots and he is tough as nails. I love his game.”
Getting To Know The Big Three:
Bryce Hamilton:
Favorite Player: Kobe Bryant
Favorite Movie: He Got Game
Favorite Artist: Drake & Kendrick Lamar
Person I’d Most Like To Talk To: Kobe Bryant
Most Surprising Thing On My Ipod: Beyonce
Darius Mason:
Favorite Player: Lebron James
Favorite Movie: Space Jam
Favorite Artist: Drake
Person I’d Most Like To Talk To: Kobe Bryant
Most Surprising Thing On My Ipod: Take me to the King
Darius Brown II
Favorite Player: Kobe Bryant
Favorite Movie: Space Jam
Favorite Artist: Drake
Person I’d Most Want To Speak To: Magic Johnson
Most Surprising Thing On My Ipod: Justin Bieber
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