Sierra Canyon basketball’s newcomers making their presence felt

CHATSWORTH — The newest faces on the Sierra Canyon boys basketball team have been acclimating well so far this season – Brandon McCoy in particular.

The senior and five-star prospect spent his first three years of high school at St. John Bosco before transferring to Sierra Canyon.

His impact has been felt quickly, and not just his 32-point performance Wednesday night in Sierra Canyon’s dominating win, 109-36, over St. Paul, but in all areas of what it means to be a Sierra Canyon basketball player.

“The team welcomed me with open arms, the coaching staff too,” McCoy said. “My whole life is basketball. I’m where I want to be. I’m here and having a good time, it’s all I can ask for.”

McCoy showcased his talents from the start, scoring five quick points to help Sierra Canyon (5-0) build a double-digit lead just two minutes into the game.

Sierra Canyon led 28-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Like a magnet to the rim, McCoy was the recipient of several alley-oops, finishing with both finesse and ferocity.

DeLan Grant, another new face to the team who transferred from St. Francis, has also fit in seamlessly.

Grant, McCoy and Brannon Martinsen, a transfer from JSerra who has yet to play this season as he recovers from an injury, are all senior newcomers to the team who are expected to make their presence felt.

“Not a lot of people know but we’re childhood friends and we all transferred in for senior year,” Grant said. “Every night we just get to go out there and have fun.”

Grant helmed the second unit Wednesday night, one of the first subs off the bench who is relied upon to orchestrate the offense and set an example on the defensive end.

Whether it’s through scoring, passing, rebounding or playing hard-nosed defense, Grant welcomes the pressure of being a senior leader on the team.

“As a senior guard (head coach Andre Chevalier) wants me to lead the group,” said Grant, who had nine points. “Make sure everybody, every piece fits into the puzzle.”

While not a senior, Josh Lowery has also been influential since he arrived from Legacy Christian Academy this year. The sophomore combo guard started Wednesday night and was all over the court, playing tenacious defense and finding his teammates for easy scores.

The four-star prospect has been a huge addition to a very deep Sierra Canyon team.

Senior Maximo Adams, a North Carolina commit, scored 23 points. Senior sharpshooter Steph Kankole scored 23 points and made seven 3-pointers.

The Trailblazers should be tested next week when they host Rancho Christian at home on Dec. 10.