Long Beach 77, Santa Barbara 70

Visiting Long Beach State proved to be seven points better than UC Santa Barbara 77-70 yesterday.

Sophomore TJ (Oakland High) Taylor, starting at the point for the Gauchos, totaled nine assists, eight points and three rebounds while freshman two guard Mike (Foothill High) Bryson posted a line of 15 points, four rebounds and a trio of assists.

The Gauchos fall but Bryson starts

UC Santa Barbara lost on the road last night to Wyoming 68-40 but it's worth noting that freshman guard Mike Bryson was in the starting lineup. He scored eight points.

The Gauchos falls but Bryson makes his mark

UC Santa Barbara fell 77-63 on the road to LSU but frosh guard Michael (Foothill High) Bryson was a highlight with 10 points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of action.

UC Santa Barbara previewed

Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook offers a lengthy preview of UC Santa Barbara but it must have gone to press before John Green's injury. T.J. Taylor and Mike Bryson also receive some pub.

Learn about Mike Bryson

Joe Davidson has a feature up on Foothill High's Mike Bryson, plus Joe attaches the boys playoff schedule for those in need of a handy guide.

Bill Paterson all over Sacto HS hoops

Bill Paterson covers the latest in Sacramento area prep basketball, including a 34 point game by Mike Bryson.

Mike Bryson to UC Santa Barbara

This is a great fit -- Foothill High's Mike Bryson has decided UC Santa Barbara is the next spot for him. Playing time will be available immediately with Orlando Johnson and James Nunnally departing after 2011-12.

Another Philippe Doherty tweet

Boy, if the Anteaters can cement this ... wow!

From Coach Philippe Doherty:

"UC Irvine HC Russell Turner and Asst. Ali Ton have been at Foothill HS in Sac (CA) during contact period to see 2G Mike Bryson. Great Stroke."

Mike Bryson checking out a local college

Camerson Schott has tweeted that Mike Bryson is doing an unofficial to Sacramento State.

A Mike Bryson update

Neal Nieves offered this on PHPS's Mike Bryson:

2012 Mike Bryson PHPS - Bryson didn’t play so well in the first game I watched, but the second game he came out and went to work. Continuing his play from the all West camp Bryson showed again that he belongs in the discussion of an elite wing on the west coast. Bryson can handle the ball well, shot it and get the basket and finish.

Four Nor Cal prospects highlighted by Joel Francisco

ESPN's Joel Francisco highlights the best of who he saw at Double Pump and Three Stripes and here are his northern California listings:

Breakout players

Dakari Allen (Sacramento, Calif./Sheldon)
2013, SF, 6-5, 175 pounds

Allen continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the elite prospects out west for his class. The lengthy wing type is an excellent defender and his offense is beginning to blossom. He did an admirable job on York, as Allen's length altered many of York's attempts. Offensively, Allen's triple-threat game and first step to the basket have evolved tremendously since the spring.

Mike Bryson (Sacramento, Calif./Foothill)
2012, SG/SF, 6-5, 180 pounds

Bryson is somewhat of a diamond in the rough at this stage. He has ideal size for the 3 at the next level and he has one of the smoothest strokes. Whether it's launching a 3 in transition or knocking down a midrange shot coming off of a screen, he is pretty potent. In addition, he has become more than just a shooter, as his defensive presence has picked up since the spring and he's playing with much more of an edge to him than ever before.

Notes

David Andoh, a 6-6 SF/PF out of St. Mary's High School in Berkeley, Calif., put together a solid effort at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop. He has a potent midrange jump shot and a very quick first step. He has a tendency to force the issue, but he always plays hard at both ends. Colorado, Arizona State, UTEP, Drake and Detroit have shown the most interest. 

D'Erryl Williams, a 6-3 junior out of Sheldon High School in Sacramento, is starting to look more comfortable running his team than he did in the spring. The chiseled lefty has very long arms and has a strong burst at the rim. In addition, he is one of the better on-ball defenders we've seen this spring and summer

A Mike Bryson update

Neal Nieves offered up a pair of tweets on Mike Bryson (PHPS and Foothill High):

"2012 Mike Bryson (PHPS) is playing at a high major level for this tourney. I'm sure the PAC 10 schools will come calling"

and

"2012 Guard Mike Bryson (PHPS) tells me his dream schools are UCLA and Cal. Would love to be recruited by both"