The Legacy Game: Camden High (NJ) vs Sierra Canyon (CA)
Sports Editor Will Lyons reports on this legendary game which is years in the making. Follow him through the ups, downs, and iconic match-ups making this game one for the books.
Yesterday we got a matchup that was 16 years in the making. The matchup of Juniors (in both name and grade) LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. and Dajuan “DJ” Wagner Jr. Their fathers are not just basketball royalty but they are former teammates who suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the early 2000's. Both LeBron “King James” James and Dajuan “The Messiah” Wagner are two of the best high school players the game has ever seen and it is evident that they have given their sons the tools to make names all their own.
Prep Powerhouse Sierra Canyon took on one of the most storied high school programs in the country in Camden High School. Giving basketball fans one of the most anticipated games in the last two decades. Both schools are home to prestigious hoops alums. Sierra Canyon has most recently produced LA Clipper BJ Boston (by way of GA).
Camden High has multiple McDonalds All Americans and NBA players as part of their hoops fraternity. The most notable of these former players are Milt and Dajuan Wagner. Two of the most accomplished players the state of New Jersey has ever seen.
Milt was a McDonalds All American, State, NCAA, and NBA Champion. That resume is legendary. And Dajuan is the all time leading scorer in the Garden state with over 3,400 points in his high school career before a one year stint at the University of Memphis on the way to the NBA.
Bronny James’s father is pretty well known in his own right. The four time MVP and Champion with 17 (soon to be 18) All-Star appearances under his belt has one of the most storied careers in the history of the sport. Two of the most talented guards in the class of 2023 share strong family bonds that far outweigh anything on the basketball court. But this match-up showcased so many talented layers in a match-up that went down to the wire.
Camden standouts Aaron Bradshaw and Cian Medley continued their high impact play giving the Panthers a three headed attack with rim protecting post threat that has range out to the three point line, a shifty floor general that always seems to make the right play and one of the most skilled scorers in high school basketball. Pair that with multiple future division 1 players like Rasheer Fleming (St. Joes), Elijah Perkins and Cornelius “Boog” Robinson and you have something truly special brewing in South Jersey.
Sierra Canyon’s formidable team was led by seniors Amari Bailey (UCLA), Shy Odom, Kijani Wright (USC), and defensive standout Jeremiah Nyarko (4 blocks). The Trailblazers did an excellent job of fighting until the final whistle sounded. After starting with a 15–2 deficit the final score ended up 66–62 in favor of Camden.
The game lived up to the hype with Bronny James scoring 9 points but leaving an impact well beyond the stat sheet. He plays with a high IQ and constantly makes the right play displaying that winning pedigree the James family is known for.
The victory and the MVP of the game go to Camden High’s own DJ Wagner. The 6'3 combo guard is electric with the ball in his hands. Leaving the crowd on the end he of their seats with dazzling crossovers, floaters, step back jumpers and tough layups. The number one overall ranking in a class has been too much to carry for many players but DJ represents his family legacy and the tradition of Camden High basketball with the upmost pride and respect.
