7 Unforgettable Facts About Long Beach Poly Basketball: The Jackrabbit Dynasty's Current Roster And NBA Legacy
Long Beach Poly Basketball remains one of the most storied and successful high school sports programs in the United States, a true breeding ground for elite talent. As of
The 2024-2025 season promises to be another chapter in this legendary saga, led by a mix of returning veterans and promising young stars. Fans are eager to see if the program can continue its remarkable league dominance and add more CIF State Championship banners to the already crowded rafters of the historic Ron Palmer Pavilion.
The Jackrabbit Dynasty: Complete Alumni and Key Figures Profile
Long Beach Polytechnic High School's basketball program is renowned for producing a state-best nine NBA players and sending well over 100 athletes to collegiate programs. The legacy is built on a foundation laid by legendary figures, including Ron Palmer, the former boys' coach for 25 seasons for whom the home court is named.
- Nickname: Jackrabbits
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Home Arena: Ron Palmer Pavilion
- League: Moore League
- Boys' Head Coach: Shelton Diggs (Poly Alum)
- Girls' Head Coach: Carl Buggs (Architect of a major dynasty)
- Program Accolade: Named the "Sports School of the Century" by Sports Illustrated in 2005
Notable NBA and College Alumni
The list of professional and college talent is extensive, cementing Long Beach Poly's reputation as a national powerhouse. These players represent the pinnacle of the Jackrabbit tradition:
- Peyton Watson: Current NBA player, known for his versatility and defense.
- Jordan Bell: NBA Champion, a versatile forward who excelled in college and the pros.
- Jovani Ruff: Highly-touted prospect, part of the most recent wave of talent.
- Jalen Pitre: Forward who continued his career at the collegiate level.
- Darryl Polk, Jr.: A standout guard from the program.
- Roschon Prince: Highly-rated small forward who had a successful college career.
- Darnell Porter: Another key guard to emerge from the Poly system.
The 2024-2025 Long Beach Poly Basketball Roster and Season Outlook
The current season is marked by high expectations, particularly for the boys' varsity team, which entered the year ranked No. 20 in California. Head Coach Shelton Diggs, a proud Jackrabbit alum, is steering the program through what he calls a "reload," focusing on local Long Beach talent.
Boys' Varsity Roster Highlights (2024-2025)
The team features a strong junior and senior class, with several players expected to lead the charge in the CIF-SS Division 2A campaign:
- Giovanni Ofoegbu (Sr., SG, 6'4"): A senior shooting guard bringing experience and scoring ability.
- Julian Calderone (Jr., SG, 6'2"): A junior guard expected to contribute significantly.
- John Chansy (Jr.): A key junior player on the roster.
- Khalen Shepherd (Jr.): Another talented junior contributing to the team's depth.
- Deuce Jefferson II (Jr.): A promising junior player.
Girls' Varsity Roster Highlights (2024-2025)
Under the guidance of legendary coach Carl Buggs, the girls' team is looking to build a new dynasty after a historic streak ended. The team features a blend of size and speed:
- Gia Stofer: A crucial player for the current season.
- Joy Anderson: Expected to be a major contributor.
- Nevaeh Lemons: A key guard in the Jackrabbit system.
- Simdi Akpamgbo: A strong presence for the team.
The boys’ team has already shown its dominance with recent victories, including a 68-30 cruise over the Lakewood Lancers to open Moore League play, and a decisive 63-24 win against Rancho Dominguez High School.
The Unrivaled Legacy: Moore League Dominance and CIF Championship History
The true measure of the Long Beach Poly basketball program is its staggering record of championships and continuous excellence. This level of sustained success is virtually unmatched in Southern California high school sports.
Moore League: The Jackrabbit's Empire
Poly’s dominance in the Moore League is almost absolute. The boys’ team recently wrapped up their second straight undefeated Moore League title, marking their 14th in the last 15 years. Over the last three seasons, the boys' program boasts an incredible 30-0 record in Moore League play. This consistency is the foundation of the program's national reputation and a testament to the coaching staff's ability to "reload" talent year after year.
CIF and State Championship Glory
The Jackrabbits have a championship tradition that dates back to the early 1900s, with games once played outside in the ocean breeze.
- Boys' CIF Titles: The boys' program has an illustrious history that includes 19 CIF titles. Their most recent major push was a trip to the 2024 CIF-SS Division 2A Championship against Marina. They are consistently in the mix for the CIF Open Division, a sign of their elite status.
- Girls' Dynasty: The girls' team is considered one of the great dynasties in high school history. They have secured six CIF-SS titles and numerous CIF State Championships, including a memorable victory over Rosary. Historically, the girls' program even won three consecutive state championships from 1907 to 1909.
The End of a Historic Streak
A major headline in recent history was the end of the girls' basketball team’s astounding 17-year, 212-game winning streak in league play. This incredible run, which ended against Lakewood, is the second-longest in state prep history, trailing only Troy High School's 219-game streak. While the streak is over, it highlights the truly historic nature of the Poly girls' dynasty under Coach Carl Buggs.
Key Rivalries and Must-Watch Matchups
While Moore League dominance is the norm, the Jackrabbits are constantly tested by strong local and regional opponents. These rivalry games are often played in front of sold-out crowds, creating an electric atmosphere in the Ron Palmer Pavilion.
The most intense matchups often involve other Long Beach schools, such as the rivalry games against Millikan and Jordan. Outside of the league, Poly’s schedule is packed with challenging non-league and playoff rivals. The boys’ team has a notable history with the Etiwanda Eagles, often meeting in the CIF semifinal rounds. Other major regional opponents include Fairmont Prep and Mission Viejo, all part of the tradition of high-stakes Jackrabbit basketball.
The program’s constant pursuit of excellence, its ability to develop NBA-level talent, and its deep historical roots make Long Beach Poly Basketball more than just a high school team; it is a permanent fixture in the landscape of elite American amateur athletics.
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