Basketball: Locals could be lovin’ it at McDonald’s games

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They ought to hold the McDonald’s All-American basketball games in Southern California more often considering the annual size of the contingent from the Southland. This year, the eight local players had to take a five-hour flight to Miami for the games that will held Wednesday at the Bank United Center.

Last year, the West boys’ team had five local players. This year, the number is a still-hearty four: center Renardo Sidney of Fairfax, twin forwards Travis and David Wear of Mater Dei and guard Michael Snaer of Rancho Verde. The boys’ game is at 5 p.m. PDT and will be televised by ESPN.

The girls’ game also includes a healthy Southern California contingent of center Monique Oliver of Long Beach Poly, guard Eliza Pierre of Muir, forward Christina Marinacci of Foothill and forward Gennifer Brandon of Chatsworth. The girls’ game is at 2:30 p.m. PDT and will be televised by ESPNU.

--Ben Bolch