May 18, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

California Live Boys Basketball Tourney will return in summer of 2024, director says

Chris Nordstrom, St. Margaret’s coach, after a game last season. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

It was a busy weekend for St. Margaret’s boys basketball coach Chris Nordstrom, who coached his team and was also the tournament director for the inaugural California Live Tournament in Orange County.

Nordstrom was pleased with how his team, one of 163 squads divided into 10 divisions, finished.

 “I was really pleased with our growth over the weekend,” Nordstrom said this week.  “After a slow start on Friday against Irvine High School, we bounced back and competed in the final three games. 

“Seniors Russell Frye and Mark Cyr led us in scoring and rebounding, while varsity returners Caden Isola and Andrew Niccol contributed on both ends of the floor.”

Nordstrom added that planning for the 2024 California Live tournament has begun.

The tournament wrapped up Sunday with finals in 10 divisions at Irvine High School.

“It will occur next year,” Nordstrom said. “The location is TBA as we review this past event. The goal of the event was to provide opportunities for athletes to compete in front of NCAA college coaches with their high school teams.  With over 175 college coaches in attendance from all levels, I believe this was accomplished.

“I also want to express my thanks to the Irvine Unified, Tustin Unified and Saddleback Unified School districts for their support of the event and the ability to utilize their campuses.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com