Anto Balian’s play demands more college attention

Balian is averaging 30 points per game this season after dropping 38 in Tuesday night’s win

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE - It was like a broken record.

The PA announcer — ‘Swaggy C’ — was saying Anto Balian’s name every other play.

After a rebound and assist.

“Thank you, Anto Balian!”

After going coast-to-coast.

“From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Anto Balian!”

The plays continued and the booming voice of ‘Swaggy C’ followed as Balian paced Pilibos to a 96-78 win over Blair with 38 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists at St. Francis’ Holiday Hoopfest Tuesday night. 

The junior guard scored 27 in the first half and had a stretch where he scored 13 of the team’s 16 points in the second quarter. He was being face guarded the entire game.

Anto Balian (right) being face guarded by Blair defender

Biola University men’s basketball coach Dave Holmquist was in attendance, but Balian’s play deserves more attention — and he’s likely to get it, because he won’t be a secret much longer.

He has the skills to be a scholarship college player, but at what level? That remains to be the question. 

Balian is listed at 6-foot-2 and hovers around 180 pounds. He can drive left and right. He can finish at the rim with his left and right, and he can shoot the 3. Balian has also shown improved athleticism with dunks through traffic.

As he plays better guards, questions about his on-ball defense will be answered — especially when Pilibos plays Sierra Canyon on Jan. 3.

Last week, Balian scored 35, 51, 39, 27 and 32 points in five straight games. He has Pilibos at 9-3 overall and is averaging 30.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.

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It’s easy to say that Balian isn’t getting more college attention because of the level Pilibos plays, but in the Eagles’ biggest matchups this year, Balian has performed.

He scored 39 points in a 72-71 win over Edison (12-2). He had the 51-point game in a 90-78 win over Paraclete (12-2). He tallied 32 in a 57-53 win over Villa Park (7-7) and poured in 23 in a 63-60 loss to Anaheim Canyon (7-3).

Balian’s next challenge will be against St. Francis of the Mission League Wednesday night at 8 p.m.