MLK Classic at De La Salle Game 7 preview: Riordan vs. Salesian, How to Watch

In likely the matchup of the day, two of Northern California's top teams face off with huge CIF Open Division playoff implications on the line

One of California's top one-day Martin Luther King Jr. boys basketball showcases enters its 26th season on Monday, Jan. 15.

That's when the MLK Classic at De La Salle, presented by SBLive Sports and sponsored by Acrisure takes place, featuring eight games starting with the 8:45 a.m. matchup between Moreau Catholic vs. Redwood-Larkspur. TICKETS HERE

“We are proud of this event as it has become a staple in Bay Area basketball over the years,” said De La Salle coach Marcus Schroeder, the former Associate Head Coach at St. Mary’s College. “Of all the great lineups of teams this event has seen in the past quarter-century, the 26th edition of the MLK Classic will not disappoint — the best of the best in Northern California will all participate this year along with great programs from Southern California and Arizona.”

Here is the seventh of eight previews. 

Salesian vs. Riordan

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Head coaches: Bill Mellis (Salesian), Joey Curtin (Riordan)

2023-24 records (as of Jan. 13): Salesian (17-1), Riordan (9-3)

Points per game (allowed): Salesian 69.3 (48.4), Riordan 74.2 (59.3)

Terrific trios: Salesian — Aaron Hunkin-Claytor, De’Undrae Perteete, Amani Johnson; Riordan — Zion Sensley, Andrew Hilman, Jasir Rencher.

Live stream: NFHS Network

Briefly: Both teams are extremely deep, at least 8-10 strong. Each has far more than trios who are terrific. ... These Bay Area super powers have faced off three times since 2013, with Riordan winning in 2021 (58-44) and 2013 (47-32) and losing in 2018 (66-57). Salesian had nearly a perfect nonleague season, losing only an overtime game to then California No. 1 ranked St. John Bosco 68-66 at the Damien Classic. The Pride had huge back-to-back tournament titles at Gridley and the Pro Image Sports Holiday Classic in Meridian (Idaho), defeating 2022 state Open Division champion Corona Centennial in the finals. This could be Mellis’ best squad, which is saying something. He’s won more than 600 games, two state and 10 North Coast Section titles over 26 seasons. Since the loss to Bosco, Salesian has won five straight by an average margin of 30.4. ... Riordan played only seven games before the New Year. But they certainly have the talent to make a state-title run. They have at least eight players with Division I offers and two have already signed, Sensley to St. Mary’s College and Jordy McKenzie, a transfer from Pinole Valley, has signed to Eastern Washington. By MLK Classic day, the on Crusaders should be at full strength, which will be a significant challenge for the Pride or whoever else plays Riordan in the final months of the season. The Crusaders, indeed, have found their footing in the New Year and come in with six straight wins, the most significant an 82-81 overtime win over Las Vegas and national power Bishop Gorman in the Coast Catholic Classic at Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers and Clippers, on Jan. 6. Hillman, perhaps the most prosing all of their standouts, showed why with 28 points and the game-winning bucket. The addition of yet two more standouts, 6-4 shooting guard Dorde Curcic and 6-2 point guard Ryder Bush gives Curtin an exaggeration of riches at his disposal. 

Riordan's Andrew Hillman (2) in the MLK Classic last season versus Jesuit. 

Salesian point guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor during a 2023 MLK Classic win over Capital Christian.  / Photo: Ralph Thompson

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