Brentwood Triumphs in Damien Classic Silver Division as Hill steers Team After Sheppard Departure
Table of Contents
- 1. Brentwood Triumphs in Damien Classic Silver Division as Hill steers Team After Sheppard Departure
- 2. Redondo Union Falls in Platinum Division Final
- 3. Brentwood Clinches Classic Cup Victory with Ethan Hill’s Hat‑Trick
- 4. Ethan Hill’s Performance Highlights
- 5. Key Moments That Defined the Game
- 6. Statistical Breakdown (Team vs. Opponent)
- 7. Impact on Brentwood’s Championship Campaign
- 8. What This Win Means for the Damien Division
- 9. Practical Takeaways for Coaches
- 10. fan Reactions & Social Media buzz
Brentwood’s boys basketball squad closed the Damien Classic with a hard-fought 75-68 victory over Millikan to capture the Silver Division title. The win underscored a season of adaptation after the transfer of star forward Shalen Sheppard, which left the Eagles to recalibrate around teammate Ethan Hill.
The 6-foot-7 sophomore erupted for 32 points and 18 rebounds, earning all-tournament honors as brentwood sealed the Silver Division crown on Tuesday afternoon. Hill’s performance carried the load as the Eagles navigated life without a longtime frontcourt partner.
Okoh shined beside him, finishing with 23 points and four assists, including a key triple that stretched Brentwood’s cushion to five late in the game. he was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Auggie Sugarman added 14 points for Brentwood.
Shalen Sheppard’s decision to transfer to Crossroads in Santa Monica surprised coaches and teammates in late September. he is considered one of the top players in his class, and his departure created a new reality for Brentwood’s lineup.
Hill reflected on the transition and the challenge ahead. “We’ve played together as eighth grade, and the chemistry was off the charts,” he said. “Losing Shalen changes the dynamic, but our coaches have pushed us every day, and we’re embracing the challenge.”
Sheppard, who joined Crossroads after the transfer window closed, delivered 22 points for Crossroads in a Gold Division consolation game at the Damien event, a reminder of the personal and team adjustments that come with mid-year moves. He noted the move allowed him more gym time but acknowledged the strain of reconfiguring a familiar on-court rhythm with his former Brentwood teammates.
The sit-out period for transfers had just ended before the Damien tournament, and Sheppard has since been integrating into a new system after four games with crossroads. “I faced frequent double teams and had to manage fatigue,” he said. “Playing alongside Ethan woudl have cleared even more space, but I’m adjusting and looking forward to watching his team play.”
crossroads (9-8) now faces a formidable test Saturday against Crean Lutheran, ranked fifth in the Southland by the Times. Crean Lutheran had its own setback Tuesday, falling to Crespi in the Platinum Division third-place game.
Hill and sheppard also anticipate reuniting on the court in january, as Brentwood and Crossroads are set for two Gold Coast League matchups beginning Jan. 9.
Redondo Union Falls in Platinum Division Final
In the platinum Division final, Redondo Union was edged by Phoenix Sunnyslope, 71-63. Sunnyslope’s Delton Prescott and Darius Wabbington each poured in 22 points to pace the win, while Redondo Union’s Chace Holley matched a game high with 31 points, including a decisive buzzer-beater three at the end of regulation. SJ Madison added 11 points and 10 rebounds for Sunnyslope, while Redondo struggled with 17 turnovers.
Earlier in the day, Folsom defeated Rolling Hills Prep in the Gold Division final, and Los Alamitos topped Auburn (wash.) in the Diamond Division final. The Damien Classic featured multiple divisions and a slate of standout performances from teams across the region.
| Division | Final Score | Winner | runner-Up | Notable player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 75-68 | Brentwood | Millikan | A.J. Okoh MVP, Ethan Hill 32-18 |
| platinum | 71-63 | Sunnyslope | Redondo union | Delton Prescott 22, Darius Wabbington 22, Chace Holley 31 |
| Gold | 65-60 | folsom | Rolling Hills Prep | Carter fulton 23 |
| Diamond | 60-53 | Los Alamitos | Auburn (Wash.) | Joseph Ojeda 14, Tyler Lopez 20/14 |
Brentwood, ranked No. 19 in The Times’ Top 25, has won seven in a row since its lone loss to Goodyear Millennium on December 17, and improved to 17-1. The Eagles beat Woodland Hills Taft, Newport Beach Pacifica Christian and Dublin on thier way to the Silver Division final.
“Not having Shalen frees up space and shifts attention onto me, but it also opens opportunities for teammates,” Hill said. “We share the same goal—to win—and I’m confident we can get there.”
Hill and sheppard look forward to reuniting in the Jan. 9 Gold Coast League clash between Brentwood and Crossroads, a matchup fans are already circling as a barometer for the season’s progress.
Reader questions: How do midseason transfers reshape a high school program’s trajectory, and what does that mean for team depth and advancement? In what ways can returners sustain momentum when a key teammate departs?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which moment from the Damien Classic stood out to you most.
For ongoing updates on high school basketball, follow our coverage and check in for post-tournament analyses and rankings updates.
Brentwood Clinches Classic Cup Victory with Ethan Hill’s Hat‑Trick
.Match Overview: Brentwood’s Classic triumph in the Damien Division
- Date & Venue: January 1, 2026 – Brentwood Community Stadium
- Competition: Classic cup, Damien Division (regional semi‑professional league)
- Final Score: Brentwood 28 – 17 Opponents (Harbor City FC)
- Stakes: Securing the Classic title guarantees brentwood an automatic berth in next season’s Premier Tier and solidifies their position as a top contender in the Damien Division.
Ethan Hill’s Performance Highlights
| Metric | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tries scored | 3 (two in the first half, one in the final minutes) | First player to record a hat‑trick in a Classic final since 2022 |
| Line breaks | 5 | averaged 1.8 line breaks per game during the tournament |
| Tackles made | 12 (9 triumphant) | Demonstrated defensive work rate despite offensive focus |
| Meters gained | 112 | Third‑largest gain total among all backs in the match |
| Turnovers forced | 2 (both from key opposition playmakers) | Shifted momentum in the second half |
Source: Official Brentwood match statistics (brentwoodfc.com/2026/classic‑final)
hill’s ability to combine speed, vision, and a high rugby IQ turned him into the decisive factor of the night. His early try in the 7th minute forced the opposition onto the back foot, while his late-game sprint from his own 22 m line set up the winning try for the wing.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- 7th Minute – Hill’s Breakout Try
- Received a rapid off‑load from scrum‑half
- Sprinted 45 m, evading two defenders before grounding the ball in the corner
- 23rd Minute – Defensive Resilience
- Hill executed a crucial tackle on the opposition’s inside center, preventing a likely try‑scoring possibility
- 38th Minute – First Half Hat‑Trick Initiation
- Intercepted a faulty pass, sprinted 30 m, and scored his second try, extending the lead to 14‑3
- 55th Minute – Momentum Shift
- Forced a turnover in the midfield, leading to a quick set‑piece that resulted in Brentwood’s third try
- 71st Minute – game‑Winning Sequel
- Picked up a loose ball, sidestepped two tacklers, and set up the final try for the wing, sealing a 28‑17 victory
Statistical Breakdown (Team vs. Opponent)
- Possession: Brentwood 58 % | Opponent 42 %
- Territory (in‑goal): Brentwood 63 % | Opponent 37 %
- Penalties conceded: Brentwood 3 | Opponent 7
- Lineouts won: Brent4 6 | Opponent 3
- Scrums won: Brent4 5 | Opponent 2
Data compiled from the Classic Cup official match report (classiccup.org/2026/brentwood‑harborcity)
Impact on Brentwood’s Championship Campaign
- Points Gain: 4 league points, moving Brentwood to 1st place in the Damien Division table (24 pts).
- Team Morale: Post‑match player interviews highlighted “unprecedented confidence” and “a belief that we can contend for the national title.”
- Recruitment Boost: Local talent pipelines reported a 15 % increase in trial sign‑ups following the classic win.
What This Win Means for the Damien Division
- Elevated Competition Level: Brentwood’s aggressive attacking style sets a new benchmark, prompting rival clubs to emphasize speed and tactical versatility.
- Broadcast Exposure: The Classic final attracted a peak viewership of 1.2 million on regional sports network,increasing the Damien Division’s media value.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Following the victory, Brentwood secured a three‑year partnership with a leading sports apparel brand (deal announced on Jan 4, 2026).
Practical Takeaways for Coaches
- Utilize Dual‑Threat Players – Hill’s blend of offensive power and defensive reliability showcases the advantage of developing all‑round backs.
- Prioritize Early Aggression – Establishing a lead within the first 10 minutes created a psychological edge that the opposition never recovered from.
- Focus on Turnover Creation – Securing two turnovers in the second half directly translated into points; drills that simulate high‑pressure ball recovery are essential.
- Maintain Discipline – Brentwood’s low penalty count (3) kept the opposition from gaining easy territory.
- Twitter Trending: #hillpower (over 35 k mentions) captured fan excitement within minutes of the final try.
- Facebook Poll: 89 % of Brentwood supporters voted “Ethan Hill – Player of the Year.”
- Local News Headlines:
- “Hill’s Hat‑Trick Seals Classic Crown – Brentwood Dominates Damien Division” – Brentwood Gazette (Jan 2, 2026)
- “From Grassroots to Glory: How Ethan Hill Inspired a Community” – Regional Sports Review (Jan 3, 2026)
