The 1990s was a remarkable era for high school basketball in Southern California. The decade produced some of the most talented players, coaches, and teams in CIF history. Among them was the 1995 All-CIF team, which many consider the greatest assembly of talent ever.
This team boasted future NBA stars, collegiate champions, and even a few coaches who would go on to shape the next generation of basketball players. In this column, we’ll revisit the remarkable players who made up the 1995 All-CIF team and explore what made them so special.
The Headliners
The team’s centerpiece was undoubtedly Paul Pierce, the Inglewood High School phenom who would go on to become a 10-time NBA All-Star. Pierce’s dominance on the court was unmatched, with a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism that left defenders grasping at air.
Joining Pierce on the All-CIF team was another future NBA standout, Baron Davis, from Crossroads School in Santa Monica. Davis’s flashy playing style, which earned him the nickname “The King of Flash,” belied a fierce competitiveness and clutch gene that served him well throughout his professional career.
The Supporting Cast
While Pierce and Davis were the headliners, the 1995 All-CIF team was filled with talented players who would go on to achieve great things in basketball. One such player was Charles O’Bannon, the Artesia High School star who led his team to a CIF championship in 1993.
O’Bannon’s versatility and all-around skills made him a valuable asset to any team, and he would go on to play college ball at UCLA before enjoying a successful professional career overseas.
Another key contributor to the 1995 All-CIF team was Schea Cotton, the Mater Dei High School standout who was known for his explosive scoring ability and clutch performances. Cotton’s playing career was marked by numerous accolades, including a CIF championship in 1995.
The Legacy
The 1995 All-CIF team’s impact on Southern California basketball cannot be overstated. These players helped shape the next generation of hoop stars, inspiring countless young players with their incredible talent, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
Today, many of these players have gone on to become successful coaches, mentors, and community leaders, giving back to the sport that gave them so much. Their legacy continues to be felt throughout the CIF Southern Section, where they remain revered as some of the greatest players in California high school basketball history.
In conclusion, the 1995 All-CIF basketball team was a truly special assembly of talent, one that continues to inspire and influence the sport to this day. As we look back on their remarkable achievements, we’re reminded of the power of hard work, determination, and teamwork – values that these players embodied throughout their careers.
