ANNOUNCEMENT
San Juan Capistrano, CA:
The SoCal Challenge announced the teams for the second edition of its 8-team Multi Team Event, taking place on November 21st and 23rd at the Pavilion at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano.
We are pleased to announce the field for the Second Annual SoCal Challenge.
SURF DIVISION
The Surf Division will include Minnesota, UNLV, Cal Baptist, and Southern Illinois.
Once again, the SoCal Challenge has a Power school in the event in Minnesota. Last year it had TCU.
Minnesota Head Coach Ben Johnson said. "We know our student-athletes will have a first-class experience at such a well-run national tournament. I’m excited for our Gophers fans to experience a fun, warm destination that they can travel to and enjoy.”
UNLV will enter the season as one of the most discussed Mountain West programs. The Rebels finished strong last year by knocking off two NCAA Tournament teams late in the year (Colorado State and Wyoming). The hype will be strong with the additions of Elijah Harkless (via Oklahoma), Luis Rodriguez (via Ole Miss), Eli Parquet (via Colorado), and several more talented players under second-year head coach Kevin Kruger.
Cal Baptist becomes eligible for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2022-23 after finishing out its four-year probationary period as a new D1 member. HC Rick Croy and the Lancers are poised to make an immediate run at the WAC title by adding Riley Battin from Utah, Joe Quintana from LMU, and Hunter Goodrick from South Dakota to go along with an experienced nucleus that includes Ty Rowell and the dynamic Armstorng’s (Tre and Taran). Lancers will be a tough out in this event.
Southern Illinois is looking to take the quantum leap in the Missouri Valley in the 22-23 season. A core of veterans is back behind the established leadership of Marcus Domask and Lance Jones. Head Coach Bryan Mullins enters his fourth year in Carbondale and a good showing at the SoCal Challenge will be a key goal for the Saluki’s non-conference plans.
SCHEDULE
Games are to be played on November 21st.
Minnesota vs. Cal Baptist
UNLV vs. Southern Illinois Sand Bracket
Winners and Losers will play on November 23rd.
ON-CAMPUS GAMES
DATES TBA
Central Michigan at Minnesota
High Point at UNLV
Tennessee State at Southern Illinois
CSUN at Cal Baptist
The inaugural SoCal Challenge was praised for its high energy, professional event management and its beautiful location - San Juan Capistrano.
SAND DIVISION
The Sand Division Features Cal State University Northridge, Central Michigan University, High Point University, and Tennessee State University.
CSUN’s entry provides another local team from SoCal and the Big West the opportunity to experience the SoCal Challenge firsthand. Cal Poly was in the event last season.
Central Michigan is coached by long-time coach and player legend, Tony Barbee. Barbee enters his second season and his staff has worked hard to re-tool the roster to compete in the upper half of the MAC.
High Point is now coached by GG Smith, the son of Tubby and the former popular Kentucky player who has nothing but basketball pedigree in his blood. High Point is a potential sleeping giant in the Big South with great access to resources and facilities. The SoCal Challenge will be a great opportunity to see GG and the Panthers early on in the 22-23 season.
Tennessee State will feature Jr. Clay as an intra-conference transfer from Tennessee Tech. Clay has had several OVC accolades over the course of his career and will provide a boost to the Tigers’ offense. Ultra-productive Zion Griffin is also in the fold for TSU via Illinois-Chicago. At UIC, Griffin had multiple 20+ point performances and is an inside-outside weapon. TSU also brings back experienced leaders in Marcus Fitzgerald and Christian Brown.
SCHEDULE
Games are to be played on November 21st.
CSUN vs. Tennessee State
High Point vs. Central Michigan
Winners and Losers meet on November 23rd
“Teams and fans alike loved the first SoCal Challenge,” said Steve Barnes, Founder and Co-Executive Director of the SoCal Challenge. “We had a packed venue for both nights and are grateful that we were accepted by the college basketball media as if we’d been around forever, making sure we reached millions of people. This year's lineup of teams will be just as competitive and exciting.”
“We're looking forward to playing in the SoCal Challenge and facing some great competition Thanksgiving week,"
To learn more about the SoCal Challenge go to www.SoCalChallenge.co