March Madness Enters Final Stages: Local Stars Shine on National Stage

As March Madness reaches its thrilling conclusion with the Sweet Sixteen matchups set to begin this Thursday, several players with ties to Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles area continue to make their presence felt on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Local Talent Makes Impact

Former Inglewood High standout Marcus Johnson has been a revelation for 3-seeded Arizona, posting 19 points and 8 rebounds in their second-round victory over Florida. Johnson, who led Inglewood to a state championship in 2022, has seen his NBA draft stock rise significantly during the tournament.

“Growing up in Inglewood taught me how to compete,” Johnson told reporters after the win. “When you come from a city with so much talent, you have to bring your best every day. That mentality prepares you for moments like this.”

Other local products still dancing include Compton native Jamal Williams, a junior guard for Gonzaga, and Carson High alum DeAndre Thompson, who has been a defensive force for Connecticut as they defend their national title.

UCLA, USC Both Fall Short

Neither of Los Angeles’ premier college programs managed to make deep runs this year. UCLA, seeded 7th in the West Region, fell in the first round to Colorado State in a stunning upset, while USC, a 10-seed in the East, put up a valiant effort before losing to Iowa in the second round.

The early exits have intensified discussions about the future of both programs, with UCLA coach Mick Cronin facing questions about his tournament record and USC’s Andy Enfield dealing with speculation about potential interest from other schools.

Tournament Cinderellas and Favorites

This year’s tournament has already produced its share of surprises. Grand Canyon University, a 14-seed coached by former NBA star Bryce Drew, shocked 3-seeded Alabama to reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history. Meanwhile, Oakland University’s upset of Kentucky in the first round has already become one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.

Top-seeded UConn remains the betting favorite to capture back-to-back championships, followed closely by Houston, North Carolina, and Purdue. The Boilermakers are looking to redeem themselves after last year’s shocking first-round exit as a 1-seed.

Economic Impact and Local Viewing Options

The tournament continues to be a boon for local sports bars and restaurants, with establishments across Inglewood and South LA reporting significant increases in business during game days.

“March Madness is like a second holiday season for us,” said Maurice Jenkins, owner of The Overtime Sports Bar on Manchester Boulevard. “Our business increases about 40% during the tournament, and the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight weekends are always our busiest.”

Several community centers in Inglewood and Compton are hosting free viewing parties for the remaining games, providing family-friendly environments for local basketball enthusiasts to enjoy the tournament’s final stages.

*Sources: NCAA, ESPN, and local reporting*