ALLAN THE MAN

GRANADA HILLS, California – The highly ranked Cathedral High School Phantoms are blowing out their opponents in the first major local high school tournament of the season thanks in part to a roster filled with some of the top high school players in the state.

Among Cathedral's roster of California's top-ranked players and a few international prodigies is Filipino youngster Kobe Paras, who has become one of the team's main attractions.

Despite having limited time to practice due to gym remodeling and school finals, the Phantoms registered three straight blowout wins in the tournament that began last Thursday.

Paras scored 18 points in their game last Friday, including a series of dunks.

Among those who came to watch Paras was sportswriter and "Pacific Rims" author Rafe Bartholomew.

"It's impressive. The way he goes to the basket – he's really strong and finishes well," said Bartholomew. "He's creative when he finishes."

"If anything, I can tell the coaches were frustrated when he wasn't moving his feet a lot on defense in the first half and picked up some early fouls because of it," he added.

Although their team lost to Cathedral High by 30 points, Filipinos from St. Genevieve High School showed support for the UCLA-bound Paras.

The San Fernando Invitational ends with the championship round on Tuesday night, and the Phantoms have advanced to the Final Four.

After Christmas, the Phantoms will go to Las Vegas for yet another tournament.

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