By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Tony Brooks has been affiliated with Pasadena High School for 30 years in a number of capacities, including the boys basketball coach.. Over that stretch, PHS has had a number of elite-level stars and they’ve enjoyed their share of championship teams. When thinking back over three decades, Brooks said Bryce […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Tony Brooks has been affiliated with Pasadena High School for 30 years in a number of capacities, including the boys basketball coach..
Bryce Hamilton Signing Letter of Intent
Over that stretch, PHS has had a number of elite-level stars and they’ve enjoyed their share of championship teams.
When thinking back over three decades, Brooks said Bryce Hamilton is one of the three greatest players in school history.
He is not just PHS’ only three-time Pacific League MVP, he is also the Pacific League’s only three-time league MVP.
PHS went 71-24 overall in Hamilton’s three years leading the Bulldogs, and 39-2 en route to three consecutive Pacific League championships.
Pasadena won their 15th consecutive league championship in 2018 thanks to its entire roster, and Hamilton did more than his share along the way.
Hamilton averaged 25 points and had 7 rebounds per game.
Bryce Hamilton, Jamie Jackson
He shot 55-percent from the field and led the area’s best program in total points, rebounds, free-throws made, blocked shots, field-goal percentage, was second in steals and third in 3-point baskets made.
For all his success and his consistent excellence, Bryce Hamilton has been named the Pasadena Sports Now Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Hamilton’s 809 points were 396 more than Tavian Percy’s 413, which was second best for the Bulldogs.
His 233 rebounds were 42 more than Darius Mason and he finished with 162 more field goals made than the next closest PHS player.
To put all those statistics in its proper perspective, one needs to consider Hamilton was the target of PHS’ opposition each night and he was often times doubled if not triple teamed.
It’s also important to point out that there were less shots to take with some key additions to the PHS roster this year.
But what to many, including this reporter makes Hamilton special is the way he carries himself, the way he respects the game, his teammates and even his opponents.
In an age where many athletes like to show up the opposition, Hamilton quietly but with passion excels in a sport he loves and allows his remarkable accomplishments on and off the floor to speak for themselves.
It’s all of the above as to why UNLV courted Hamilton so strongly and he’ll be in Las Vegas starting this summer for the Runnin’ Rebels.
He works just as hard in the classroom as he does on a basketball court.
“Bryce is one of the three best players in Pasadena basketball history,” PHS coach Tony Brooks said. “He’s scored nearly 2,000 points, he’s grown each year as a player and a young man and he takes his education very seriously. Bryce is the ultimate team player and even in games where he’s getting doubled or triple-teamed, he finds ways to affect the outcome with assists and rebounds. He doesn’t care what his stats are as long as we’re winning games.”
A big reason for Hamilton’s humility, demeanor and morals are because of his remarkable and strong mother.
Jamie Jackson did an incredible job raising both Bryce and his older brother Blake, who played for the University of Buffalo, and who himself was a huge star at PHS.
“My mom always supported me from day one by encouraging me to always be the best I can be,” Hamilton said. “She has always supported my dreams and kept me focused on what is important and matters in life. My brother has always been tough on me, which had made me mentally tough. He always pushed me to be the best and never let me settle.”
Blake Hamilton might show tough love to Bryce, but there is no question he’s incredibly proud of his little brother..
“Bryce had a very successful career at PHS. He’s one of the best to come out of Pasadena and to win three consecutive Pacific League MVP’s, which had never been done before is incredible,” Blake Hamilton said. “I think Bryce has the opportunity to be a real special player and achieve his dream of going to the league. And I’m excited to see the player he’ll become in a few years.”
Pasadena, over the last two years made CIF-SS title game appearances.
The Bulldogs also earned spots in the CIF State Regional finals and a semifinal berth, respectively.
And while they finished just short of their goals and dreams, these Bulldogs are champions and they’ve represented their school, their program and most importantly, their families well.
Hamilton wanted to thank all his teammates and credits them with helping him ascend and earn his scholarship at UNLV.
PHS’s Darius Brown II and Darius Mason have been huge keys to the Bulldogs’ success and have been with Hamilton the entire way.
This year, the addition of transfers Tavian Percy from Florida and Omari Moore from St. Francis made PHS the area’s best team by far.
Hamilton also wants every coach at Pasadena, including Chris Rucker, Vahan Parseghian, Darius Brown Sr., and head coach Tony Brooks to know how much he appreciates, respects and loves them for all they did to help his growth as a player and a person.
With all his success, when asked what Hamilton will remember most in 20 years when he’s able to explain to his future children what he achieved at PHS, Hamilton didn’t hesitate and his selfless answer won’t surprise anyone that knows him.
“I’ll remember the semifinal game against Rancho Verde. I didn’t have my best game, but everybody stepped up and helped us get to the CIF championship game. But mostly, I’ll think back and remember how much fun it was to be around and compete with such great guys and coaches who are family to me. I enjoyed every minute I had with all of them.”
Bryce Hamilton’s MVP Career (Per Game Average):
2017-18: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
2016-17: 24 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
2015-16: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals
Pasadena 2015-18:
Overall Record: 71-24
Pacific League: 39-2
Playoffs: 12-5
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