TEMECULA >> The Rancho Christian boys basketball program reached new heights this season. One of the key figures in that upward movement was 6-foot-9 junior forward Isaiah Mobley.
Rancho Christian had one of the tougher nonleague schedules among Inland teams this season, and Mobley usually played at the top of his game when the Eagles took on elite competition. Averaging 19.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks, Mobley helped the program earn a spot in the CIF Southern Section’s Open Division playoffs and a Top 15 finish in the state rankings.
For these reasons, Mobley has been chosen the HSGameTime boys basketball player of the year for the 2017-18 season.
Rancho Christian’s goal this season was simple yet ambitious: become one of the state’s best team. The Eagles showed they could compete with the traditional powers right from the start, posting victories over Rancho Verde, Chino Hills and Etiwanda to win the BattleZone Tournament. Mobley had 30 points and 10 rebounds in the final against Etiwanda to win MVP honors.
Mobley was a difficult matchup for opposing teams because of his combination of length and athleticism. Mobley did most of his damage close to the rim, but he also showed the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter and make mid-range jumpers.
Rancho Christian became the smallest school to earn a berth in the Open Division playoffs. The Eagles faced Sierra Canyon in a back-and-forth, opening-round game but ultimately fell 83-79. Sierra Canyon went on to win the CIF State Open Division title.
“We wanted to take this program to a higher level this season,” Mobley said. “I definitely think we achieved many of our goals and proved we belonged up there with the best of the best.”
Mobley said the Eagles’ goals will be even higher next season.
“Open Division Championships are what we’ve been aiming for, and that’s what we’re going to be working to win,” Mobley said.