SACRAMENTO, CA: The NBA sons basketball championship takes center stage this weekend as Alijah Arenas and Bryce James—sons of NBA legends Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James—compete for California state titles at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. Both players carry their famous surnames into high-stakes championship matchups that could define their high school legacies.
Chatsworth’s Alijah Arenas faces Sacramento Jesuit in Saturday’s Division II championship, while Sierra Canyon’s Bryce James battles Stockton Lincoln in Friday’s Division I final after defeating Redondo Union 74-68.
Elite Talents, Different Approaches
Alijah Arenas has embraced his father Gilbert’s scoring mentality, averaging 30 points per game this season. The 6’4″ guard combines his father’s lethal shooting range with advanced shot creation—skills that produced 44 points in last year’s state final defeat. His offensive repertoire mirrors the scoring prowess that made Gilbert “Agent Zero” a three-time NBA All-Star who once averaged 29.3 points with the Washington Wizards.
“I learned from watching old tapes of my dad that scoring isn’t just about talent—it’s about mentality,” Alijah remarked after their semifinal victory. “In big games, you need that killer instinct.”
Bryce James has developed a distinctly different game from his legendary father. The 6’6″ wing contributes as an intelligent role player within Sierra Canyon’s talent-rich system, showcasing solid defense, timely playmaking, and basketball IQ beyond his years. While LeBron dominates all facets of the game, Bryce has mastered the subtle contributions that elevate team performance.
Championship Stakes Amplified by Family History
For both players, these championship games carry historical significance. Gilbert Arenas never captured a state title during his high school career, creating a redemption narrative for Alijah after Chatsworth’s heartbreaking loss in last year’s final. The younger Arenas enters Saturday’s matchup with unfinished business, seeking championship hardware that eluded both him and his father.
Meanwhile, LeBron James led St. Vincent-St. Mary to three Ohio state championships during his historic high school career. Interestingly, Sierra Canyon has never secured a state title during the “James Era” despite the program’s national prominence with both Bronny and Bryce on the roster. Friday represents Bryce’s final opportunity to add a California state championship to the family’s impressive basketball legacy.
For complete championship weekend coverage of these second-generation stars, follow Prospect-Radar.com. Also explore our previous analysis of NBA legacy players in NBA Sons Basketball Championship: Arenas vs Ariza Showdown in LA City.
