The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser and the Timu Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits cruised to a 95-60 victory over the Jordan Panthers in their Monday night matchup at Browning High. Jordan took the early lead, going up 4-0 out of the gate, but after Poly’s 12-0 run in the first quarter, the Jackrabbits maintained a solid lead throughout the night.
“I was really happy with the maturity our guys showed, being able to play the right way and coming out with energy,” said Poly Coach Shelton Diggs after the game.
A key contributor for the Jackrabbits Jakobi Oware, who scored a team-high 18 points.
The sophomore, who already has two Division I offers, has only grown into his role on the team, establishing himself as an emerging talent for the Jackrabbits.
“This season he’s really been able to blossom into his wing position, showing what he can do defensively and offensively,” said Diggs.
Along with Oware, his older brother Jonas Oware, Kamarie Smith, and Isaac Hagens each finished with 13 points, helping push the Jackrabbits to victory.
“Being out there with my brother, it just gives me the confidence to come out here, and when it’s my turn to go, I can go,” said Jakobi Oware.
This season, the Jackrabbits have had a tough schedule in which they have faced matchups against some of the top-ranked teams in the state, including Harvard-Westlake and the Windward School.
“We’ve had some tough preseason matchups, but now that it’s Moore League time, we’re able to play a lot of other guys, including underclassmen, give them their confidence, and continue to build our rotation as we go forward,” said Diggs.
For the Panthers, Alvino Duncan had one of his best games of the season, finishing with a game-high 22 points. The junior came alive in the second half, scoring 18 points–all from his 6 three-pointers–including one stretch where he connected on three shots in a row from beyond the arc.
Poly’s defense was on display all night, as the Jackrabbits forced turnovers and blocked shots while disrupting the Panthers’ offensive flow.
“It starts with the little things, just getting up, playing defense, and then just believing, having confidence, that’s all it takes,” said Jakobi Oware.
Poly’s win continues the Jackrabbits’ four-game winning streak, while handing Jordan their second consecutive loss following their game against Cabrillo last Friday.
Both teams will be back in action this Wednesday as Poly (13-6, 4-0) takes on Cabrillo, and Jordan (11-9, 2-3) will match up against Wilson.
