Sophomore Forward Moses Leaves Alemany for Serra

Which high school would James Moses try to lead to the promised land of a City or Southern Section basketball championship the next three years? Basketball coaches at four high schools have waited months for The Decision.

After more than three months of deliberation, Moses’ father, James Sr., confirmed Friday night of the 6-4 1/2 sophomore forward’s intention to enroll at Serra High next week.

“I’m elated,” said Serra Coach George McDaniel.

“James could be the catalyst we need to get back to the (Long Beach Sports) Arena,” he said, referring to the site of the CIF championships.

Moses is taking an entrance exam at the Gardena parochial school today.

Left disappointed are coaches at Carson, Verbum Dei, and St. Anthony--the schools that Moses had mentioned as transfer possibilities.

Moses, who lives in Carson, commuted to Alemany last year with assistant coach John Carr so he could start as a freshman. He has no reliable transportation to the Mission Hills school this year but remains registered there in case a ride is found before the beginning of school. The senior Moses said that his son has accepted that as unlikely and is gearing up for Serra.

“James has developed a strong interest in Serra,” Moses said. “His nephew (Philip Moses) goes there and we like the strong academics as well as the strong basketball program.”

Serra, an all-boys school of 450, was co-champion of the 5-A El Camino Real League with a record of 12-2 last season. The Cavaliers, who were 25-4 overall, lost to Mater Dei in the Southern Section semifinals at the Long Beach Arena.

With only one starter returning, McDaniel figured this would be a rebuilding year. The addition of Moses, who averaged 17 points a game last season, has altered his thinking.

McDaniel said he hadn’t actively pursued Moses. In fact, the coach claimed that he has never seen him play.

“I saw him shoot around in the gym a few weeks ago. He wanted to remain in a parochial school with high academic standards. That’s the big reason I’m glad he chose Serra.”