Arenas’ Game Goes Beyond His 15 Years

At the age of 15, Grant High junior guard Gilbert Arenas is rolling up offensive scoring statistics usually reserved for seniors.

In his first 11 games this season, Arenas is averaging 32.5 points, including a school-record 46-point outburst Monday night against Bell-Jeff and Arizona-bound Ruben Douglas.

What’s impressive about Arenas is that his 46-point performance came one game after he made just four of 21 shots from the field and was limited to 12 points against Marshall.

Like most prolific scorers, Arenas has learned to keep shooting even if he’s struggling.

“I just figured I was playing against the best kid in the Valley and had to prove I was better than him or close,” Arenas said.

Arenas has grown to 6 feet 3 this season. Last year, he averaged 22.5 points. He can shoot three-pointers or drive to the basket.

“I like threes because people don’t think I can shoot that far,” he said.

Arenas is one of an outstanding group of junior guards that includes Cleveland’s Kent Dennis and San Fernando’s Devin Montgomery.

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Fast Start

Gilbert Arenas of Grant High scored a school-record 45 points Monday. Here’s a look at his first 10 games this season:

(Opponent: Points)

University: 36

Birmingham: 24

Oak Park: 29

Thousand Oaks: 30

Harvard-Westlake: 36

Newbury Park: 30

Culver City: 39

Leuzinger: 36

Pasadena Marshall: 12

Bell-Jeff: 45

AVERAGE: 31.7