This Coltrane is music to the ears of St. Francis faithful

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I’ve heard, seen and written about plenty of good basketball players with plenty of catchy names in my 10-plus years of covering preps in Southern California. But alas, I’ve found a name that tops them all. A name that stands out more so than any in the past: Coltrane Powdrill of St. Francis.

The moniker instantly conjures up memories of legendary jazz musician John Coltrane. But Powdrill is making a name for himself. For example, he scored 19 points Wednesday, highlighted by the game-winning layup with 16 seconds remaining to defeat Maranatha, 64-62, in an opening round game of the La Salle/Temple City tournament.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore is averaging a team-best 15 points and eight rebounds a game heading into tonight’s second-round game against Temple City at 7:30 p.m. A spot in Friday’s semifinals is reserved for the winner. And if the Golden Knights hope to advance to Saturday’s championship game, well, we all know who will have to carry them ... Coltrane Powdrill, the kid with the game to match the name.

-- Sean Ceglinsky