UCLA and USC benefit from a rise in girls’ basketball talent in the Los Angeles area

The revival and rise of high school girls’ basketball continues in Southern California, and the success of the UCLA and USC women’s basketball programs is an example of the changing landscape. The Bruins were ranked No. 3 and USC No. 18 in the Associated Press national rankings before the season.

Instead of players needing to leave the area for exposure and quality training, they are based in Southern California, leading to UCLA and USC becoming national powers.

USC’s successful recruitment of JuJu Watkins from Sierra Canyon was a huge turning point, leading to others becoming Trojans, such as All-American Kennedy Smith from Etiwanda. UCLA’s selection of McDonald’s All-American Gabriella Jaquez, along with other national recruits, sets the stage for others to follow.

Both programs receive national television exposure and sell out games when they face off, something unheard of in years past. It shows the excitement that local stars generate for their teams.

UCLA coach Corey Close has been an advocate for growing girls’ basketball locally and has joined forces with USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb to promote the sport despite the rivalry.

“Everyone talks about the rivalry,” Close said. “The reality is that we are going to grow the sport in this city together.”

The talent level hasn’t really changed, Gottlieb said. What has changed is that players are choosing USC or UCLA instead of South Carolina, Connecticut, or Tennessee.

There is a lot of young talent to be recruited at Etiwanda, Ontario Christian, Corona Centennial and elsewhere.

This is a daily look at positive events in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.