August 29, 2011
The Third Annual NorCal Clash at Contra Costa College in San Pablo tipped off the academic school year with a game that featured the best of the 2012 class versus the younger elite class of 2013. The seniors only suited up nine players as Robert Upshaw, Kyiron Thomas, and Theo Johnson were unable to participate, while Amadi Udenyi was a late replacement.
Gerry Freitas and Glen Graham hosted the event. "This event is designed to promote NorCal basketball and its elite prospects to media/scouts, coaches, and the general public," said Freitas. "It is an opportunity to put the best NorCal has to offer in the spotlight." The Central Coast Section does not allow its players to participate in these types of events after August 1.
Despite being undersized and undermanned, the seniors started slow but came on strong midway in the first quarter to take a 42-25 advantage. Vallejo's Tajai Johnson had a highlight facial dunk, Oakridge's Bryce Scott connected on a few perimeter shots, and Berkeley's Langston Morris-Walker was versatile in his scoring. Mario Dunn played well both offensively and defensively for the juniors.
The lack of defense was still apparent in the second quarter as the 2012s held a 76-60 lead going into the half. The porous defense on both sides allowed several easy layups, second chance shots, and breakaway scores. The 2013s were spearheaded by Jabari Bird and Marcus Lee in the quarter as both players have good length and versatility to their games.
The juniors tried to mount a comeback as they were able to trim the deficit to 104-90 going into the final quarter. Thomas Wallace had some good offensive moments with points in the paint while Michael Bryson hit two of his four 3-point shots in the quarter for the seniors.
In the final quarter, the seniors pulled away to an easy 143-124 victory. Morris-Walker, who plans to make his college decision before the season starts, topped his team with 26 points and earned MVP honors. Bird was the game high scorer with 31 points that included going scoreless in the final quarter.
Here is a brief take on some of the participants:
Bryce Scott, Oakridge, 2012: Scott is accurate when he is spot up and in position. Sheldon and Jesuit will probably be the league favorites. Opposing teams will key on Scott to see if Oakridge has other offensive options.
Tajai Johnson, Vallejo, 2012: Had the highlight dunk of this game. Johnson drives the ball with ease to the basket and is bigger than most point guards. His Vallejo team was undersized this past season as he was forced to play out of position.
Parker Uu, Jesuit, 2012: Good spot up shooter. Bigger than most opposing guards and would benefit from a post up game against smaller guards that he can shoot over. His Jesuit team will be prime to challenge Sheldon for league this upcoming season.
Elliot Pitts, De La Salle, 2013: Pitts played a key role on the De La Salle run to state as a sophomore. He should make a big jump in his junior year as he will probably be the leader in scoring and rebounding for the Spartans.
Thomas Wallace, McNair, 2013: Stocky but quick shooting guard. Playing for the Soldiers definitely increased his visibility. Being in Stockton, Wallace probably does not get nearly as much publicity as the Bay Area prospects.
Darin Johnson, Franklin, 2013: Johnson and Theo Johnson will spearhead the Franklin team. Darin should be the offensive focus on the team. He should be able to get by defenders with his quickness and leaping abilities.
Dalvin Guy, McClymonds, 2013: With Jamaree Strickland's knee a question mark going into the season, Guy will probably be the guy in the middle for Mcclymonds. Mcclymonds is probably the overwhelming favorite in the OAL but how far they go in the postseason may depend on the interior play of Guy and Strickland. Guy should be a rebounding machine but his offensive development will determine a lot for Mcclymonds and his own recruiting situation.
Marcus Lee, Deer Valley, 2013: Versatile player who is long. Lee will probably be a small forward on the college level. More than one college coach in the summer told me that they were interested in Lee as a roaming perimeter forward.
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