The Sixth Annual NorCal Tip Off Classic at Newark Memorial High School tipped off the high school basketball season for Northern California. Here are the results for the midday games and overall team/player analysis.
Game 1: Dublin, 75, Freedom 63
Both teams played loose defense as the game had several fast break baskets, back door layups, and open perimeter shots. Dublin was able to hold a multiple possession lead after the first quarter and maintain a comfortable cushion throughout the game. Freedom had more turnovers and could not get over the size advantage of Dublin in the post.
Dublin - Jojo McGlaston scored 31 points that was highlighted by a few dunks and he showed a soft perimeter touch that included three 3-point shots. The senior has good quickness to get to the rim. McGlaston's ball handling and scoring versatility makes him a legit shooting guard for the next level.
Eric Nielsen had 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 blocks as his height advantage disrupted any offensive flow in the paint for Freedom. The senior does not have the quickest lateral movement for a post player but he did have a few nice post moves to score. He may be a better pitching prospect as he is 6-foot-8 and has been clocked at 90 mph on the mound.
The Gaels are a senior laden team that sometimes settles for too many perimeter shots when they have a size advantage in the paint with Nielsen and have big guards in Jamir Andrews and McGlaston to post up smaller guards or take defenders into the paint. Campolindo and Miramonte have talent in the Diablo Foothill Athletic League but Dublin should be the favorites going into league play.
Freedom - Elliott Smith led the Falcons with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a losing cause as he was often matched up in the post. The junior is likely to be a wing player on the next level as he runs the floor well and looks comfortable in handling the ball even though he had 7 turnovers in this game.
James O'Neal contributed 16 points as he accounted for the team's three 3-point field goal makes. O'Neal has a smooth perimeter shot when left open. The senior is undersized to be a college shooting guard but can handle the ball sufficiently to possibly be a combination guard.
The Falcons will need to improve their point guard play as they had a total of 9 assists against 17 turnovers. Opposing teams who can press may fluster the Falcons into many bad decisions that turn into easy points. Teams should key on Smith and O'Neal on the offensive end and force other teammates to score. In the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL), expect Deer Valley and Heritage to be ahead of Freedom at this point.
Game 2: Heritage 66, McNair 48
Heritage had a huge size advantage, as the tallest players on McNair are 6-foot-1. As a result, Heritage had a 17-4 first quarter lead that expanded to 35-15 at the half. McNair also lost two key transfers during the offseason as it looks to be a rebuilding year for them.
Heritage - Shon Briggs was the biggest player on the floor but had a quiet eight points and two rebounds. Briggs only played 18 minutes but showed good activity and movement. At 6-foot-6, the junior needs a few more inches to be a power forward at the next level or he needs to further expand his ball handling and perimeter shooting. But his athletic ability and overall basketball skills will make him an attractive recruiting target.
Pierre Carter was versatile in accumulating 10 points and 9 rebounds in addition to using his quickness and size on the defensive end. He played on a loaded Nevada Wolverines summer club that may have overshadowed his recruiting. The senior confirmed that he is likely going the junior college route at Casper JUCO in Wyoming for one year to address some academic needs before going to a four year program. But his 6-foot-5 frame and overall athletic ability will put him on the college recruiting radar even if he takes the JUCO route.
Senior point guard George Johnson had 11 points but more importantly provided ball control and direction on the court. He is undersized as a point guard but can score and lead a team.
The Patriots have a complete team both inside and outside. This game was not indicative of what they are capable of or what their true level is as they played against an undermanned opponent. They have a balanced team that could challenge Deer Valley in the BVAL.
McNair - The Eagles are coming off of two straight 20-win seasons. But losing their top two juniors from last season to transfers, the Eagles may be hard pressed to reach double-digit victories. The team is undersized and will be guard oriented. As a result, the Eagles will depend heavily on their perimeter shooting but converted on only one 3-point shot in this gane. The team had 4 assists against 19 turnovers in this loss and will need to be more efficient in the season to be competitive.
Game 3: Pleasant Grove 74, St. Patrick-St. Vincent 63
In last year's event, Pleasant Grove defeated St. Patrick-St.Vincent 62-49 as they led from the start. In this year's battle, the Eagles overcame a sluggish first quarter to win despite not having senior guard Colfax Nordquist. Both teams have a deep rotation with potential young talent.
Pleasant Grove - Malik Thames looked really polished and smooth in the way he controlled his dribble, his shot, and his body on offense. He got to the free throw line 11 times and scored 23 points in total. The younger brother of San Diego State guard, Xavier Thames, has an offer from San Francisco and interest from UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara.
Matt Hayes had an off night in terms of his shooting but still had 12 points but was part of the frenetic pressing defense that caused 17 turnovers. At 6-foot-0, the senior will likely have to play point guard or combination guard at the next level. He has been hearing from Chico State, Hawaii, and UC Davis.
Two sophomores saw significant minutes for the Eagles. Guard Johann Tate had good ball handling and was key in applying pressure against the opposing guards. 6-foot-5 Marquese Chriss had good energy on defense and rebounding, showed good ball handling for his size, and had good lateral movement.
Pleasant Grove is guard oriented with good shooters, ball handlers, and a pressing defense. They have sufficient size with Chriss and 6-foot-6 Thomas Fitzgerald. The Eagles have a legitimate eight-man rotation and will be the main challengers to Sheldon in the Delta River Athletic League.
St. Patrick St. Vincent - Jalen Canty had 25 points and 10 rebounds as he was the dominant player in the paint. In addition, he went to the free throw line 11 times. The junior should have these types of numbers throughout the season as he builds on his recruiting profile.
Jason Webster had several hard drives and slashing moves to the basket as he also had six free throw attempts. He has good size for a guard but is listed at 6-foot-0. The senior looks to be a point guard or combination guard at the next level as his perimeter shooting and ball handling will affect his recruiting.
Jose Flores transferred to St. Pat's and looked very smooth in his debut. He had 11 points as he displayed a nice shooting form. The junior played in a very controlled manner and has good size for a guard at 6-foot-3.
The Bruins dominated the first quarter but were only able to end it with a three point lead when they could have had a bigger margin. They have size on the bench but it is inexperienced. The point guard play will be important as they had 8 assists against 17 turnovers. The team has great potential but needs to be more disciplined and more efficient with the basketball. The Tri-County Athletic League - Rock Division is loaded with El Cerrito, St. Joseph Notre Dame, and Salesian. The Bruins can make a run in the Division IV postseason with the progression of their roster.
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