August 24, 2015
The end of August typically signals the start of the next high school
academic year. But before the school year goes into full drive, the
inaugural California All-Star Classic will be held this Sunday (August
30th) at Las Positas College in Livermore. This two game event will
feature 48 of the top boy's basketball prospects from the 2016 and 2017
classes representing both halves of the state. This event provides a
unique opportunity to view a large collection of prep basketball talent
in one setting in the Northern California area.
Based on the Rivals 150 rankings for each class, the Southern California
2016 and 2017 classes will have six and seven prospects respectively
competing while the Northern California 2016 and 2017 classes will have
two and zero prospects respectively competing. In addition the combined
Southern California rosters have seven prospects taller than 6-foot-9
while the combined Northern California rosters have one prospect.
The Southern California 2016 roster is headlined by national top 15 prospects in UCLA commit Lonzo Ball and recent Arizona de-commit, T.J. Leaf
(who also played for the Israeli national team) while the stacked
Southern California 2017 roster suffered a late blow with top national
prosepct DeAndre Ayton
unable to play in the game. He will be replaced by Myles Johnson from
Long Beach Poly. The North's 2016 squad will have Cal commit Oscar Frayer and Oregon State commit Ben Kone to counter while the 2017 roster has a plethora of athletic guards and wings including Damari Milstead and Jade Smith.
Ty
Nichols of Sierra Canyon will coach the Southern California 2016 team.
Sierra Canyon won the Division V state champion this past year and will
also have four players in the event. Redondo Union's Reggie Morris
will coach the Southern California 2017 roster and will bring two of his
players. Lou Richie of the Open Division winning Bishop O'Dowd program
will coach the Northern California 2016 team. Brian Botteen of
Division I state champion San Ramon Valley leads the 2017 squad, as he
is the replacement coach for former De La Salle coach, Frank Allocco
(now an assistant coach at the collegiate level with San Francisco).
In
addition to Redondo Union (two) and Sierra Canyon (four) in having
multiple roster members for the combined South teams, Corona Centennial,
Chino Hills, Foothills Christian, and Bishop Montgomery are also
sending two players to the event each. The Northern California rosters
with multiple high school members of two each include Moreau Catholic,
Archbishop Mitty, De La Salle, Immanuel, Sacramento, Manteca, and Sacred
Heart Cathedral.
15 of the 24 players from the Southern
California teams are attending private schools while the Northern
California teams have 14 of their 24 players in private schools.
Brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball of Chino Hills are on the South squads
while cousins Kenneth Wooten and Tydus Verhoeven are on the North teams.
Many
of the players play with and against each other during the high school
season and also the summer club season. The Ball brothers play for Big
Ballers that is coached by their father and includes a younger brother.
Cal Supreme featured Jordan Schakel, Brandon Mccoy, and Devearl Ramsey.
Southern California based Compton Magic had Ike Angibogu, Jalen Hill,
Jaylen Hands, and Milan Acquaah. The Double Pump program had Colin
Slater and Keith Fisher. The Oakland Soldiers 17 roster included the
aforementioned Kone, Frayer, and Milstead in addition to Jordan Ford,
Christian Terrell, and Solomon Young (also played for the Norcal
Wildcats) on the North squads while the South has Ira Lee and Remy
Martin. Visalia based Team Superstar had Vittorio Reynoso-Avila and
Donovan Mitchell on their 17s team while Darrin Person and Jordan
Roberts was on the 16s team.
The 2017 game will be at 1:30pm while the 2016 contest starts at 3:30pm.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Article 422: Kone Moving to Corvallis
August 13, 2015
Making progress and moving ahead are standards that every individual tries to achieve in any endeavor undertaken. The metrics can be either empirical or statistical. In the case of Archbishop Mitty's Ben Kone, his advancement can be clearly explained and measured by either method as the power forward prospect has committed to Oregon State.
As a freshman, the 2016 prospect was playing across the bay at Richmond based Salesian College Prep. His playing time and statistics were minimal as he was playing on a senior laden team led by current Cal wing Jabari Bird and current Montana guard Mario Dunn (Beaver head coach Wayne Tinkle was previously the head coach at Montana at the time of Dunn's recruiting). The experience of practicing against Division I level talent at Salesian helped set the standard for Kone during his high school career.
As a sophomore, Kone transferred to Mitty due to his mother's employment situation. The Monarchs were coming off the graduation of current NBA forward, Aaron Gordon. Replacing Gordon was no small feat as Mitty went 27-5 with senior guards leading the way in Kone's first season with the Monarchs. He averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists.
As a junior, the 6-foot-9 and 240 pound prospect was expected to be the leader. Kone did not disappoint, as Mitty were California CIF State Division II runner up in a 20-11 season. The Monarch program was breaking in new guards and had high level prospects in sophomore transfer Sebastian Much and freshman Riley Grigsby but Kone was the focal point as he averaged 20.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Kone had visited Corvallis in mid-June and the current week. He pulled the trigger on the decision as he says, "My decision to select Oregon State really boiled down to the coaching staff and the overall culture on campus. I really feel like with hard work I can become a better player, a better student, and grow in to a good man there. I appreciate all of the offers and opportunities I had from other programs and I was really fortunate to have comparisons. Every program had their great points. I had to pick the place where I felt like it was the best fit for me personally. Oregon State was the opportunity that I knew all the support and coaching was in place for me to be successful and the rest would be up to me."
The current Beaver roster has a Bay Area flavor with former Berkeley High and Oakland Soldier, Langston Morris Walker, and Gary Payton II, son of the former local basketball star with the same name. Both Walker and Payton II are graduating seniors. The incoming Oregon State recruiting class features six freshmen including two sons of the coaching staff, Stephen Thompson Jr. and Tres Tinkle. Oakland Soldiers teammate and 2016 prospect Jordan Ford has the Beavers in his final three in the same recruiting class as Kone. Kone forecasts his potential role as a freshman, "Right now, it looks like I will play a 3/4 role, but I will do whatever the coaches and team needs. I'm all in."
Corvallis is a city with over 55,000 in population and is often found on the list of best college towns. The city is close knit and considered to have a dynamic intellectual environment. The trips to Corvallis made Kone feel as such, ""I've never been anywhere where the people are as genuinely nice as in Corvallis. I'm not just talking about on campus. Just in daily life at the store or the gas station, the people are nice. It's a great town."
Tinkle who is 6-foot-10 and 233 pounds played at Montana and coached at Montana (head coach for eight years). He will be going into his second year as the head coach at Oregon State. Kone says about the coaching staff, "We (Kone's mother Kristy and Ben) came on our second visit to commit in person. I knew that I wanted to play for Coach Tinkle and wanted to tell him in person. Coach Gottlieb was my main recruiting contact and is a great guy. About six months ago, Coach Tinkle jumped in as well and has been personally involved. I feel like I have a great relationship with all the coaches and can't wait to play for them. Coach Tinkle is not only a great coach, but a great person and a mentor. I have an enormous amount of respect for him."
The Monarch program has always had solid academics and athletics. As a result, Oregon State's basketball plus its academics made Kone say, "I am very interested in Brand Marketing and Communications, but haven't officially decided on a major yet. OSU academics and facilities stood out to me. Not only are they top notch, the staff in every department is approachable and knowledgeable."
Before Kone makes the move up to Corvallis, look for him in the upcoming season to help the Monarchs move up in San Jose, Calif.
Making progress and moving ahead are standards that every individual tries to achieve in any endeavor undertaken. The metrics can be either empirical or statistical. In the case of Archbishop Mitty's Ben Kone, his advancement can be clearly explained and measured by either method as the power forward prospect has committed to Oregon State.
As a freshman, the 2016 prospect was playing across the bay at Richmond based Salesian College Prep. His playing time and statistics were minimal as he was playing on a senior laden team led by current Cal wing Jabari Bird and current Montana guard Mario Dunn (Beaver head coach Wayne Tinkle was previously the head coach at Montana at the time of Dunn's recruiting). The experience of practicing against Division I level talent at Salesian helped set the standard for Kone during his high school career.
As a sophomore, Kone transferred to Mitty due to his mother's employment situation. The Monarchs were coming off the graduation of current NBA forward, Aaron Gordon. Replacing Gordon was no small feat as Mitty went 27-5 with senior guards leading the way in Kone's first season with the Monarchs. He averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists.
As a junior, the 6-foot-9 and 240 pound prospect was expected to be the leader. Kone did not disappoint, as Mitty were California CIF State Division II runner up in a 20-11 season. The Monarch program was breaking in new guards and had high level prospects in sophomore transfer Sebastian Much and freshman Riley Grigsby but Kone was the focal point as he averaged 20.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Kone had visited Corvallis in mid-June and the current week. He pulled the trigger on the decision as he says, "My decision to select Oregon State really boiled down to the coaching staff and the overall culture on campus. I really feel like with hard work I can become a better player, a better student, and grow in to a good man there. I appreciate all of the offers and opportunities I had from other programs and I was really fortunate to have comparisons. Every program had their great points. I had to pick the place where I felt like it was the best fit for me personally. Oregon State was the opportunity that I knew all the support and coaching was in place for me to be successful and the rest would be up to me."
The current Beaver roster has a Bay Area flavor with former Berkeley High and Oakland Soldier, Langston Morris Walker, and Gary Payton II, son of the former local basketball star with the same name. Both Walker and Payton II are graduating seniors. The incoming Oregon State recruiting class features six freshmen including two sons of the coaching staff, Stephen Thompson Jr. and Tres Tinkle. Oakland Soldiers teammate and 2016 prospect Jordan Ford has the Beavers in his final three in the same recruiting class as Kone. Kone forecasts his potential role as a freshman, "Right now, it looks like I will play a 3/4 role, but I will do whatever the coaches and team needs. I'm all in."
Corvallis is a city with over 55,000 in population and is often found on the list of best college towns. The city is close knit and considered to have a dynamic intellectual environment. The trips to Corvallis made Kone feel as such, ""I've never been anywhere where the people are as genuinely nice as in Corvallis. I'm not just talking about on campus. Just in daily life at the store or the gas station, the people are nice. It's a great town."
Tinkle who is 6-foot-10 and 233 pounds played at Montana and coached at Montana (head coach for eight years). He will be going into his second year as the head coach at Oregon State. Kone says about the coaching staff, "We (Kone's mother Kristy and Ben) came on our second visit to commit in person. I knew that I wanted to play for Coach Tinkle and wanted to tell him in person. Coach Gottlieb was my main recruiting contact and is a great guy. About six months ago, Coach Tinkle jumped in as well and has been personally involved. I feel like I have a great relationship with all the coaches and can't wait to play for them. Coach Tinkle is not only a great coach, but a great person and a mentor. I have an enormous amount of respect for him."
The Monarch program has always had solid academics and athletics. As a result, Oregon State's basketball plus its academics made Kone say, "I am very interested in Brand Marketing and Communications, but haven't officially decided on a major yet. OSU academics and facilities stood out to me. Not only are they top notch, the staff in every department is approachable and knowledgeable."
Before Kone makes the move up to Corvallis, look for him in the upcoming season to help the Monarchs move up in San Jose, Calif.
Article 421: Duplechan gives Huskies hope
August 10, 2015
The Sheldon basketball program has gone through a roller coaster the past few seasons that can match the ride of their point guard, Elishja Duplechan. After four consecutive 24 plus win seasons, the Huskies have had recent disappointments that include an eight-win season two years ago, a one point lost in the section finals this past season, and a first round playoff upset to Berkeley High in NorCals also during this past season.
Similarly, the No. 12 player in the NCP 2017 basketball class was considered one of the rising middle school prospects three years ago but had to sat out his freshman year due to undue influence and had to endure the postseason defeats during his sophomore campaign.
Duplechan is a 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds point guard who averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his sophomore campaign with Sheldon. During the summer, Duplechan is playing for Team Superstar, which is an elite program in the Under Armour Association.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Elishja is an explosive point guard who not only can score the ball but takes joy in getting other players involved. If he is not throwing the alley-oop or hitting a 3, he is taking pride in playing 90 feet of defense on the other teams point guard. With his speed and footwork, he causes a major disruption while the other team is trying to run their offense.
Duplechan started playing AAU in the 5th grade but was on the recreational league scene earlier that garnered an offer from Josh Pastner and the Memphis program. His basketball abilities earned him a spot on the varsity roster at Sheldon but undue influence forced him to sit out his freshman year. He practiced with the team but could only sit idle as the team went 8-18. Playing at full strength with Duplechan, the Huskies went 21-8 but the postseason ended with disappointments.
During the last viewing period in Las Vegas, Duplechan displayed a complete game on both ends. He was able to score from all over the court while facilitating and directing the offense. Defensively, he disrupted the opponent's rhythm.
Pacific, Sacramento State, San Francisco (plans unofficial visit), Stanford, and Weber State have expressed in interest. Per Duplechan, he has not heard much from Memphis after their initial offer and he attributes that to his not playing AAU basketball during his 8th grade year. He currently has a 3.66 GPA, considers Math or Science as his best subject, and wants to major in Business Management.
Look for the Huskies to rebound in the fall with Duplechan in Sacramento, Calif.
The Sheldon basketball program has gone through a roller coaster the past few seasons that can match the ride of their point guard, Elishja Duplechan. After four consecutive 24 plus win seasons, the Huskies have had recent disappointments that include an eight-win season two years ago, a one point lost in the section finals this past season, and a first round playoff upset to Berkeley High in NorCals also during this past season.
Similarly, the No. 12 player in the NCP 2017 basketball class was considered one of the rising middle school prospects three years ago but had to sat out his freshman year due to undue influence and had to endure the postseason defeats during his sophomore campaign.
Duplechan is a 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds point guard who averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his sophomore campaign with Sheldon. During the summer, Duplechan is playing for Team Superstar, which is an elite program in the Under Armour Association.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Elishja is an explosive point guard who not only can score the ball but takes joy in getting other players involved. If he is not throwing the alley-oop or hitting a 3, he is taking pride in playing 90 feet of defense on the other teams point guard. With his speed and footwork, he causes a major disruption while the other team is trying to run their offense.
Duplechan started playing AAU in the 5th grade but was on the recreational league scene earlier that garnered an offer from Josh Pastner and the Memphis program. His basketball abilities earned him a spot on the varsity roster at Sheldon but undue influence forced him to sit out his freshman year. He practiced with the team but could only sit idle as the team went 8-18. Playing at full strength with Duplechan, the Huskies went 21-8 but the postseason ended with disappointments.
During the last viewing period in Las Vegas, Duplechan displayed a complete game on both ends. He was able to score from all over the court while facilitating and directing the offense. Defensively, he disrupted the opponent's rhythm.
Pacific, Sacramento State, San Francisco (plans unofficial visit), Stanford, and Weber State have expressed in interest. Per Duplechan, he has not heard much from Memphis after their initial offer and he attributes that to his not playing AAU basketball during his 8th grade year. He currently has a 3.66 GPA, considers Math or Science as his best subject, and wants to major in Business Management.
Look for the Huskies to rebound in the fall with Duplechan in Sacramento, Calif.
Article 420: Smooth as Jadé
August 8, 2015
Prior to last year's 17-16 mark, St. Joseph Notre Dame had had six consecutive 24 plus win seasons. For the Pilots to return to that win total, they will need to be as smooth as Jade Smith.
The No. 4 ranked player in the NCP 2017 basketball class averaged 11.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in his sophomore campaign. Smith has been playing basketball since the 5th grade and has been a varsity contributor since his freshman year.
Smith is one of the top prospects in his Northern California class and can raise his visibility and stock on the national level while playing with Under Armour league member, Team Superstar, during the summer season.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Jadé's strengths are his command of the game, ability to control the flow, and making his teammates better. He is like another coach on the floor."
As a sophomore, Smith's Pilot went 3-7 in the competitive Tri-County League. The 6-foot-3 and 172 pounds prospect has ideal point guard height, size, and quickness. On the court, he allows the game to flow naturally to him, as he does not force the issue. His size and length helps him to gather rebounds and to be disruptive on perimeter defense.
Coach Dodson's thoughts of him at the NCAA level, "He is going to be a high major player. Jadé is a complete player. He has a high Basketball IQ, has a driven motor, and is a true point guard who can score."
These strong basketball attributes have not gone unnoticed. Montana, Nevada, New Mexico State, and San Diego State have offered Smith while Cal, Fresno State, and San Jose State are on the radar.
Smith overcame a kneecap injury from February to play solidly on the Under Armour circuit with the Team Super 16U club this past summer. Smith currently has a 3.20 GPA and considers Science to be his best subject, as he wants to major in Sports Medicine.
Watch for the Pilots to be running smoothly in the fall with Smith in Alameda, Calif.
Prior to last year's 17-16 mark, St. Joseph Notre Dame had had six consecutive 24 plus win seasons. For the Pilots to return to that win total, they will need to be as smooth as Jade Smith.
The No. 4 ranked player in the NCP 2017 basketball class averaged 11.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in his sophomore campaign. Smith has been playing basketball since the 5th grade and has been a varsity contributor since his freshman year.
Smith is one of the top prospects in his Northern California class and can raise his visibility and stock on the national level while playing with Under Armour league member, Team Superstar, during the summer season.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Jadé's strengths are his command of the game, ability to control the flow, and making his teammates better. He is like another coach on the floor."
As a sophomore, Smith's Pilot went 3-7 in the competitive Tri-County League. The 6-foot-3 and 172 pounds prospect has ideal point guard height, size, and quickness. On the court, he allows the game to flow naturally to him, as he does not force the issue. His size and length helps him to gather rebounds and to be disruptive on perimeter defense.
Coach Dodson's thoughts of him at the NCAA level, "He is going to be a high major player. Jadé is a complete player. He has a high Basketball IQ, has a driven motor, and is a true point guard who can score."
These strong basketball attributes have not gone unnoticed. Montana, Nevada, New Mexico State, and San Diego State have offered Smith while Cal, Fresno State, and San Jose State are on the radar.
Smith overcame a kneecap injury from February to play solidly on the Under Armour circuit with the Team Super 16U club this past summer. Smith currently has a 3.20 GPA and considers Science to be his best subject, as he wants to major in Sports Medicine.
Watch for the Pilots to be running smoothly in the fall with Smith in Alameda, Calif.
Article 419: Vegas champs crowned
July 27, 2015
Sunday was the conclusion of bracket play and the final summer evaluation period. The Lakeshow 16s Elite had one of the more impressive showings from Northern California as they won the Fab 48 16U Diamond Championship. Here are some players of note on Day 5:
Jade Smith 6-foot-2 PG Team Superstar 16 Elite (St Joseph Alameda) 2017: For his grade level, Smith has ideal point guard height and size. He played good on ball defense and has long arms to disrupt passing lanes. Per his club coach, he has nine offers with the most recent ones being Nevada, San Jose State, and San Diego State.
Darne Duckett 6-foot-0 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Joseph Alameda) 2017: Duckett sees the floor well to make his passing effective. He displayed an accurate perimeter shot while not hesitant in taking the ball to the basket and being able to finish. He moves his feet well on perimeter defense. Weber State and San Diego have been in contact.
Jack Wilson 6-foot-11 Center Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Serra) 2018: Wilson playing in the 15U tournament is easily one of the biggest and tallest prospects. He labored running up and down the court as his conditioning may not be where it needs to be but he displayed soft hands and a soft touch in the paint. He will have the opportunity at Serra to compete against some challenging post players in the upcoming season.
Ben Kone 6-foot-10 PF Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Archbishop Mitty) 2016: Kone held his own during the week as he faced comparable size opponents. His trip to Peach Jam resulted in an offer from Auburn to bring his total offers to six. He probably will be one of the few 2016 prospects to have multiple BCS level offers to choose from with the possibility of being in the rotation as a college freshman due to his versatility as a power forward.
Austin Fadal 6-foot-3 SG Team Superstar 16 Elite (Monte Vista) 2017: For a guard, Fadal has good size and length that allows him to back down smaller defenders or shoot over them. Per his club coach, the most recent contact from colleges has been Montana, Nevada, and Portland.
Shamar Morrow 6-foot-2 Wing Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Country Day) 2020: The middle school prospect has advanced skills on both ends of the court. He runs the court well and positions himself well on the fast break or when going after rebounds. He has good length and athleticism that makes the game look more fluid for him.
BJ Standley 5-foot-10 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Patrick St Vincent) 2017: Standley is a pass first point guard but also displayed a consistent shooting touch. He has plus quickness that helps him create space on offense while being disruptive on defense. Pacific is interested as he went to their summer camp.
Khalil Chatman 6-foot-6 F Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Franklin) 2018: Chatman showcased primarily post skills in his rebounding and shot blocking abilities. He is thin and wiry but has time to increase bulk and develop his overall skills. The sophomore should benefit from competing with the Soldiers and with Franklin in the Delta League.
Sunday was the conclusion of bracket play and the final summer evaluation period. The Lakeshow 16s Elite had one of the more impressive showings from Northern California as they won the Fab 48 16U Diamond Championship. Here are some players of note on Day 5:
Jade Smith 6-foot-2 PG Team Superstar 16 Elite (St Joseph Alameda) 2017: For his grade level, Smith has ideal point guard height and size. He played good on ball defense and has long arms to disrupt passing lanes. Per his club coach, he has nine offers with the most recent ones being Nevada, San Jose State, and San Diego State.
Darne Duckett 6-foot-0 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Joseph Alameda) 2017: Duckett sees the floor well to make his passing effective. He displayed an accurate perimeter shot while not hesitant in taking the ball to the basket and being able to finish. He moves his feet well on perimeter defense. Weber State and San Diego have been in contact.
Jack Wilson 6-foot-11 Center Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Serra) 2018: Wilson playing in the 15U tournament is easily one of the biggest and tallest prospects. He labored running up and down the court as his conditioning may not be where it needs to be but he displayed soft hands and a soft touch in the paint. He will have the opportunity at Serra to compete against some challenging post players in the upcoming season.
Ben Kone 6-foot-10 PF Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Archbishop Mitty) 2016: Kone held his own during the week as he faced comparable size opponents. His trip to Peach Jam resulted in an offer from Auburn to bring his total offers to six. He probably will be one of the few 2016 prospects to have multiple BCS level offers to choose from with the possibility of being in the rotation as a college freshman due to his versatility as a power forward.
Austin Fadal 6-foot-3 SG Team Superstar 16 Elite (Monte Vista) 2017: For a guard, Fadal has good size and length that allows him to back down smaller defenders or shoot over them. Per his club coach, the most recent contact from colleges has been Montana, Nevada, and Portland.
Shamar Morrow 6-foot-2 Wing Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Country Day) 2020: The middle school prospect has advanced skills on both ends of the court. He runs the court well and positions himself well on the fast break or when going after rebounds. He has good length and athleticism that makes the game look more fluid for him.
BJ Standley 5-foot-10 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Patrick St Vincent) 2017: Standley is a pass first point guard but also displayed a consistent shooting touch. He has plus quickness that helps him create space on offense while being disruptive on defense. Pacific is interested as he went to their summer camp.
Khalil Chatman 6-foot-6 F Oakland Soldiers 15 Elite (Franklin) 2018: Chatman showcased primarily post skills in his rebounding and shot blocking abilities. He is thin and wiry but has time to increase bulk and develop his overall skills. The sophomore should benefit from competing with the Soldiers and with Franklin in the Delta League.
Article 418: Vegas: Bracket play
July 26, 2015
Saturday started bracket play with losers going home and the winners extending their stay in Las Vegas into Sunday. Here is a breakdown of the action on Day 4:
Elishja Duplechan 5-foot-10 PG Team Superstar 16 Elite (Sheldon) 2017: In the opening bracket game, Duplechan looked for his shot as a point guard as he hit a few midrange jumpers and went to the foul line by initiating contact. He had a key 3-point make in the second half as he probably accounted for half the team's points. Per his club coach, Pacific has expressed interest.
Dejon Davis 6-foot-7 F Oakland Rebels 17 Red (Oakland Tech) 2016: Davis is slightly undersized to be a power forward. He has good foot movement and plays physical in the post. The Oakland Tech prospect displays a nice midrange game.
Cole Taira 5-foot-10 G E-Time Hoops 17U (Kennedy) 2016: Tiara has a non-stop motor as he plays hard on both ends. He displayed an accurate perimeter touch. Chico State, CSU East Bay, and Sonoma State have shown interest.
Peter Hamilton 6-foot-7 F Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Central Catholic) 2016: The Central Catholic prospect is a good face up shooter who moves well laterally. He rebounds well for his size. Per his club coach, Chaminade, CSU East Bay, and Point Loma are in contact.
Jordan Ratinho 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (De La Salle) 2016: Since Anaheim from last week, his club coach has stated that Oregon State and Utah have stepped it up in their recruiting interest. Ratinho is a versatile scorer but his perimeter shooting is his calling card. Along with teammate Nikhil Peters, De La Salle should be one of the top teams from Northern California in the upcoming season.
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: Gilmore was the team's most effective player as he filled up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and blocked shots. He is versatile with his offense as he can score inside or on the perimeter. He has heard from schools like Army and Chico State but getting the most interest at the Division III level that includes Claremont, Pomona, and Whitman.
Connor O'Dea 6-foot-3 SG Greenline (De La Salle) 2017: O'Dea has good size and athleticism. He was aggressive in his rebounding and ran the court well. Per his head coach, interest from some Division II level schools has started.
Eric Galindo 5-foot-11 PG Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2016: Galindo is a quick and versatile guard. He displayed a fearless perimeter shot. Per his club coach, Galindo is recruited by Division III programs, which include Oberlin, Pomona, and Vassar.
David Menary 6-foot-6 F E-Time Hoops 17U (Nevada Union) 2016: Menary is an agile forward who can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and is a solid passer. He led his Nevada Union team with 18.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Per his club coach, he is getting interest from Chico State, Pacific, and several other Division II schools.
Nicholas Macarchuk 6-foot-7 W Greenline (De La Salle) 2016: Macarchuk is an outside shooter with length. He is not the most agile player but will be depended on for rebounding for De La Salle as he is the tallest player on the roster. His recruiting should benefit from playing alongside Peters and Ratinho.
Tavian Henderson 6-foot-4 Wing Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (St Patrick St Vincent) 2017: The junior is a slashing wing who is a versatile scorer. He has good defensive attributes with his feet movement and long arms. Montana and Portland State have expressed early interest.
Austin Clarke 6-foot-6 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (Campolindo) 2016: Injuries are a part of sports but Clarke has had some untimely injuries this past summer. He had a concussion on the opening day of the April evaluation period. Per his club coach, Clarke sprained his ankle in their opening game in Las Vegas and has sat out the rest of the weekend. Campolindo won 28 games last year and will need Clarke to be on the court to help them match those totals.
Some of the teams (with Northern California players) that will continue bracket play on Sunday (Team Name and tournament):
Lakeshow Elite 16U, Fab 48 16U Diamond
Oakland Soldiers Elite 15U, Las Vegas Classic 15U Platinum Elite
Oakland Soldiers Elite 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
NorCal Pharaohs 17s, Fab 48 17U Platinum
Team Superstar 16U Elite, Fab 48 16U Invitational
Saturday started bracket play with losers going home and the winners extending their stay in Las Vegas into Sunday. Here is a breakdown of the action on Day 4:
Elishja Duplechan 5-foot-10 PG Team Superstar 16 Elite (Sheldon) 2017: In the opening bracket game, Duplechan looked for his shot as a point guard as he hit a few midrange jumpers and went to the foul line by initiating contact. He had a key 3-point make in the second half as he probably accounted for half the team's points. Per his club coach, Pacific has expressed interest.
Dejon Davis 6-foot-7 F Oakland Rebels 17 Red (Oakland Tech) 2016: Davis is slightly undersized to be a power forward. He has good foot movement and plays physical in the post. The Oakland Tech prospect displays a nice midrange game.
Cole Taira 5-foot-10 G E-Time Hoops 17U (Kennedy) 2016: Tiara has a non-stop motor as he plays hard on both ends. He displayed an accurate perimeter touch. Chico State, CSU East Bay, and Sonoma State have shown interest.
Peter Hamilton 6-foot-7 F Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Central Catholic) 2016: The Central Catholic prospect is a good face up shooter who moves well laterally. He rebounds well for his size. Per his club coach, Chaminade, CSU East Bay, and Point Loma are in contact.
Jordan Ratinho 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (De La Salle) 2016: Since Anaheim from last week, his club coach has stated that Oregon State and Utah have stepped it up in their recruiting interest. Ratinho is a versatile scorer but his perimeter shooting is his calling card. Along with teammate Nikhil Peters, De La Salle should be one of the top teams from Northern California in the upcoming season.
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: Gilmore was the team's most effective player as he filled up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and blocked shots. He is versatile with his offense as he can score inside or on the perimeter. He has heard from schools like Army and Chico State but getting the most interest at the Division III level that includes Claremont, Pomona, and Whitman.
Connor O'Dea 6-foot-3 SG Greenline (De La Salle) 2017: O'Dea has good size and athleticism. He was aggressive in his rebounding and ran the court well. Per his head coach, interest from some Division II level schools has started.
Eric Galindo 5-foot-11 PG Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2016: Galindo is a quick and versatile guard. He displayed a fearless perimeter shot. Per his club coach, Galindo is recruited by Division III programs, which include Oberlin, Pomona, and Vassar.
David Menary 6-foot-6 F E-Time Hoops 17U (Nevada Union) 2016: Menary is an agile forward who can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and is a solid passer. He led his Nevada Union team with 18.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Per his club coach, he is getting interest from Chico State, Pacific, and several other Division II schools.
Nicholas Macarchuk 6-foot-7 W Greenline (De La Salle) 2016: Macarchuk is an outside shooter with length. He is not the most agile player but will be depended on for rebounding for De La Salle as he is the tallest player on the roster. His recruiting should benefit from playing alongside Peters and Ratinho.
Tavian Henderson 6-foot-4 Wing Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (St Patrick St Vincent) 2017: The junior is a slashing wing who is a versatile scorer. He has good defensive attributes with his feet movement and long arms. Montana and Portland State have expressed early interest.
Austin Clarke 6-foot-6 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (Campolindo) 2016: Injuries are a part of sports but Clarke has had some untimely injuries this past summer. He had a concussion on the opening day of the April evaluation period. Per his club coach, Clarke sprained his ankle in their opening game in Las Vegas and has sat out the rest of the weekend. Campolindo won 28 games last year and will need Clarke to be on the court to help them match those totals.
Some of the teams (with Northern California players) that will continue bracket play on Sunday (Team Name and tournament):
Lakeshow Elite 16U, Fab 48 16U Diamond
Oakland Soldiers Elite 15U, Las Vegas Classic 15U Platinum Elite
Oakland Soldiers Elite 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
NorCal Pharaohs 17s, Fab 48 17U Platinum
Team Superstar 16U Elite, Fab 48 16U Invitational
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Article 417: Vegas: Pool Play concludes
July 25, 2015
Friday concluded pool play in Las Vegas and several Northern California teams went undefeated. As bracket play starts on Saturday, here are some players and teams of note on Day 3:
Noah Stapes 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: Stapes hit three 3-point shots in the second half of their second game in pool play to increase the margin to double digits. Stapes has a good frame to rebound but his lateral movement and quickness will determine if he can compete at the Division I level. According to his club coach, several Division II schools are interested but Boston University and Colgate from Division I have been in contact recently.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: The major change week over week for Hewitt is according to his club coach that Utah State is very interested in the post prospect. Hewitt helped anchor the post in Lakeshow's undefeated pool play results.
Aidan Green 6-foot-1 Wing BFS Blackout Elite 16s (Tokay) 2017: Green is an athletic wing who can score inside and outside. He has good ball handling and defends well laterally. He is a bit undersized currently but is a tenacious defender and can rebound well for his size. Per his club coach, CSU Bakersfield and UC Santa Barbara are in contact.
Trevor Drake 6-foot-7 F NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Del Oro) 2017: Drake is a versatile player who has a good shooting range and can handle the ball well for his size. He rebounds well but will need more perimeter skills to be recruited at the Division I level. He complements his teammates well by doing the little, hustle plays and fits the glue guy role well.
Christian Terrell 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Sacramento) 2016: Terrell played several minutes, as his versatility is evident by his athleticism and size. He has enough length to guard forwards while he has enough lateral movement to defend guards. On a loaded Soldiers team, he did not look for his offense like some of his other teammates but will be the main perimeter offensive facilitator and scorer on his Sacramento High program.
Anthony Booker 6-foot-8 PF BFS Blackout Elite 16s (Weston Ranch) 2016: The senior is a mobile post player who runs the court well. His frame is good in blocking shots and rebounding. Per his club coach, Pacific is in contact.
Matt Manning 6-foot-6 Wing Lakeshow 17s Elite (Sheldon) 2016: Manning competed on Thursday but was not available for the Friday morning game. Per his club coach, Manning had to make a trip to San Diego as there was a baseball AAU scouting event being viewed by MLB scouts. Manning is an elite baseball prospect as well.
Yamori Derouen 6-foot-7 PG NorCal Pharaohs 17s (Burbank) 2016: Derouen is a face up, athletic forward with a respectable mid-range game. He has good jumping abilities and has long arms to be effective and disruptive on defense. The Pharaohs 17s went undefeated in pool play with his assistance.
Thomas Avent 5-foot-10 PG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Vanden) 2016: Avent is a low to the ground point guard who is built like a running back. He takes and initiates contact well and is also aggressive in his rebounding. Per his club coach, Division II interest includes CSU East Bay, CSU Maritime, and Holy Names.
Emeka Udenyi 6-foot-5 F Greenline (De La Salle) 2017: Udenyi displayed soft hands in his shooting touch and passing. He goes hard to the basket with his size. If his size does not change, he is a tweener as he is too short to play the post and would need to add to his perimeter skills. His brother, Amadi, is on the Pepperdine roster.
Some of the teams (with Northern California players) that won all three games in their pool play (Team Name and tournament):
E-Time Hoops 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum
Greenline, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
Lakeshow Elite 17U, Fab 48 17U Invitational
NorCal Pharaohs 16s, Fab 48 16U Diamond
NorCal Pharaohs 17s, Fab 48 17U Platinum
Oakland Soldiers Elite 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
Team Select 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Silver
Team Superstar 16U Elite, Fab 48 16U Invitational
Notes
New De La Salle coach AJ Kuhle was with the Greenline team in the stands. He did not coach on the sidelines but did give the post game review with his team. Kuhle is a former De La Salle alum and was previously an assistant coach for eight years with the University of Denver.
The Las Vegas Classic is holding a separate eight-team sub-tournament called "The 8" in the main gym's court at Rancho High. Last year, it was called the Chris Paul Jordan 8 Tournament and usually is composed of Nike sponsored teams. The Northern California based Oakland Soldiers participated last year and also is participating this year. They lost both of their first two games and will be playing in the 7th place game on Saturday.
Per one club coach's explanation, players can play for two teams during the event. One player who normally was on the 16s had the opportunity to play on the 17s team due to a player injury in the Fab 48. Another player played for his regular club at the Fab 48 event but hurriedly went to play for his high school summer club at the Las Vegas Classic event.
Friday concluded pool play in Las Vegas and several Northern California teams went undefeated. As bracket play starts on Saturday, here are some players and teams of note on Day 3:
Noah Stapes 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: Stapes hit three 3-point shots in the second half of their second game in pool play to increase the margin to double digits. Stapes has a good frame to rebound but his lateral movement and quickness will determine if he can compete at the Division I level. According to his club coach, several Division II schools are interested but Boston University and Colgate from Division I have been in contact recently.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: The major change week over week for Hewitt is according to his club coach that Utah State is very interested in the post prospect. Hewitt helped anchor the post in Lakeshow's undefeated pool play results.
Aidan Green 6-foot-1 Wing BFS Blackout Elite 16s (Tokay) 2017: Green is an athletic wing who can score inside and outside. He has good ball handling and defends well laterally. He is a bit undersized currently but is a tenacious defender and can rebound well for his size. Per his club coach, CSU Bakersfield and UC Santa Barbara are in contact.
Trevor Drake 6-foot-7 F NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Del Oro) 2017: Drake is a versatile player who has a good shooting range and can handle the ball well for his size. He rebounds well but will need more perimeter skills to be recruited at the Division I level. He complements his teammates well by doing the little, hustle plays and fits the glue guy role well.
Christian Terrell 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Sacramento) 2016: Terrell played several minutes, as his versatility is evident by his athleticism and size. He has enough length to guard forwards while he has enough lateral movement to defend guards. On a loaded Soldiers team, he did not look for his offense like some of his other teammates but will be the main perimeter offensive facilitator and scorer on his Sacramento High program.
Anthony Booker 6-foot-8 PF BFS Blackout Elite 16s (Weston Ranch) 2016: The senior is a mobile post player who runs the court well. His frame is good in blocking shots and rebounding. Per his club coach, Pacific is in contact.
Matt Manning 6-foot-6 Wing Lakeshow 17s Elite (Sheldon) 2016: Manning competed on Thursday but was not available for the Friday morning game. Per his club coach, Manning had to make a trip to San Diego as there was a baseball AAU scouting event being viewed by MLB scouts. Manning is an elite baseball prospect as well.
Yamori Derouen 6-foot-7 PG NorCal Pharaohs 17s (Burbank) 2016: Derouen is a face up, athletic forward with a respectable mid-range game. He has good jumping abilities and has long arms to be effective and disruptive on defense. The Pharaohs 17s went undefeated in pool play with his assistance.
Thomas Avent 5-foot-10 PG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Vanden) 2016: Avent is a low to the ground point guard who is built like a running back. He takes and initiates contact well and is also aggressive in his rebounding. Per his club coach, Division II interest includes CSU East Bay, CSU Maritime, and Holy Names.
Emeka Udenyi 6-foot-5 F Greenline (De La Salle) 2017: Udenyi displayed soft hands in his shooting touch and passing. He goes hard to the basket with his size. If his size does not change, he is a tweener as he is too short to play the post and would need to add to his perimeter skills. His brother, Amadi, is on the Pepperdine roster.
Some of the teams (with Northern California players) that won all three games in their pool play (Team Name and tournament):
E-Time Hoops 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum
Greenline, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
Lakeshow Elite 17U, Fab 48 17U Invitational
NorCal Pharaohs 16s, Fab 48 16U Diamond
NorCal Pharaohs 17s, Fab 48 17U Platinum
Oakland Soldiers Elite 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Platinum Elite
Team Select 17U, Las Vegas Classic 17U Silver
Team Superstar 16U Elite, Fab 48 16U Invitational
Notes
New De La Salle coach AJ Kuhle was with the Greenline team in the stands. He did not coach on the sidelines but did give the post game review with his team. Kuhle is a former De La Salle alum and was previously an assistant coach for eight years with the University of Denver.
The Las Vegas Classic is holding a separate eight-team sub-tournament called "The 8" in the main gym's court at Rancho High. Last year, it was called the Chris Paul Jordan 8 Tournament and usually is composed of Nike sponsored teams. The Northern California based Oakland Soldiers participated last year and also is participating this year. They lost both of their first two games and will be playing in the 7th place game on Saturday.
Per one club coach's explanation, players can play for two teams during the event. One player who normally was on the 16s had the opportunity to play on the 17s team due to a player injury in the Fab 48. Another player played for his regular club at the Fab 48 event but hurriedly went to play for his high school summer club at the Las Vegas Classic event.
Article 416: 2017s shine in Vegas
July 24, 2015
Thursday was a full day of basketball in the final NCAA certified evaluation period of the summer in Las Vegas. Many college coaches need to plan ahead for their recruiting needs as Northern California has a strong 2017 class that should begin to get more recruiting attention.
Here are some players of all classes of note on Day 2:
Sebastian Much 6-foot-8 PF Oakland Rebels 17 Red (Archbishop Mitty) 2017: The Mitty prospect has battled against bigger bodies in the paint but has held up well. Much spent part of the summer with the German national team. With a European influence, Much looks like a face up power forward that can stretch the defense but still has enough size to contribute in the post. He is the lone 2017 prospect on the Rebels top team.
Stone Smart 6-foot-3 PG NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Del Oro) 2017: Smart is the likely starting quarterback for the football power, Del Oro. The dual threat quarterback displayed similar leadership and athletic skills on the basketball court. He has good leaping abilities as he swatted a few shots while also connecting from the perimeter a few times. Per his coach, CSU East Bay, Portland, Sacramento State, and San Jose State have expressed interest for basketball.
Keith Smith 6-foot-0 PG Team Superstar 17 Elite (San Ramon Valley) 2015: Smith has graduated already and will be going to Mount Verde prep school in Orlando despite having a few Division II offers. Smith plays low to the ground with crisp movements with and without the ball. He directs the offense well and moves up and down efficiently. He finished a few difficult driving baskets as well.
Joey Calcaterra 6-foot-2 SG Lakeshow 16s Elite (Marin Catholic) 2017: Calcaterra is quite advanced from a skills perspective for a guard. He moves well without the ball to find his open spots, has an accurate shooting motion, and moves well on defense. Adding size and bulk would improve his recruiting stock and effectiveness on the college level.
Kai Tease 6-foot-1 PG NorCal Pharaohs 17s (Antelope) 2016: Tease led Antelope to 23 wins with a team high 16-point average. The senior is crafty and takes the ball strong to the basket. He has a good perimeter range while also able to play good on the ball defense. Fresno State, CSU East Bay, Portland, and San Jose State have interest.
Oscar Frayer 6-foot-7 Wing Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Moreau Catholic) 2016: Frayer is not afraid of contact as he attacked the basket several times with dunk finishes. He has good length and looks like he glides like a gazelle when running the court. The Cal commit is looking more versatile with his abilities and physical attributes.
Arash Poorsina 6-foot-10 C PHPS (St Ignatius) 2016: Poorsina is a back to the basket center that runs the floor well. He has good size and uses it to rebound and to position in the post. St Ignatius has a tough schedule in the West Catholic Athletic League but should improve on the four wins in league with Poorsina leading them.
Bryson Ryan 6-foot-11 C NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Tokay) 2017: Tokay should improve on their 15-win season with Ryan in the fold. The traditional back to the basket center deters shots in the paint and is a good rebounder. He displayed a nice jump hook. Per his coach, Portland, Sacramento State, and San Jose State are interested.
Ryan Chappell 6-foot-4 Wing Team Superstar 17 Elite (Capitol Christian) 2016: Chappell is an athletic wing who has nice body control as he had a few spin moves to create scoring opportunities in the paint. The senior plays above the rim as he had a few dunks and block shots. He currently has some Division II schools interested but can get more interest with another solid year at powerhouse Capitol Christian.
Thursday was a full day of basketball in the final NCAA certified evaluation period of the summer in Las Vegas. Many college coaches need to plan ahead for their recruiting needs as Northern California has a strong 2017 class that should begin to get more recruiting attention.
Here are some players of all classes of note on Day 2:
Sebastian Much 6-foot-8 PF Oakland Rebels 17 Red (Archbishop Mitty) 2017: The Mitty prospect has battled against bigger bodies in the paint but has held up well. Much spent part of the summer with the German national team. With a European influence, Much looks like a face up power forward that can stretch the defense but still has enough size to contribute in the post. He is the lone 2017 prospect on the Rebels top team.
Stone Smart 6-foot-3 PG NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Del Oro) 2017: Smart is the likely starting quarterback for the football power, Del Oro. The dual threat quarterback displayed similar leadership and athletic skills on the basketball court. He has good leaping abilities as he swatted a few shots while also connecting from the perimeter a few times. Per his coach, CSU East Bay, Portland, Sacramento State, and San Jose State have expressed interest for basketball.
Keith Smith 6-foot-0 PG Team Superstar 17 Elite (San Ramon Valley) 2015: Smith has graduated already and will be going to Mount Verde prep school in Orlando despite having a few Division II offers. Smith plays low to the ground with crisp movements with and without the ball. He directs the offense well and moves up and down efficiently. He finished a few difficult driving baskets as well.
Joey Calcaterra 6-foot-2 SG Lakeshow 16s Elite (Marin Catholic) 2017: Calcaterra is quite advanced from a skills perspective for a guard. He moves well without the ball to find his open spots, has an accurate shooting motion, and moves well on defense. Adding size and bulk would improve his recruiting stock and effectiveness on the college level.
Kai Tease 6-foot-1 PG NorCal Pharaohs 17s (Antelope) 2016: Tease led Antelope to 23 wins with a team high 16-point average. The senior is crafty and takes the ball strong to the basket. He has a good perimeter range while also able to play good on the ball defense. Fresno State, CSU East Bay, Portland, and San Jose State have interest.
Oscar Frayer 6-foot-7 Wing Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Moreau Catholic) 2016: Frayer is not afraid of contact as he attacked the basket several times with dunk finishes. He has good length and looks like he glides like a gazelle when running the court. The Cal commit is looking more versatile with his abilities and physical attributes.
Arash Poorsina 6-foot-10 C PHPS (St Ignatius) 2016: Poorsina is a back to the basket center that runs the floor well. He has good size and uses it to rebound and to position in the post. St Ignatius has a tough schedule in the West Catholic Athletic League but should improve on the four wins in league with Poorsina leading them.
Bryson Ryan 6-foot-11 C NorCal Pharaohs 16s (Tokay) 2017: Tokay should improve on their 15-win season with Ryan in the fold. The traditional back to the basket center deters shots in the paint and is a good rebounder. He displayed a nice jump hook. Per his coach, Portland, Sacramento State, and San Jose State are interested.
Ryan Chappell 6-foot-4 Wing Team Superstar 17 Elite (Capitol Christian) 2016: Chappell is an athletic wing who has nice body control as he had a few spin moves to create scoring opportunities in the paint. The senior plays above the rim as he had a few dunks and block shots. He currently has some Division II schools interested but can get more interest with another solid year at powerhouse Capitol Christian.
Article 415: Hoops tips off in Vegas
July 23, 2015
On Wednesday evening, the final NCAA certified evaluation period of the summer tipped off in Las Vegas. Some of the higher profiled Northern California clubs were in action including the Oakland Rebels, Oakland Soldiers, and Play Hard Play Smart.
Here are some players of note on Day 1:
Sayeed Pridgett 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Rebels 17 Red (El Cerrito) 2016: Pridgett is a versatile scorer as he attacked the basket and connected from 3-point range a few times. He has a wiry frame but does not back down. Several mid majors seem interested but one mid major coach had questions regarding Pridgett's academic status.
Kevin Warren 6-foot-3 SG Oakland Rebels 17 Red (St Mary's Berkeley) 2016: Warren is a flashy scorer as he can score both inside and outside. His frame is thin which can raise durability questions on the next level. But Warren is athletic and has developed skills.
Carlos Johnson 6-foot-5 Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (El Cerrito) 2016: Johnson had a strong all around performance against a club from his former home state of Arizona. The senior prospect plays intense and hard all the time. Johnson had several attacking drives to the baskets and strong moves in the paint. He hit two 3-point shots in the first half to round out his game.
Robinson Idehen 6-foot-9 Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Modesto Christian) 2016: Idehen's calling card is his athletic defense. He runs the floor well and can help on weak side defense with his length and shot blocking. The few offensive opportunities were in the paint on offensive rebounds or close range passes but he had trouble converting the high percentage attempts. Idehen, however, did show a nice lefty free throw touch.
Jordan Brown 6-foot-10 PF Play Hard Play Smart (Woodcreek) 2018: Brown is already skilled around the basket with versatile scoring moves. Despite being a sophomore playing up, he took initiative in his rebounding and defense against opposing teams. He has thin limbs but still has three years to bulk up to be college level in size.
Phillip Fayne 6-foot-8 PF Play Hard Play Smart (Franklin) 2016: Fayne made several athletic offensive moves and rebounds in the paint. He has a good wingspan for defense and has enough lateral movement to defend smaller, quicker guards. Per his club coach, a few mid majors are interested with one wanting him to walk on as a freshman.
Notes
Day 2 gets into full swing as Fab 48 begins as well. All three major events will have games that run from 8am till 10pm.
On Wednesday evening, the final NCAA certified evaluation period of the summer tipped off in Las Vegas. Some of the higher profiled Northern California clubs were in action including the Oakland Rebels, Oakland Soldiers, and Play Hard Play Smart.
Here are some players of note on Day 1:
Sayeed Pridgett 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Rebels 17 Red (El Cerrito) 2016: Pridgett is a versatile scorer as he attacked the basket and connected from 3-point range a few times. He has a wiry frame but does not back down. Several mid majors seem interested but one mid major coach had questions regarding Pridgett's academic status.
Kevin Warren 6-foot-3 SG Oakland Rebels 17 Red (St Mary's Berkeley) 2016: Warren is a flashy scorer as he can score both inside and outside. His frame is thin which can raise durability questions on the next level. But Warren is athletic and has developed skills.
Carlos Johnson 6-foot-5 Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (El Cerrito) 2016: Johnson had a strong all around performance against a club from his former home state of Arizona. The senior prospect plays intense and hard all the time. Johnson had several attacking drives to the baskets and strong moves in the paint. He hit two 3-point shots in the first half to round out his game.
Robinson Idehen 6-foot-9 Oakland Soldiers 17 Elite (Modesto Christian) 2016: Idehen's calling card is his athletic defense. He runs the floor well and can help on weak side defense with his length and shot blocking. The few offensive opportunities were in the paint on offensive rebounds or close range passes but he had trouble converting the high percentage attempts. Idehen, however, did show a nice lefty free throw touch.
Jordan Brown 6-foot-10 PF Play Hard Play Smart (Woodcreek) 2018: Brown is already skilled around the basket with versatile scoring moves. Despite being a sophomore playing up, he took initiative in his rebounding and defense against opposing teams. He has thin limbs but still has three years to bulk up to be college level in size.
Phillip Fayne 6-foot-8 PF Play Hard Play Smart (Franklin) 2016: Fayne made several athletic offensive moves and rebounds in the paint. He has a good wingspan for defense and has enough lateral movement to defend smaller, quicker guards. Per his club coach, a few mid majors are interested with one wanting him to walk on as a freshman.
Notes
Day 2 gets into full swing as Fab 48 begins as well. All three major events will have games that run from 8am till 10pm.
Article 414: Ben Kone Update
July 21, 2015
Peach Jam just concluded with the Oakland Soldiers finishing a disappointing 1-4 record without advancing to the quarterfinals. But one of the key members of this past summer's team is Ben Kone, who is looking to finish the summer strong in Las Vegas this upcoming week as the Soldiers will compete in both the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic and the Chris Paul Jordan 8 Tournament.
The Archbishop Mitty senior helped his Monarchs to a 20-11 season that ended in a double overtime loss in the CIF State Division II finals. The 6-foot-10 and 240 pound power forward averaged 20.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per game during the season and shot 58 percent during his junior campaign. In his final three playoff games, he averaged 25 points and 18.7 rebounds.
As a junior, Kone was the focal point on both the offensive and defensive ends for the Monarchs. He feels that the attention that he got from opposing teams helped him develop his game and leadership, "Having the opportunity to play in a league against guys that go hard every game has really pushed me to be better. There are no easy baskets or rebounds. At Mitty, we all need to support each other as a team in order to succeed and I do everything I can to support my teammates on and off the court. Together we can be great."
The No. 2 prospect in the 2016 NCP rankings has garnered interest from Arizona (Coach Pasternack), UNLV, and Oregon (Coach Stubblefield) while receiving six offers from Auburn, Cal, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Oregon State, and San Diego State.
Mitty Head Coach Tim Kennedy, who played at Loyola Marymount at the college level, says, "Ben makes a good division I prospect because he has shown how dominant he can be on the high school level. He has elite strength and athleticism with a desire to improve that resonates with college coaches. He has the ability to dominate a game from the offensive and defensive end."
Kone's current top four is Auburn, Cal, Oregon State, and San Diego State in no particular order. He has these comments about these programs and the coaches that he has been in contact.
Auburn, Coach Pearl
"The opportunity to play in the SEC which is a physical league and against schools like Kentucky would be huge. Coach Pearl and I just started talking and I really like him."
Cal, Coaches Webster and Martin
"Coach Martin and his staff have created an amazing family atmosphere. They have done a great job recruiting top players. Being close to home and having friends already on the team is a big pull."
Oregon State, Coaches Gottlieb and Tinkle
"I love the entire coaching staff and everyone I met at Oregon State. When I think about who I want to become as a player, I know that there I would have all the support and guidance I need to be successful. Their plans to develop me and the entire team are solid. It would be an opportunity to be a part of something really special."
San Diego State - Coaches Velasquez and Fisher
"The coaching staff has a great history of success and I fit well within their style of play. Of course the location is great, but I was most impressed with the Aztec fans. They are focused on winning and loyal to their players. It would be fun to play there."
After playing for the Oakland Soldiers 16U Elite club most of last summer, Kone moved up to the Oakland Soldiers 17U Elite club for the event in Las Vegas at the end of last summer and going into this summer. Peach Jam in South Carolina is considered one of the elite summer events that feature many of North America's top prep talent while attracting all the major college programs.
During the EYBL regular season, Kone averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. At Peach Jam, he averaged 10.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His overall EYBL shooting percentage was 56 percent while at Peach Jam he shot just over 60 percent.
Kone's experience playing on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit helped him grow in his words, "My teammates, the coaches, and the entire Oakland Soldiers organization are like family to me. I've been with them since the 7th grade when they told us that the odds were that maybe one of us would make the 17u EYBL team. I was the one that made it. I thought about that before every game. I have worked hard over the years and things haven't come easily. To be able to take on the best players in the country with my Soldiers family behind me has been a great experience. Every game I learned something and it's made me a better all around player."
Kone wants to make his decision early fall so that he can make the most of his senior year and keep focused on academics. He is working hard on his ball handling and shooting to help his Monarchs make a run to the California State Open Division Championship.
Coach Kennedy continues, "After having Ben for two years, the three things he has improved the most are his footwork, his shooting and his ability to defend multiple positions. All of these are related to the fact he has been able to transform his body and has become more committed to the weight room and his nutrition program. We want Ben to continually improve his ball handling for his senior year and ability to deal with double teams. His decision making and passing will be key to our success."
As the summer ends, watch for Kone (note about pronunciation of last name is "Ko-nay" and not "Cone" as in ice cream cone) to continue going strong for the Monarchs in San Jose, Calif.
Peach Jam just concluded with the Oakland Soldiers finishing a disappointing 1-4 record without advancing to the quarterfinals. But one of the key members of this past summer's team is Ben Kone, who is looking to finish the summer strong in Las Vegas this upcoming week as the Soldiers will compete in both the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic and the Chris Paul Jordan 8 Tournament.
The Archbishop Mitty senior helped his Monarchs to a 20-11 season that ended in a double overtime loss in the CIF State Division II finals. The 6-foot-10 and 240 pound power forward averaged 20.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per game during the season and shot 58 percent during his junior campaign. In his final three playoff games, he averaged 25 points and 18.7 rebounds.
As a junior, Kone was the focal point on both the offensive and defensive ends for the Monarchs. He feels that the attention that he got from opposing teams helped him develop his game and leadership, "Having the opportunity to play in a league against guys that go hard every game has really pushed me to be better. There are no easy baskets or rebounds. At Mitty, we all need to support each other as a team in order to succeed and I do everything I can to support my teammates on and off the court. Together we can be great."
The No. 2 prospect in the 2016 NCP rankings has garnered interest from Arizona (Coach Pasternack), UNLV, and Oregon (Coach Stubblefield) while receiving six offers from Auburn, Cal, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Oregon State, and San Diego State.
Mitty Head Coach Tim Kennedy, who played at Loyola Marymount at the college level, says, "Ben makes a good division I prospect because he has shown how dominant he can be on the high school level. He has elite strength and athleticism with a desire to improve that resonates with college coaches. He has the ability to dominate a game from the offensive and defensive end."
Kone's current top four is Auburn, Cal, Oregon State, and San Diego State in no particular order. He has these comments about these programs and the coaches that he has been in contact.
Auburn, Coach Pearl
"The opportunity to play in the SEC which is a physical league and against schools like Kentucky would be huge. Coach Pearl and I just started talking and I really like him."
Cal, Coaches Webster and Martin
"Coach Martin and his staff have created an amazing family atmosphere. They have done a great job recruiting top players. Being close to home and having friends already on the team is a big pull."
Oregon State, Coaches Gottlieb and Tinkle
"I love the entire coaching staff and everyone I met at Oregon State. When I think about who I want to become as a player, I know that there I would have all the support and guidance I need to be successful. Their plans to develop me and the entire team are solid. It would be an opportunity to be a part of something really special."
San Diego State - Coaches Velasquez and Fisher
"The coaching staff has a great history of success and I fit well within their style of play. Of course the location is great, but I was most impressed with the Aztec fans. They are focused on winning and loyal to their players. It would be fun to play there."
After playing for the Oakland Soldiers 16U Elite club most of last summer, Kone moved up to the Oakland Soldiers 17U Elite club for the event in Las Vegas at the end of last summer and going into this summer. Peach Jam in South Carolina is considered one of the elite summer events that feature many of North America's top prep talent while attracting all the major college programs.
During the EYBL regular season, Kone averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. At Peach Jam, he averaged 10.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His overall EYBL shooting percentage was 56 percent while at Peach Jam he shot just over 60 percent.
Kone's experience playing on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit helped him grow in his words, "My teammates, the coaches, and the entire Oakland Soldiers organization are like family to me. I've been with them since the 7th grade when they told us that the odds were that maybe one of us would make the 17u EYBL team. I was the one that made it. I thought about that before every game. I have worked hard over the years and things haven't come easily. To be able to take on the best players in the country with my Soldiers family behind me has been a great experience. Every game I learned something and it's made me a better all around player."
Kone wants to make his decision early fall so that he can make the most of his senior year and keep focused on academics. He is working hard on his ball handling and shooting to help his Monarchs make a run to the California State Open Division Championship.
Coach Kennedy continues, "After having Ben for two years, the three things he has improved the most are his footwork, his shooting and his ability to defend multiple positions. All of these are related to the fact he has been able to transform his body and has become more committed to the weight room and his nutrition program. We want Ben to continually improve his ball handling for his senior year and ability to deal with double teams. His decision making and passing will be key to our success."
As the summer ends, watch for Kone (note about pronunciation of last name is "Ko-nay" and not "Cone" as in ice cream cone) to continue going strong for the Monarchs in San Jose, Calif.
Article 413: Fadal moving to EBAL
July 17, 2015
Dougherty Valley High School started in 2008 and the basketball program has shown consistent improvement year over year. But the Wildcats will be without the services of Austin Fadal after the 2017 prospect made the decision to transfer to Monte Vista of the East Bay Athletic League in May. The family is moving to Danville (NCS decision pending).
As a sophomore, Fadal helped the Wildcats to a 16-10 record as he averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. The 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds prospect has been part of the Visalia based Team Superstar program as he is playing a level up on the 16U club.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Austin is a tough player, a bit of a throwback. He is a great slasher and finisher around the rim. Austin also has great defense. He plays chest to chest physical D that disrupts offensive players. Austin is a bull dog with a mean streak when he steps on the court."
Monte Vista went 27-4 last year and play in the competitive EBAL with rival league members, De La Salle and San Ramon Valley. During the summer, Fadal has been playing with Team Superstar in the Under Armour Association, which makes stops in New Orleans, Louisville, New York, and Atlanta.
Either the Team Superstar coaching staff or Austin has been in contact with Cal, Cal Poly SLO, Montana State, Nevada, Pacific, Portland, Portland State, San Jose State, UC Irvine, and Weber State.
Coach Dodson says, "Austin is going to be a solid college player. If he puts the work in the gym on his 3 ball and mid range jumper, then he will have mid to high level college offense to go with his D. Austin reminds me of another Team Superstar alumni, Roderick Bobbitt of Castro Valley, who is currently entering his senior year at Hawaii. Both are tough physical guards who like contact and do not mind rolling off the sleeves to get dirty."
The 2017 prospect has been playing organized basketball since 1st grade and has been a starter since his freshman year. Fadal's go to move on offense is his pull up jumper as his offensive game is a finesse style. During the offseason, he has been working hard on his ball handling and defense. Fadal currently has a 3.40 GPA and considers Chemistry and Creative Arts to be his best subjects.
Watch for the Mustangs to be on the move in the fall with new transfer Fadal in Danville, Calif.
Dougherty Valley High School started in 2008 and the basketball program has shown consistent improvement year over year. But the Wildcats will be without the services of Austin Fadal after the 2017 prospect made the decision to transfer to Monte Vista of the East Bay Athletic League in May. The family is moving to Danville (NCS decision pending).
As a sophomore, Fadal helped the Wildcats to a 16-10 record as he averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. The 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds prospect has been part of the Visalia based Team Superstar program as he is playing a level up on the 16U club.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Austin is a tough player, a bit of a throwback. He is a great slasher and finisher around the rim. Austin also has great defense. He plays chest to chest physical D that disrupts offensive players. Austin is a bull dog with a mean streak when he steps on the court."
Monte Vista went 27-4 last year and play in the competitive EBAL with rival league members, De La Salle and San Ramon Valley. During the summer, Fadal has been playing with Team Superstar in the Under Armour Association, which makes stops in New Orleans, Louisville, New York, and Atlanta.
Either the Team Superstar coaching staff or Austin has been in contact with Cal, Cal Poly SLO, Montana State, Nevada, Pacific, Portland, Portland State, San Jose State, UC Irvine, and Weber State.
Coach Dodson says, "Austin is going to be a solid college player. If he puts the work in the gym on his 3 ball and mid range jumper, then he will have mid to high level college offense to go with his D. Austin reminds me of another Team Superstar alumni, Roderick Bobbitt of Castro Valley, who is currently entering his senior year at Hawaii. Both are tough physical guards who like contact and do not mind rolling off the sleeves to get dirty."
The 2017 prospect has been playing organized basketball since 1st grade and has been a starter since his freshman year. Fadal's go to move on offense is his pull up jumper as his offensive game is a finesse style. During the offseason, he has been working hard on his ball handling and defense. Fadal currently has a 3.40 GPA and considers Chemistry and Creative Arts to be his best subjects.
Watch for the Mustangs to be on the move in the fall with new transfer Fadal in Danville, Calif.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Article 412: JUCO Jamboree
July 10, 2015
Skyline Junior College in San Bruno, Calif. was the site of day 1 of the NorCal JUCO Summer Jamboree. Close to 40 college coaches attended day one of the two day event that featured primarily Northern California based junior college programs. Here are some player updates.
Spencer Clark 6-foot-5 W Concord (Diablo Valley) 2014: The second year player has interest from Montana as he is likely to be a wing at the four year level. He is active on the floor and displayed an accurate perimeter touch. The Concord product needs to work on his ball handling skills.
Jalen Canty 6-foot-9 PF St Patrick St Vincent (CCSF) 2014: Canty is physically imposing and plays well in the low post. He headlines a deep CCSF program as he returns from Casper College with teammate Shon Briggs of Heritage.
Chris Bene 6-foot-7 Wing Sequoia (Canada) 2015: Bene is athletic and explosive despite being thin. The recent high school graduate had a strong dunk in one game and shows a solid mid range game. To be effective on the four year level, Bene will need improved dribbling and ball handling skills in addition to adding bulk.
Steve Daly 6-foot-5 Wing College Park (Diablo Valley) 2015: The 2015 high school graduate is active and can shoot from the perimeter. Daly was positioned more at the post during high school but can benefit from JUCO competition to hone his ball handling and guard skills. Daly has the potential to be a low Division I prospect.
Matt Mcandrews 6-foot-1 PG Archbishop Mitty (Foothill) 2014: The Mitty alum handles the ball well and distributes effectively. His shooting is adequate as his best move is an in and out maneuver to create space. Mcandrews has made significant progress since his high school days as he grey shirted this past year.
Jonah Underwood 6-foot-9 PF Willow Glen (San Jose) 2015: The incoming first year player is one of three 6-foot-9 players on San Jose. Underwood has good size and strength as he rebounded well and runs the court. His offensive game and passing skills are still in development. He is academically qualified and has the frame to be a potential low Division I prospect.
Kendall Mcintosh 6-foot-8 W Freedom (CCSF) 2015: The wiry but versatile Mcintosh made plays both inside and outside. Freedom went undefeated in league play during his senior year and he should help CCSF with their winning ways. He is academically qualified and can help a four year college that needs a glue guy.
Derek King 6-foot-2 SG Santa Teresa (Foothill) 2012: King redshirted at NAIA San Diego Christian before transferring to Foothill. The second year player has shot well from the perimeter and has a good frame to attack the basket. The shooting guard needs to work on his ball handling to increase his recruiting.
Case Dufrane 6-foot-8 F Half Moon Bay (Canada) 2015: After coming off of some productive and winning seasons at Half Moon Bay, Dufrane will need to adjust to the physicality and pace of college level competition. The Half Moon Bay product is wiry strong and has a good mid range game. He has a good back to the basket game but is better suited as a stretch four on the four year level.
Jacques Carraway 6-foot-7 PF Mcclymonds (Diablo Valley) 2013: The Mcclymonds product is a legit low Division I prospect based on his blend of size and skills. He is athletic but plays strong too as he can hit the boards effectively. Carraway can work on a more consistent perimeter game.
Rodrigo Puliceno 6-foot-5 Wing Burlingame (Canada) 2011: Puliceno has a strong back to the basket game but needs to improve his lateral movement and quickness. Per his coach, the Burlingame alum has interest at the Division II level from Chico State, West Georgia, and Western Washington while Cal Poly and CSU Fullerton have inquired at the Division I level.
Jerrod Nodar 6-foot-5 Wing St Mary's Berkeley (CCSF) 2014: The second year player has a good perimeter game when left open and has a nice running hook to complement his offensive game. Nodar could improve his lateral movement and ball handling to increase his recruiting.
Damien Banford 6-foot-7 PF Newark Memorial (Diablo Valley) 2014: The vertically undersized power forward has hit the weight room, as he looks different from his Newark days. Banford is solid back to the basket, rebounds effectively, and passes well from the paint. Per his coach, he should be academically qualified and has been getting feelers from low Division I programs.
Notes
Trevor Dunbar was sitting out due to transfer rules, as he will join CCSF after being at Washington State.
Frankie Ferrari is in a similar situation with Canada College as he left San Francisco.
36 college coaches at all division levels attended day one of the event. Many of these coaches will also stay for day 2 in addition to the 2015 Nor Cal Summer Tip Off during the weekend at City College of San Francisco to view the high school talent.
Skyline Junior College in San Bruno, Calif. was the site of day 1 of the NorCal JUCO Summer Jamboree. Close to 40 college coaches attended day one of the two day event that featured primarily Northern California based junior college programs. Here are some player updates.
Spencer Clark 6-foot-5 W Concord (Diablo Valley) 2014: The second year player has interest from Montana as he is likely to be a wing at the four year level. He is active on the floor and displayed an accurate perimeter touch. The Concord product needs to work on his ball handling skills.
Jalen Canty 6-foot-9 PF St Patrick St Vincent (CCSF) 2014: Canty is physically imposing and plays well in the low post. He headlines a deep CCSF program as he returns from Casper College with teammate Shon Briggs of Heritage.
Chris Bene 6-foot-7 Wing Sequoia (Canada) 2015: Bene is athletic and explosive despite being thin. The recent high school graduate had a strong dunk in one game and shows a solid mid range game. To be effective on the four year level, Bene will need improved dribbling and ball handling skills in addition to adding bulk.
Steve Daly 6-foot-5 Wing College Park (Diablo Valley) 2015: The 2015 high school graduate is active and can shoot from the perimeter. Daly was positioned more at the post during high school but can benefit from JUCO competition to hone his ball handling and guard skills. Daly has the potential to be a low Division I prospect.
Matt Mcandrews 6-foot-1 PG Archbishop Mitty (Foothill) 2014: The Mitty alum handles the ball well and distributes effectively. His shooting is adequate as his best move is an in and out maneuver to create space. Mcandrews has made significant progress since his high school days as he grey shirted this past year.
Jonah Underwood 6-foot-9 PF Willow Glen (San Jose) 2015: The incoming first year player is one of three 6-foot-9 players on San Jose. Underwood has good size and strength as he rebounded well and runs the court. His offensive game and passing skills are still in development. He is academically qualified and has the frame to be a potential low Division I prospect.
Kendall Mcintosh 6-foot-8 W Freedom (CCSF) 2015: The wiry but versatile Mcintosh made plays both inside and outside. Freedom went undefeated in league play during his senior year and he should help CCSF with their winning ways. He is academically qualified and can help a four year college that needs a glue guy.
Derek King 6-foot-2 SG Santa Teresa (Foothill) 2012: King redshirted at NAIA San Diego Christian before transferring to Foothill. The second year player has shot well from the perimeter and has a good frame to attack the basket. The shooting guard needs to work on his ball handling to increase his recruiting.
Case Dufrane 6-foot-8 F Half Moon Bay (Canada) 2015: After coming off of some productive and winning seasons at Half Moon Bay, Dufrane will need to adjust to the physicality and pace of college level competition. The Half Moon Bay product is wiry strong and has a good mid range game. He has a good back to the basket game but is better suited as a stretch four on the four year level.
Jacques Carraway 6-foot-7 PF Mcclymonds (Diablo Valley) 2013: The Mcclymonds product is a legit low Division I prospect based on his blend of size and skills. He is athletic but plays strong too as he can hit the boards effectively. Carraway can work on a more consistent perimeter game.
Rodrigo Puliceno 6-foot-5 Wing Burlingame (Canada) 2011: Puliceno has a strong back to the basket game but needs to improve his lateral movement and quickness. Per his coach, the Burlingame alum has interest at the Division II level from Chico State, West Georgia, and Western Washington while Cal Poly and CSU Fullerton have inquired at the Division I level.
Jerrod Nodar 6-foot-5 Wing St Mary's Berkeley (CCSF) 2014: The second year player has a good perimeter game when left open and has a nice running hook to complement his offensive game. Nodar could improve his lateral movement and ball handling to increase his recruiting.
Damien Banford 6-foot-7 PF Newark Memorial (Diablo Valley) 2014: The vertically undersized power forward has hit the weight room, as he looks different from his Newark days. Banford is solid back to the basket, rebounds effectively, and passes well from the paint. Per his coach, he should be academically qualified and has been getting feelers from low Division I programs.
Notes
Trevor Dunbar was sitting out due to transfer rules, as he will join CCSF after being at Washington State.
Frankie Ferrari is in a similar situation with Canada College as he left San Francisco.
36 college coaches at all division levels attended day one of the event. Many of these coaches will also stay for day 2 in addition to the 2015 Nor Cal Summer Tip Off during the weekend at City College of San Francisco to view the high school talent.
Article 411: Lawrence Bulldogs full ride
June 30, 2015
He can't make it official under the auspices of the NCAA until early November but Brandon Lawrence has made his college call and it will be Fresno State University.
The NCP No. 17 prospect in the 2016 class went with the Mountain West Conference Bulldogs this past weekend for multiple reasons. "It's a great conference and the best opportunity for me. I have a good relationship with Assistant Coach Byron Jones (the recruiting coordinator) and got to know Coach [Rodney] Terry on my visit." Terry is the fifth-year head coach whose team notched a 10-8 won-loss league record in 2014-15 and won 21 games overall the year before.
Moreau Catholic Coach Frank Knight believes that this is a good fit for his 6-foot-3 shooting guard. "I think Brandon will fit well at Fresno State. The Mountain West is a good basketball conference especially on the west coast. Anytime you get to go up against UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada and New Mexico twice a year, then it's a highly competitive conference. Brandon is known for his shooting ability but Fresno will play him as a combo-guard. Brandon will be called upon to shoot the ball and to run the club. I think that was the biggest reason he felt that Fresno was the right fit for him."
Knight has also worked with his senior during the summer and says, "Brandon worked on his shot release and quickness getting his shot off. He also worked on his ball handling skills to better prepare him for his role as both shooting and lead guard. I have witnessed him get stronger, be more athletic and defend better. These were his focuses when we had our end of the year meetings after the season. Brandon really took a step forward in all of the categories we asked him to."
It was a full family vetting process as Lawrence explained. "My parents did the research on the schools I was considering and I explored the basketball side. I feel excited with a little bit of relief."
What was also beneficial in getting to yes is that Fresno State has three senior guards, the top scoring trio on the squad, who will be departing after this coming season.
So what will Bulldog fans be seeing from Lawrence? "I'll bring energy, be a good teammate and do everything coach asks me to do. I can knock down shots and also create."
As for a major, it's between civil engineering, philosophy and a new possibility, music technology. Eligibility should be no issue as Lawrence sports a 3.8 grade point average.
But before college, Lawrence still has his senior year with Moreau Catholic to complete. Knight sees these areas of improvement needed. "I think the remaining things he needs to work on, and what we will address this pre-season and season are his strength and speed. For him to be a major contributor right away, Brandon will need to really focus on building his body and his strength. I think this will help him with preventing nagging injures and allow him to go up against bigger shooting guards and wings. Brandon is working on his lateral quickness and his quick-twitch motor reflexes. This will allow him to guard smaller and faster point guards but still have the explosiveness and athleticism that he already possesses."
Lawrence is coming off a season where he averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals each Moreau Mariner contest alongside at least three other teammates who will also go D1.
Moreau finished 14-0 in the Mission Valley Athletic League in 2014-15 and 23-7 overall. Coming off hosting a high school tournament this past weekend, Lawrence offered, "we're looking really good, everything's clicking."
Lawrence wished to thank "first of all God, my parents who have always been there for me, Coach Knight who made me a better player and Oakland Rebels Coach Ray Young who motivated me and pushed me."
He can't make it official under the auspices of the NCAA until early November but Brandon Lawrence has made his college call and it will be Fresno State University.
The NCP No. 17 prospect in the 2016 class went with the Mountain West Conference Bulldogs this past weekend for multiple reasons. "It's a great conference and the best opportunity for me. I have a good relationship with Assistant Coach Byron Jones (the recruiting coordinator) and got to know Coach [Rodney] Terry on my visit." Terry is the fifth-year head coach whose team notched a 10-8 won-loss league record in 2014-15 and won 21 games overall the year before.
Moreau Catholic Coach Frank Knight believes that this is a good fit for his 6-foot-3 shooting guard. "I think Brandon will fit well at Fresno State. The Mountain West is a good basketball conference especially on the west coast. Anytime you get to go up against UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada and New Mexico twice a year, then it's a highly competitive conference. Brandon is known for his shooting ability but Fresno will play him as a combo-guard. Brandon will be called upon to shoot the ball and to run the club. I think that was the biggest reason he felt that Fresno was the right fit for him."
Knight has also worked with his senior during the summer and says, "Brandon worked on his shot release and quickness getting his shot off. He also worked on his ball handling skills to better prepare him for his role as both shooting and lead guard. I have witnessed him get stronger, be more athletic and defend better. These were his focuses when we had our end of the year meetings after the season. Brandon really took a step forward in all of the categories we asked him to."
It was a full family vetting process as Lawrence explained. "My parents did the research on the schools I was considering and I explored the basketball side. I feel excited with a little bit of relief."
What was also beneficial in getting to yes is that Fresno State has three senior guards, the top scoring trio on the squad, who will be departing after this coming season.
So what will Bulldog fans be seeing from Lawrence? "I'll bring energy, be a good teammate and do everything coach asks me to do. I can knock down shots and also create."
As for a major, it's between civil engineering, philosophy and a new possibility, music technology. Eligibility should be no issue as Lawrence sports a 3.8 grade point average.
But before college, Lawrence still has his senior year with Moreau Catholic to complete. Knight sees these areas of improvement needed. "I think the remaining things he needs to work on, and what we will address this pre-season and season are his strength and speed. For him to be a major contributor right away, Brandon will need to really focus on building his body and his strength. I think this will help him with preventing nagging injures and allow him to go up against bigger shooting guards and wings. Brandon is working on his lateral quickness and his quick-twitch motor reflexes. This will allow him to guard smaller and faster point guards but still have the explosiveness and athleticism that he already possesses."
Lawrence is coming off a season where he averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals each Moreau Mariner contest alongside at least three other teammates who will also go D1.
Moreau finished 14-0 in the Mission Valley Athletic League in 2014-15 and 23-7 overall. Coming off hosting a high school tournament this past weekend, Lawrence offered, "we're looking really good, everything's clicking."
Lawrence wished to thank "first of all God, my parents who have always been there for me, Coach Knight who made me a better player and Oakland Rebels Coach Ray Young who motivated me and pushed me."
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Article 410: SCU Team Camp Notes
June 22, 2015
During the summer, many college programs will hold basketball camps on their campuses to build relationships with high school teams and to evaluate players. The Santa Clara Team Camp has been a mainstay during the summer since Coach Dick Davey's tenure. Current Coach Kerry Keating is entering his ninth season with the Broncos and has continued the camp on an annual basis.
The Team Camp is a three-day event where the high school programs go through skill development clinics, strength and conditioning demonstrations, and competitive games. The Broncos have recruited Northern California notables who have attended the camp including Robert Garrett (Sacramento 2011), Niyi Harrison (Bellarmine 2009), and John Mcarthur (De La Salle 2010).
Some of the high school teams that participated this past weekend:
Archbishop Mitty
Bay School
Bellarmine HS
Christopher HS
Eastside Prep
Fort Bragg
Gunderson
Half Moon Bay
Heritage
Hillsdale
Irvington HS
James Logan HS
John F. Kennedy HS
Lee HS
Los Altos HS
Los Gatos HS
Lynbrook HS
Mission HS
Mountain View HS
Newark Memorial HS
North Medford
Oakwood
Oceana HS
Placer HS
Sacred Heart Prep
Salesian
Salinas HS
San Joaquin Memorial
St. Francis HS
Thousand Oaks
Willamette HS OR
Valley Christian
Here are some notes on some of the Northern California teams and their players:
Archbishop Mitty's strength and weakness from this past season will be the same starting out the following season. The strength will be the frontcourt with Ben Kone, Sebastian Much, and Riley Grigsby. The 6-foot-10 Kone continues to play physical and athletic as he is looking to decide on his official visits after Peach Jam and Las Vegas to end the summer. Much was not at the camp as he was in Germany with the under-18 German national team. As a sophomore, Grigsby is looking more for his shot and has shown more versatility in his scoring. The unknown for the Monarchs will be their guard play as they are undersized and were spotty with their ball control. Mitty will look to improve on their 20-win season.
Heritage will look to close the gap between themselves and Freedom in the Bay Valley League. The Patriots will have bulk in senior 6-foot-5 forward James Ned who is an aggressive rebounder and post presence. The guards complement each other as Marcus Wallace is a wiry 5-foot-7 perimeter scorer while Anthony Dennis is a 6-foot-0 attacking guard with size.
Los Gatos was a middle of the pack program last season in the De Anza League. Sophomore Dylan Belquist and junior Drew Krulevitch accounted for 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats as they both are 6-foot-6. Belquist uses his length well in scoring over shorter competition but has time to add strength. He hurt his left foot to end his Saturday early while Krulevitch was also injured.
Newark Memorial was 14-14 last season as they had one of the more brutal non-league schedules. The Cougars return size with senior 6-foot-10 center Kevin Kahriman who is built like a lineman but is surprisingly agile and runs the court efficiently. He will be a post and rebounding force. Seniors Reginald Pugh and Lovelle Shackelford will man the backcourt, as they both are 6-foot-2, athletic, and wiry. Last season, Moreau Catholic went undefeated in the Mission Valley League as Newark Memorial had four losses while only having one league loss in the previous ten combined seasons.
Oakwood High of Morgan Hill has an enrollment of 350 students but that did not stop them from a 19 win season from a year ago. The team has a good inside and outside combination. 5-foot-9 junior guard Youssef Eshra has a quick dribble that allows him to create offensive space as his perimeter release is quick and accurate. Sophomore Ekene Success has a good wingspan as the 6-foot-8 forward is an effective rebounder and shot blocker. Oakwood went undefeated in the Mission Trail League and should be the favorites again.
Sacred Heart Prep returns two of their four double-digit scorers in seniors Connor Moses and Mason Randall. The two guards accounted for over 150 made 3-point shots for last year's 24-win season. Randall was not at the camp as the varsity quarterback was at Princeton for football reasons. Moses is a 6-foot guard who is slight of build but has a quick release. The Gators will still be guard oriented for their scoring and should be the favorites in the West Bay League.
Salesian will be guard and perimeter oriented this upcoming season. Senior guard Brandon McGee is a versatile, lengthy 6-foot-3 that will be the leader of the Pride. Junior guard Ke'Mare Wright plays bigger than his 6-foot frame as he is physical in the paint, is accurate from the perimeter, and plays tenacious on the ball defense. Salesian did well to win 19 games last year but El Cerrito should be the favorites in the Tri County League.
Salinas won 21 games last season but graduated eight players. The summer team is undersized and will rely on guard play. The Cowboys have two 2017 5-foot-7 guards in Daniel Bost and Taylor Dacpano that run the offense well, can initiate contact in the paint, and play pressure defense. Salinas finished runner up to Palma in Monterey Bay League play as the Chieftains will have the size advantage also this upcoming season.
St Francis went 22-6 and was in the Open Division in the playoffs. The team has a complete team returning headlined by their interior play. Senior Peter Hewitt is a 6-foot-10 post player who has several offers from mid major programs. Two senior wings, 6-foot-3 Gabe Adzich and 6-foot-5 Noah Stapes, flank Hewitt. Adzich has an offer from Carroll College (Montana) while Stapes has an offer from Point Loma. Both help stretch the defense with their perimeter shooting and will complement Hewitt with rebounding and post defense. The Lancers have solid guard play and a serviceable bench. St Francis should be the favorites in the West Catholic League along with Archbishop Mitty.
During the summer, many college programs will hold basketball camps on their campuses to build relationships with high school teams and to evaluate players. The Santa Clara Team Camp has been a mainstay during the summer since Coach Dick Davey's tenure. Current Coach Kerry Keating is entering his ninth season with the Broncos and has continued the camp on an annual basis.
The Team Camp is a three-day event where the high school programs go through skill development clinics, strength and conditioning demonstrations, and competitive games. The Broncos have recruited Northern California notables who have attended the camp including Robert Garrett (Sacramento 2011), Niyi Harrison (Bellarmine 2009), and John Mcarthur (De La Salle 2010).
Some of the high school teams that participated this past weekend:
Archbishop Mitty
Bay School
Bellarmine HS
Christopher HS
Eastside Prep
Fort Bragg
Gunderson
Half Moon Bay
Heritage
Hillsdale
Irvington HS
James Logan HS
John F. Kennedy HS
Lee HS
Los Altos HS
Los Gatos HS
Lynbrook HS
Mission HS
Mountain View HS
Newark Memorial HS
North Medford
Oakwood
Oceana HS
Placer HS
Sacred Heart Prep
Salesian
Salinas HS
San Joaquin Memorial
St. Francis HS
Thousand Oaks
Willamette HS OR
Valley Christian
Here are some notes on some of the Northern California teams and their players:
Archbishop Mitty's strength and weakness from this past season will be the same starting out the following season. The strength will be the frontcourt with Ben Kone, Sebastian Much, and Riley Grigsby. The 6-foot-10 Kone continues to play physical and athletic as he is looking to decide on his official visits after Peach Jam and Las Vegas to end the summer. Much was not at the camp as he was in Germany with the under-18 German national team. As a sophomore, Grigsby is looking more for his shot and has shown more versatility in his scoring. The unknown for the Monarchs will be their guard play as they are undersized and were spotty with their ball control. Mitty will look to improve on their 20-win season.
Heritage will look to close the gap between themselves and Freedom in the Bay Valley League. The Patriots will have bulk in senior 6-foot-5 forward James Ned who is an aggressive rebounder and post presence. The guards complement each other as Marcus Wallace is a wiry 5-foot-7 perimeter scorer while Anthony Dennis is a 6-foot-0 attacking guard with size.
Los Gatos was a middle of the pack program last season in the De Anza League. Sophomore Dylan Belquist and junior Drew Krulevitch accounted for 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats as they both are 6-foot-6. Belquist uses his length well in scoring over shorter competition but has time to add strength. He hurt his left foot to end his Saturday early while Krulevitch was also injured.
Newark Memorial was 14-14 last season as they had one of the more brutal non-league schedules. The Cougars return size with senior 6-foot-10 center Kevin Kahriman who is built like a lineman but is surprisingly agile and runs the court efficiently. He will be a post and rebounding force. Seniors Reginald Pugh and Lovelle Shackelford will man the backcourt, as they both are 6-foot-2, athletic, and wiry. Last season, Moreau Catholic went undefeated in the Mission Valley League as Newark Memorial had four losses while only having one league loss in the previous ten combined seasons.
Oakwood High of Morgan Hill has an enrollment of 350 students but that did not stop them from a 19 win season from a year ago. The team has a good inside and outside combination. 5-foot-9 junior guard Youssef Eshra has a quick dribble that allows him to create offensive space as his perimeter release is quick and accurate. Sophomore Ekene Success has a good wingspan as the 6-foot-8 forward is an effective rebounder and shot blocker. Oakwood went undefeated in the Mission Trail League and should be the favorites again.
Sacred Heart Prep returns two of their four double-digit scorers in seniors Connor Moses and Mason Randall. The two guards accounted for over 150 made 3-point shots for last year's 24-win season. Randall was not at the camp as the varsity quarterback was at Princeton for football reasons. Moses is a 6-foot guard who is slight of build but has a quick release. The Gators will still be guard oriented for their scoring and should be the favorites in the West Bay League.
Salesian will be guard and perimeter oriented this upcoming season. Senior guard Brandon McGee is a versatile, lengthy 6-foot-3 that will be the leader of the Pride. Junior guard Ke'Mare Wright plays bigger than his 6-foot frame as he is physical in the paint, is accurate from the perimeter, and plays tenacious on the ball defense. Salesian did well to win 19 games last year but El Cerrito should be the favorites in the Tri County League.
Salinas won 21 games last season but graduated eight players. The summer team is undersized and will rely on guard play. The Cowboys have two 2017 5-foot-7 guards in Daniel Bost and Taylor Dacpano that run the offense well, can initiate contact in the paint, and play pressure defense. Salinas finished runner up to Palma in Monterey Bay League play as the Chieftains will have the size advantage also this upcoming season.
St Francis went 22-6 and was in the Open Division in the playoffs. The team has a complete team returning headlined by their interior play. Senior Peter Hewitt is a 6-foot-10 post player who has several offers from mid major programs. Two senior wings, 6-foot-3 Gabe Adzich and 6-foot-5 Noah Stapes, flank Hewitt. Adzich has an offer from Carroll College (Montana) while Stapes has an offer from Point Loma. Both help stretch the defense with their perimeter shooting and will complement Hewitt with rebounding and post defense. The Lancers have solid guard play and a serviceable bench. St Francis should be the favorites in the West Catholic League along with Archbishop Mitty.
Article 409: City Championship report
May 17, 2015
The 8th Annual City Championship Tournament at City College of San Francisco features bracket play that culminates on Sunday. A middle school prospect and two African natives stood out on Saturday, which completed pool play games. Here are some player updates:
Riley Grigsby 6-foot-4 Wing West Valley Basketball 17U (Archbishop Mitty) 2018: Grigsby just finished his freshman campaign with Mitty. He has a good perimeter touch and was able to create some nice mid-range shot opportunities. He plays for his father, Cal alum Al Grigsby, on the West Valley club. The younger Grigsby already has received inquiries from San Jose State and Stanford.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: The St Francis product is rounding into a solid mid-major recruit. Hewitt has recently added San Jose State and UC Davis offers that included ones from Pacific and Southern Utah. Hewitt will likely be a back to the basket player in college. He needs some more consistency in finishing near the basket and in developing a consistent mid-range jump shot.
Mamoudou Diarra 6-foot-9 PF Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Prolific Prep) 2017: The Mali (country on the western side of the African continent) native just finished his first year of American basketball at Prolific Prep. Diarra is long and active but could add bulk and more perimeter skills development. He was not shy about pulling up from the arc but is more effective in the paint as he did show some ability with finishing with his off hand (left).
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: The University product was accurate when left open for spot up 3-point shots. His lateral movement is average but has enough size to be a lower division prospect. Chico State has been expressing some interest.
Amadou Sow 6-foot-8 Post Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Prolific Prep) 2018: The freshman teammate of Diarra is also from Mali and also finished his first year at Prolific Prep. Sow is a back to the basket post player. He has raw size and athleticism and has the time to develop into a Division I prospect.
Sandor Rodriguez 5-foot-9 PG West Valley Basketball 17U (Saint Francis Watsonville) 2017: Rodriguez has a good dribble and was able to navigate through the press. He is undersized but found his teammates with accurate passing. His Saint Francis team had 22 wins as he led the team in assists with 8.3 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Shamar Morrow 6-foot-2 Wing Oakland Soldiers 15s (Sacramento Country Day) 2020: Just finishing the seventh grade, Morrow has athleticism and skills beyond his age group. He finished a few times above the rim with ease, runs the court well, and uses his length effectively on defense. The left-hander also has a quick release and should be rising on the recruiting radar.
Alfred Hollins 6-foot-6 Wing Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Sacred Heart Cathedral) 2017: Early on, Hollins was labeled as having the size and athleticism to be an elite prospect but his skills development was trailing. On Saturday, Hollins had an accurate 3-point shot as he hit several shots when left open. The early signs from the summer season look promising in Hollins' skills development.
Robert Colton 6-foot-5 SF Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2015: Colton is still trying to make up for his lost senior season due to transfer rules. He plays strong with his moves in the post and has consistent perimeter release. Colton has gotten some partial offers but may take the junior college route if a full offer does not materialize.
Austin Henderson 6-foot-3 SG Lakeshow 17s White (San Ramon Valley) 2016: Henderson will be one of the senior-to-be called upon to help San Ramon Valley repeat their state title run. The 2016 prospect displays an accurate perimeter shot but will need more versatility with his dribbling skills. Henderson has gotten some Division II interest.
Ken Williams 5-foot-8 PG Top Flight Elite 17U (Leigh High) 2017: Williams is a stocky, athletic guard who handles the ball well. He broke the press well and sees the open court for good passing opportunities.
Jess Spivey 6-foot-5 SF Central Valley Warriors 17U (Sierra High) 2016: Spivey is lanky but was effective in scoring from both inside and outside. He is accurate when left open and was able to create space for his shots in the paint. The Sierra High prospect will need to add strength and more dribbling skills to increase his recruiting.
Spencer Lashells 6-foot-9 PF Lakeshow 17s White (Monte Vista) 2016: Monte Vista had a 27-win season and will have a solid foundation to build on next season with Lashells. He is a back to the basket player who has been getting interest from primarily Division II programs including Point Loma and Sonoma State. Improvements in his perimeter shot and ball handling would help spur Division I interest.
Jake Killingsworth 6-foot-5 Wing Lakeshow 17s Elite (Serra) 2016: Killingsworth has good size, as he is an effective rebounder for a wing player. To increase his recruiting, he needs a more consistent perimeter shot and has to be more comfortable with his ball handling. Navy has expressed interest in the Serra product.
Nate Robinson 6-foot-1 PG Oakland Soldiers 15s (Sacred Heart Cathedral) 2018: The 2018 prospect runs the offense well and attacks the basket. He has an accurate spot up jump shot. With Alfred Hollins and Ramzi Carter returning, Sacred Heart Cathedral will have a solid point guard running the team in the upcoming season.
The 8th Annual City Championship Tournament at City College of San Francisco features bracket play that culminates on Sunday. A middle school prospect and two African natives stood out on Saturday, which completed pool play games. Here are some player updates:
Riley Grigsby 6-foot-4 Wing West Valley Basketball 17U (Archbishop Mitty) 2018: Grigsby just finished his freshman campaign with Mitty. He has a good perimeter touch and was able to create some nice mid-range shot opportunities. He plays for his father, Cal alum Al Grigsby, on the West Valley club. The younger Grigsby already has received inquiries from San Jose State and Stanford.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: The St Francis product is rounding into a solid mid-major recruit. Hewitt has recently added San Jose State and UC Davis offers that included ones from Pacific and Southern Utah. Hewitt will likely be a back to the basket player in college. He needs some more consistency in finishing near the basket and in developing a consistent mid-range jump shot.
Mamoudou Diarra 6-foot-9 PF Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Prolific Prep) 2017: The Mali (country on the western side of the African continent) native just finished his first year of American basketball at Prolific Prep. Diarra is long and active but could add bulk and more perimeter skills development. He was not shy about pulling up from the arc but is more effective in the paint as he did show some ability with finishing with his off hand (left).
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: The University product was accurate when left open for spot up 3-point shots. His lateral movement is average but has enough size to be a lower division prospect. Chico State has been expressing some interest.
Amadou Sow 6-foot-8 Post Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Prolific Prep) 2018: The freshman teammate of Diarra is also from Mali and also finished his first year at Prolific Prep. Sow is a back to the basket post player. He has raw size and athleticism and has the time to develop into a Division I prospect.
Sandor Rodriguez 5-foot-9 PG West Valley Basketball 17U (Saint Francis Watsonville) 2017: Rodriguez has a good dribble and was able to navigate through the press. He is undersized but found his teammates with accurate passing. His Saint Francis team had 22 wins as he led the team in assists with 8.3 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Shamar Morrow 6-foot-2 Wing Oakland Soldiers 15s (Sacramento Country Day) 2020: Just finishing the seventh grade, Morrow has athleticism and skills beyond his age group. He finished a few times above the rim with ease, runs the court well, and uses his length effectively on defense. The left-hander also has a quick release and should be rising on the recruiting radar.
Alfred Hollins 6-foot-6 Wing Oakland Soldiers 16 Elite (Sacred Heart Cathedral) 2017: Early on, Hollins was labeled as having the size and athleticism to be an elite prospect but his skills development was trailing. On Saturday, Hollins had an accurate 3-point shot as he hit several shots when left open. The early signs from the summer season look promising in Hollins' skills development.
Robert Colton 6-foot-5 SF Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2015: Colton is still trying to make up for his lost senior season due to transfer rules. He plays strong with his moves in the post and has consistent perimeter release. Colton has gotten some partial offers but may take the junior college route if a full offer does not materialize.
Austin Henderson 6-foot-3 SG Lakeshow 17s White (San Ramon Valley) 2016: Henderson will be one of the senior-to-be called upon to help San Ramon Valley repeat their state title run. The 2016 prospect displays an accurate perimeter shot but will need more versatility with his dribbling skills. Henderson has gotten some Division II interest.
Ken Williams 5-foot-8 PG Top Flight Elite 17U (Leigh High) 2017: Williams is a stocky, athletic guard who handles the ball well. He broke the press well and sees the open court for good passing opportunities.
Jess Spivey 6-foot-5 SF Central Valley Warriors 17U (Sierra High) 2016: Spivey is lanky but was effective in scoring from both inside and outside. He is accurate when left open and was able to create space for his shots in the paint. The Sierra High prospect will need to add strength and more dribbling skills to increase his recruiting.
Spencer Lashells 6-foot-9 PF Lakeshow 17s White (Monte Vista) 2016: Monte Vista had a 27-win season and will have a solid foundation to build on next season with Lashells. He is a back to the basket player who has been getting interest from primarily Division II programs including Point Loma and Sonoma State. Improvements in his perimeter shot and ball handling would help spur Division I interest.
Jake Killingsworth 6-foot-5 Wing Lakeshow 17s Elite (Serra) 2016: Killingsworth has good size, as he is an effective rebounder for a wing player. To increase his recruiting, he needs a more consistent perimeter shot and has to be more comfortable with his ball handling. Navy has expressed interest in the Serra product.
Nate Robinson 6-foot-1 PG Oakland Soldiers 15s (Sacred Heart Cathedral) 2018: The 2018 prospect runs the offense well and attacks the basket. He has an accurate spot up jump shot. With Alfred Hollins and Ramzi Carter returning, Sacred Heart Cathedral will have a solid point guard running the team in the upcoming season.
Article 408: Spring Showcase Day 1
April 25, 2015
On Friday, the Fourth Annual Nor Cal Spring Showcase at Jamtown off of highway 880 in Oakland kicked off the first day of the current NCAA certified viewing period. The first evening of action had five games on each of the four courts. Day 2 starts at 8am on Saturday with 15 games apiece.
Here are some players of note on Day 1:
Brandon McGee 6-foot-3 G Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Salesian) 2016: A guard with good size, ball handling, and scoring abilities, McGee was effective finishing in the paint several times. McGee will be the senior leader next year for Salesian as he is drawing interest from Pacific, Portland, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State.
Robert Colton 6-foot-5 SF Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2015: The Australian native has good size and plays big in the paint. He has a good release and is comfortable with initiating contact. Despite being ineligible this past season due to his transfer, the senior has drawn interest from Denver and UT San Antonio.
Connor Rubattino 6-foot-2 PG Lakeshow 17s White (Cardinal Newman) 2016: Rubattino is a burly point guard that takes contact when going to the basket. He directs his team's offense well and plays strong defense. Eastern Washington and Sacramento State have expressed interest.
Eddie Ionescu 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Miramonte) 2016: Ionescu had the shooter's touch, as his perimeter offense is his calling card. With good size for a guard, the junior is getting inquiries from Pepperdine, San Francisco, St Mary's, and Westmont (Santa Barbara).
Jordan Ratinho 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (De La Salle) 2016: Offense has always come naturally to Ratinho, but he was playing with more intensity and physicality on the defensive end. The De La Salle product has added more size during the past year. Ratinho holds offers from Denver, Montana, Pacific, San Francisco, and UC Santa Barbara while Weber State is interested.
George Dancer 6-foot-3 G Revolution Basketball Club (Beyer) 2016: Dancer has an accurate perimeter shot as he hit several three-point baskets in both games. He also was the focal point on offense as he directed his Revolution club that is made up entirely of the Beyer High team. Beyer finished runner up to Modesto Christian in league play but Dancer is a legitimate scoring threat.
Will Emery 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (St Ignatius) 2016: Emery is a lanky prospect but plays tougher than his size. He ran the floor well and is versatile in his scoring methods. The St Ignatius product has gotten feelers from Brown, Columbia, and Princeton.
Joey Calcaterra 6-foot-0 SG Lakeshow 16s Elite (Marin Catholic) 2017: The sophomore product can flat out shoot from the perimeter. He has a wiry frame but was not afraid of taking the ball to the basket. His perimeter skills have already drawn inquiries from Cal, Eastern Washington, Portland, and San Francisco.
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: The junior battles hard inside against bulkier opponents. Gilmore looks comfortable spotting up from beyond the arc and is more likely a face up player. He currently has interest Division III programs like Trinity and Tufts.
Alec Andrews 6-foot-3 SG Earl Watson Elite High Academic 17U (Folsom) 2016: The Folsom product is playing for the Southern California based Earl Watson club. Andrews is often overshadowed by playing alongside Jordan Ford at Folsom, but he showcased a very similar offensive game as he hit several three point shots and was able to create his own offense by going to the basket. By being a primary offensive option on this club during the summer should help in his recruiting.
Nick Peters 6-foot-3 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (De La Salle) 2016: Peters has missed the beginning of the spring season the past two years due to injuries but is healthy starting this one. Peters has good size for a guard and is a versatile scorer at the high school level. Pacific, Santa Clara, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State are in the mix for the junior.
Darne Duckett 6-foot-1 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Joseph's) 2017: The St Joseph's prospect has a good feel of running the offense but his scoring prowess was on display on Friday. Duckett scored from the perimeter, made a few pull up jumpers, and was able to take the ball to the basket and finish strong. He has a good frame for a sophomore and his offensive versatility have drawn interest from Loyola Marymount and San Diego.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: Hewitt has added size and bulk to his frame in the past year. The St Francis product is continuing to improve on his rebounding, post moves, and passing. Hewitt has offers from Pacific and Southern Utah while San Francisco, Santa Clara, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State are interested.
Notes
Pacific (Ron Verlin), Santa Clara (Assistant Brandon Rosenthal), Southern Utah (Assistant Drew Allen), St Mary's (Assistant Marty Clarke), UC Davis (Jim Les), and Weber State were some of the Division I coaches that attended on Day 1. Several lower division and junior college coaches were also in attendance.
Osi Nwachuk 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s Black (San Leandro) 2015: Interest and visit (Master's College)
JT Jarret Branch 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s White (Antioch) 2015: Interest and visit (Regis-Denver)
Kevin Crosno 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s White (College Park) 2015: Interest and visit (Dominican)
Kyle Roach 6-foot-2 G Lakeshow 17s White (Marin Academy) 2015: Committed (Wittman)
Other commitments are Ben Wood to Cal Baptist and Wilson LaShells to William Jessup.
On Friday, the Fourth Annual Nor Cal Spring Showcase at Jamtown off of highway 880 in Oakland kicked off the first day of the current NCAA certified viewing period. The first evening of action had five games on each of the four courts. Day 2 starts at 8am on Saturday with 15 games apiece.
Here are some players of note on Day 1:
Brandon McGee 6-foot-3 G Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Salesian) 2016: A guard with good size, ball handling, and scoring abilities, McGee was effective finishing in the paint several times. McGee will be the senior leader next year for Salesian as he is drawing interest from Pacific, Portland, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State.
Robert Colton 6-foot-5 SF Bay Area Warriors 17U (Archbishop Riordan) 2015: The Australian native has good size and plays big in the paint. He has a good release and is comfortable with initiating contact. Despite being ineligible this past season due to his transfer, the senior has drawn interest from Denver and UT San Antonio.
Connor Rubattino 6-foot-2 PG Lakeshow 17s White (Cardinal Newman) 2016: Rubattino is a burly point guard that takes contact when going to the basket. He directs his team's offense well and plays strong defense. Eastern Washington and Sacramento State have expressed interest.
Eddie Ionescu 6-foot-5 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (Miramonte) 2016: Ionescu had the shooter's touch, as his perimeter offense is his calling card. With good size for a guard, the junior is getting inquiries from Pepperdine, San Francisco, St Mary's, and Westmont (Santa Barbara).
Jordan Ratinho 6-foot-5 SF Lakeshow 17s Elite (De La Salle) 2016: Offense has always come naturally to Ratinho, but he was playing with more intensity and physicality on the defensive end. The De La Salle product has added more size during the past year. Ratinho holds offers from Denver, Montana, Pacific, San Francisco, and UC Santa Barbara while Weber State is interested.
George Dancer 6-foot-3 G Revolution Basketball Club (Beyer) 2016: Dancer has an accurate perimeter shot as he hit several three-point baskets in both games. He also was the focal point on offense as he directed his Revolution club that is made up entirely of the Beyer High team. Beyer finished runner up to Modesto Christian in league play but Dancer is a legitimate scoring threat.
Will Emery 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (St Ignatius) 2016: Emery is a lanky prospect but plays tougher than his size. He ran the floor well and is versatile in his scoring methods. The St Ignatius product has gotten feelers from Brown, Columbia, and Princeton.
Joey Calcaterra 6-foot-0 SG Lakeshow 16s Elite (Marin Catholic) 2017: The sophomore product can flat out shoot from the perimeter. He has a wiry frame but was not afraid of taking the ball to the basket. His perimeter skills have already drawn inquiries from Cal, Eastern Washington, Portland, and San Francisco.
Sean Gilmore 6-foot-8 F Bay Area Warriors 17U (University) 2016: The junior battles hard inside against bulkier opponents. Gilmore looks comfortable spotting up from beyond the arc and is more likely a face up player. He currently has interest Division III programs like Trinity and Tufts.
Alec Andrews 6-foot-3 SG Earl Watson Elite High Academic 17U (Folsom) 2016: The Folsom product is playing for the Southern California based Earl Watson club. Andrews is often overshadowed by playing alongside Jordan Ford at Folsom, but he showcased a very similar offensive game as he hit several three point shots and was able to create his own offense by going to the basket. By being a primary offensive option on this club during the summer should help in his recruiting.
Nick Peters 6-foot-3 SG Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue (De La Salle) 2016: Peters has missed the beginning of the spring season the past two years due to injuries but is healthy starting this one. Peters has good size for a guard and is a versatile scorer at the high school level. Pacific, Santa Clara, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State are in the mix for the junior.
Darne Duckett 6-foot-1 PG Lakeshow 16s Elite (St Joseph's) 2017: The St Joseph's prospect has a good feel of running the offense but his scoring prowess was on display on Friday. Duckett scored from the perimeter, made a few pull up jumpers, and was able to take the ball to the basket and finish strong. He has a good frame for a sophomore and his offensive versatility have drawn interest from Loyola Marymount and San Diego.
Peter Hewitt 6-foot-10 PF Lakeshow 17s Elite (St Francis) 2016: Hewitt has added size and bulk to his frame in the past year. The St Francis product is continuing to improve on his rebounding, post moves, and passing. Hewitt has offers from Pacific and Southern Utah while San Francisco, Santa Clara, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and Weber State are interested.
Notes
Pacific (Ron Verlin), Santa Clara (Assistant Brandon Rosenthal), Southern Utah (Assistant Drew Allen), St Mary's (Assistant Marty Clarke), UC Davis (Jim Les), and Weber State were some of the Division I coaches that attended on Day 1. Several lower division and junior college coaches were also in attendance.
Osi Nwachuk 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s Black (San Leandro) 2015: Interest and visit (Master's College)
JT Jarret Branch 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s White (Antioch) 2015: Interest and visit (Regis-Denver)
Kevin Crosno 6-foot-6 F Lakeshow 17s White (College Park) 2015: Interest and visit (Dominican)
Kyle Roach 6-foot-2 G Lakeshow 17s White (Marin Academy) 2015: Committed (Wittman)
Other commitments are Ben Wood to Cal Baptist and Wilson LaShells to William Jessup.
Article 407: The next Cougar standout
April 7, 2015
Capital Christian has been churning out 25+ win seasons for the past four years. The next few years also look bright for the Cougars as freshman Zachary Chappell was a key contributor in the state title game where they lost to Crespi. The 2018 prospect averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest.
The 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds prospect has been part of the Visalia based Team Superstar program and will play a level up on the 16U club this upcoming summer. Team Superstar Program Director Lerohn Dodson says, "Zach is a big, strong, physical athletic guard. He has a great feel for the game on court. He is a high major guard. He has a John Wall type game with great size and is very explosive. Sky is the limit for Zach. I believe he's the one of the best PG in the country for his class."
Capital Christian has been churning out Division I level prospects the past few years that have included Nifae Lealao, DJ Wilson, and Justice Shelton-Mosley. Chappell will be the returning leading 3-point shooter for the Cougars. Chappell uses an effective crossover to create space for his perimeter shots or to take the ball to the basket.
The 2018 prospect has been playing organized basketball for over ten years and was a freshman starter on this past year's Cougar program. Chappell also competes in soccer but expects basketball to be his sport on the next level. Chappell will team with his older brother, 2016 wing Ryan Chappell, for another year to make another run at state.
During the upcoming season, Chappell plans on working on his jump shot. His Team Superstar 16U club will be participating in the Under Armour Association, which will have stops in New Orleans, Louisville, New York, and Atlanta.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Zach has a good feel for the game has good basketball IQ and an understanding of offense and defense of sets Zach can finish at the rim along with knocking down the mid range and three point shot. With that athletic frame and ability, Zach has all the potential to be a high major kid."
Capital Christian had another great season finishing runner up in state. Watch for the Cougars to be on the prowl in the fall with Chappell leading them in Sacramento, Calif.
Capital Christian has been churning out 25+ win seasons for the past four years. The next few years also look bright for the Cougars as freshman Zachary Chappell was a key contributor in the state title game where they lost to Crespi. The 2018 prospect averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest.
The 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds prospect has been part of the Visalia based Team Superstar program and will play a level up on the 16U club this upcoming summer. Team Superstar Program Director Lerohn Dodson says, "Zach is a big, strong, physical athletic guard. He has a great feel for the game on court. He is a high major guard. He has a John Wall type game with great size and is very explosive. Sky is the limit for Zach. I believe he's the one of the best PG in the country for his class."
Capital Christian has been churning out Division I level prospects the past few years that have included Nifae Lealao, DJ Wilson, and Justice Shelton-Mosley. Chappell will be the returning leading 3-point shooter for the Cougars. Chappell uses an effective crossover to create space for his perimeter shots or to take the ball to the basket.
The 2018 prospect has been playing organized basketball for over ten years and was a freshman starter on this past year's Cougar program. Chappell also competes in soccer but expects basketball to be his sport on the next level. Chappell will team with his older brother, 2016 wing Ryan Chappell, for another year to make another run at state.
During the upcoming season, Chappell plans on working on his jump shot. His Team Superstar 16U club will be participating in the Under Armour Association, which will have stops in New Orleans, Louisville, New York, and Atlanta.
Team Superstar Coach Grady Dodson says, "Zach has a good feel for the game has good basketball IQ and an understanding of offense and defense of sets Zach can finish at the rim along with knocking down the mid range and three point shot. With that athletic frame and ability, Zach has all the potential to be a high major kid."
Capital Christian had another great season finishing runner up in state. Watch for the Cougars to be on the prowl in the fall with Chappell leading them in Sacramento, Calif.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Article 406: Crusaders march on
March 18, 2015
Modesto Christian overcame a packed, rowdy crowd in San Mateo to defeat Serra 53-48 and advance to the regional finals of the 2015 CIF State Open Division playoffs.
The Padres rushed out to a 10-2 early advantage and a 18-12 first quarter lead as senior Jimmy Wohrer scored eight of his team high 15 points in the quarter. Serra maintained that six point advantage at 29-23 at halftime before extending to a game high 10 point margin early in the third quarter.
The Crusaders used their interior tandem of Anthony Townes and Robinson Idehen to rally 43-41 to end the quarter. Serra had trouble scoring in the final quarter while Modesto Christian continued to use their size advantage to win 53-48.
Serra finishes the season at 23-6 after going further in the West Catholic League and in the postseason than preseason expectations. No player on Serra had more than four rebounds as the team totaled 19 rebounds for the game. However, Serra's 18 field goal makes resulted in 16 total assists. 6-foot-10 Jack Wilson, only a freshman, and junior forward Jake Killingsworth will be the pillars for next year's team as they battled hard against the Crusader post players.
Modesto Christian dominated the boards in the second half as the Crusaders had 35 total rebounds with senior Townes, a Pacific commit, and junior Christian Ellis grabbing 10 rebounds each. Townes and Idehen each made eight field goals to score 19 and 18 points respectively. Ellis and senior Jeff Wu, a Sacramento State commit, played more intense perimeter defense during the second half as Serra only had one 3-point make. Modesto Christian's 17 offensive rebounds gave them 14 more field goal attempts than Serra for the game.
The Crusaders hit the 30 win mark as they move to 30-3. Modesto Christian faces Bishop O'Dowd in the regional finals as the Dragons won 75-57 against Folsom.
Modesto Christian's starting five is strong but the roster goes only seven deep. Bishop O'Dowd has a deeper rotation in addition to national prospect, Ivan Rabb, Boise State commit Paris Austin, Isaiah Thomas who is headed to Northern Arizona.
Last season, Modesto Christian lost to Bishop O'Dowd twice, including a season ending 74-51 loss in the Open Division playoffs.
Modesto Christian overcame a packed, rowdy crowd in San Mateo to defeat Serra 53-48 and advance to the regional finals of the 2015 CIF State Open Division playoffs.
The Padres rushed out to a 10-2 early advantage and a 18-12 first quarter lead as senior Jimmy Wohrer scored eight of his team high 15 points in the quarter. Serra maintained that six point advantage at 29-23 at halftime before extending to a game high 10 point margin early in the third quarter.
The Crusaders used their interior tandem of Anthony Townes and Robinson Idehen to rally 43-41 to end the quarter. Serra had trouble scoring in the final quarter while Modesto Christian continued to use their size advantage to win 53-48.
Serra finishes the season at 23-6 after going further in the West Catholic League and in the postseason than preseason expectations. No player on Serra had more than four rebounds as the team totaled 19 rebounds for the game. However, Serra's 18 field goal makes resulted in 16 total assists. 6-foot-10 Jack Wilson, only a freshman, and junior forward Jake Killingsworth will be the pillars for next year's team as they battled hard against the Crusader post players.
Modesto Christian dominated the boards in the second half as the Crusaders had 35 total rebounds with senior Townes, a Pacific commit, and junior Christian Ellis grabbing 10 rebounds each. Townes and Idehen each made eight field goals to score 19 and 18 points respectively. Ellis and senior Jeff Wu, a Sacramento State commit, played more intense perimeter defense during the second half as Serra only had one 3-point make. Modesto Christian's 17 offensive rebounds gave them 14 more field goal attempts than Serra for the game.
The Crusaders hit the 30 win mark as they move to 30-3. Modesto Christian faces Bishop O'Dowd in the regional finals as the Dragons won 75-57 against Folsom.
Modesto Christian's starting five is strong but the roster goes only seven deep. Bishop O'Dowd has a deeper rotation in addition to national prospect, Ivan Rabb, Boise State commit Paris Austin, Isaiah Thomas who is headed to Northern Arizona.
Last season, Modesto Christian lost to Bishop O'Dowd twice, including a season ending 74-51 loss in the Open Division playoffs.
Article 405: WCAL Madness
January 15, 2015
Last year's Serra and Archbishop Riordan regular season West Catholic Athletic League games were offensive battles (Serra 64-63 2OT in San Mateo and Riordan 52-44 in San Francisco) when compared to the first meeting this season. Both teams came into the game with identical 9-3 (1-1 league) records as Serra won 33-32 in this defensive struggle. Both teams still have many question marks as league play continues.
Based on the starting lineup, Riordan had a size and an athletic advantage with 6-foot-8 Karim N'Diaye and 6-foot-3 Eddie Stansberry. However, the Padres play 10 deep with interchangeable players ranging from 6-foot-0 to 6-foot-5. 6-foot-9 freshman Jack Wilson is on the roster and was on the bench but did not see any game time.
Neither team had more than a two-possession advantage as the Crusaders had a first quarter 7-6 lead and a halftime 20-16 advantage. The Padres won the third quarter and lead 26-25 after three before holding on for the 33-32 win.
The leading scorer was junior Jeremiah Testa who came off the bench for Serra to tally seven points and tied for a game high eight rebounds. Serra head coach Chuck Rapp said after the game that this team's sum is much greater than its individual players. The Padres played tenacious defense all over the court, won the majority of the 50-50 balls, and caused several jump ball situations. Conversely, the team has no playmakers that can create offense when the half-court offense stagnates and the guards had some difficulty breaking the full court press.
Serra goes to 10-3 and plays Sacred Heart Cathedral and Archbishop Mitty in their next two games as these two teams have either athletic playmakers or superior size. The Padres already lost to a bigger St Francis team. The outcome of the next two games will indicate where the Padres are in the WCAL pecking order.
Riordan's main players of N'Diaye and Stansberry had five and four points respectively. The Crusaders missed all seven of their 3-point attempts and the team committed 21 turnovers. The team drops to 9-4 and faces St Ignatius next.
Like Serra, the Crusaders lost to St Francis already and will also be tested by Sacred Heart Cathedral and Archbishop Mitty later in the season. But Riordan will have to play more efficiently and more team-oriented to have a chance in those games.
Last year's Serra and Archbishop Riordan regular season West Catholic Athletic League games were offensive battles (Serra 64-63 2OT in San Mateo and Riordan 52-44 in San Francisco) when compared to the first meeting this season. Both teams came into the game with identical 9-3 (1-1 league) records as Serra won 33-32 in this defensive struggle. Both teams still have many question marks as league play continues.
Based on the starting lineup, Riordan had a size and an athletic advantage with 6-foot-8 Karim N'Diaye and 6-foot-3 Eddie Stansberry. However, the Padres play 10 deep with interchangeable players ranging from 6-foot-0 to 6-foot-5. 6-foot-9 freshman Jack Wilson is on the roster and was on the bench but did not see any game time.
Neither team had more than a two-possession advantage as the Crusaders had a first quarter 7-6 lead and a halftime 20-16 advantage. The Padres won the third quarter and lead 26-25 after three before holding on for the 33-32 win.
The leading scorer was junior Jeremiah Testa who came off the bench for Serra to tally seven points and tied for a game high eight rebounds. Serra head coach Chuck Rapp said after the game that this team's sum is much greater than its individual players. The Padres played tenacious defense all over the court, won the majority of the 50-50 balls, and caused several jump ball situations. Conversely, the team has no playmakers that can create offense when the half-court offense stagnates and the guards had some difficulty breaking the full court press.
Serra goes to 10-3 and plays Sacred Heart Cathedral and Archbishop Mitty in their next two games as these two teams have either athletic playmakers or superior size. The Padres already lost to a bigger St Francis team. The outcome of the next two games will indicate where the Padres are in the WCAL pecking order.
Riordan's main players of N'Diaye and Stansberry had five and four points respectively. The Crusaders missed all seven of their 3-point attempts and the team committed 21 turnovers. The team drops to 9-4 and faces St Ignatius next.
Like Serra, the Crusaders lost to St Francis already and will also be tested by Sacred Heart Cathedral and Archbishop Mitty later in the season. But Riordan will have to play more efficiently and more team-oriented to have a chance in those games.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Article 404: Classic: Final Report
December 31, 2014
In the final day of the 12th MaxPreps Holiday Classic on Tuesday, the three games involving the four Northern California teams all were contested battles that came down to the final quarter. Here is our final report.
Folsom 62, Archbishop Mitty 59
In a battle between the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the most recent NCP Boys Basketball Top 20, Folsom was able to rally from a huge third quarter deficit to bolster their claim to the No. 2 ranking.
Folsom had a slow start to this game as the Bulldogs could only muster 12 points in total in the first half to trail 33-12 to the Monarchs. Ben Kone was the offensive leader in the first half with 10 points while the Mitty guards attacked the offensive rebounds that led to put backs and second chance points.
Jordan Ford was scoreless for the Bulldogs in the first half but came out firing in the third quarter. He hit four and three 3-pointers respectively in the latter two quarters. Folsom outscored Mitty 29-9 to cut the deficit to 42-41 after the third quarter. Kone and Sebastian Much scored early baskets in the fourth quarter to pad the lead, but Ford accounted for 15 out of the team's 21 fourth quarter points including six clutch free throws to help Folsom rally for the 62-59 victory.
Folsom goes to 11-2 with this win. Outside of league play, the Bulldogs have a matchup with Monte Vista on Jan 10. Folsom's success is directly related to Ford's numbers as he was able to create his shot off the dribble or to pull up with a quick release perimeter stroke. His only memorable shooting flaw in the Mitty victory was his lone free throw miss when the Bulldogs were shooting the penalty. Colin Russell had 13 points and can be expected for a double-double on the stats sheet for most of their remaining games. The key for Russell is if he can be a defensive intimidator in the post against shorter teams and if he can win the post matchups when battling a true post player. In the Mitty victory, Kone outplayed Russell on both ends. After Ford and Russell, the Bulldogs need a third scoring option to lessen their contributions.
Mitty drops to 6-3 and have some open questions as league play starts. The post play could be the answer as Kone had 21 points in the Folsom loss and can be penciled in for 20 plus points and 10 plus rebounds per game. 6-foot-7 sophomore Sebastian Much had 15 points while he provides additional size in the post and has good length and form on his perimeter game. Dakari Monroe looks like the third scoring option as he is a slasher and creates points on his pressure defense. The other Mitty guards look to be spot up shooters who have many open looks as opposing defenses have to handle Kone and Much in the interior. But these guards are undersized and often have difficulty breaking the press. 6-foot 4 Riley Grigsby is an intriguing piece as he has good size and length but still plays tentative at times as a freshman. Mitty is still the favorite to win league but is not a lock.
Sacramento 58, American Fork (UT) 55
Sacramento defeated a bigger but less athletic and less aggressive American Fork team. The Dragons pressure defense helped them take a 15-10 first quarter advantage. The Utah team has Brandon Bailey, who is an Arizona State commit and the son of Thurl Bailey. At 6-foot-8, he has a perimeter release that is difficult to guard as he kept hitting his shots to help American Fork lead 34-30 at the half and 49-45 after the third quarter. A combination of Sacramento's swarming defense and American Fork's passing ineptitude allowed the Dragons to rally for the 58-55 victory. American Fork threw several post passes away including a few that hit the rim accidentally and they threw their last two inbounds passes erroneously to end the game.
Sacramento goes to 8-3 and still has non-league games with Bishop O'Dowd and Sacred Heart Cathedral to test their post play. The Dragons only size is with juniors Solomon Young and Christian Terrell who had 11 and 10 points respectively in the win. Young dominates the paint in terms of rebounding and block shots while playing the offensive post position with a linebacker mentality. Terrell has length and good versatility as he is tasked with defending the opposing team's most dangerous scorer. During the four game event, the Dragons did not have a consistent third option. All the other players are essentially interchangeable guards who press and scrap relentlessly on the defense. Sophomore Sayvon Hines was a key perimeter contributor in the first two games but less so in the latter two. Senior Stevie Matthews had 14 points in the American Fork victory as he goes hard to the basket. More importantly, he was a tenacious defender as he had to defend against a much taller player in the post but he held his own. If either Young or Terrell have early foul trouble, then it is hard to see how the Dragons can compete effectively with limited size.
Moreau Catholic 64, Alemany 60
Moreau Catholic jumped out to a 19-11 first quarter lead against Alemany. Damari Milstead had 21 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals as 11 of his points came in the first half to give the Mariners the 37-28 halftime advantage. Moreau Catholic looked to cruise to victory, as they were ahead 53-40 after three. A flurry of turnovers allowed Alemany to narrow the deficit at 57-56 with less than three minutes left but the Mariners righted the ship with clutch free throw shooting to win 64-60.
Moreau Catholic goes to 5-5 as all five losses are against non Northern California teams. Arguably, the Mariners performed best at this event as their two losses were against the literal tall tasks of Mater Dei and Prestonwood (TX). Outside of league play, an MLK matchup with Archbishop Mitty would be an interesting battle of the two team's high level 2016 and 2017 prospects.
Oscar Frayer had 15 points in the Alemany victory. Milstead and Frayer were the most consistent and effective scorers for the Mariners in the four game event. Frayer shot the ball with confidence, created off the dribble, and was aggressive in rebounding and challenging opposing shots. Milstead was coming off of a suspension to make his season debut. In this final game, he drove and finished at the basket several occasions as he has an extra gear in the open court. The elusive third scoring option is still an unknown for the Mariners. Terrell Brown played well in Milstead's absence but contributed less in the four games here. Brandon Lawrence and Armond Simmons were key contributors in past seasons but have not gotten any consistency this season yet.
Additional Notes
College head coaches in attendance during the winter viewing period for the four games included Arizona (Miller), San Diego State (Fisher), USC (Enfield), and Washington (Romar). Assistant head coaches include Arizona State, Pacific, Pepperdine, San Diego State, and UC Riverside.
The original seeding of the Open Division was:
No. 1 - Sierra Canyon, Calif.
No. 2 - Mater Dei, Calif.
No. 3 - Prestonwood, TX
No. 4 - Etiwanda, Calif.
Unseeded Pebblebrook High of Georgia, which is coached by a George Washington, took the tournament by storm by defeating Damien, Calif. in its opening round. Then, it took out Prestonwood and Mater Dei before losing to Sierra Canyon 67-66. Mater Dei defeated Etiwanda for the third place game to place three Southern California teams in the top four of the event.
None of the four Northern California teams were initially seeded in the top four and they finished as such:
No. 7 - Moreau Catholic went 2-2
No. 11 - Sacramento High went 2-2
No. 13 - Folsom went 2-2
No. 14 - Archbishop Mitty went 1-3
Capital Christian finished 2-2 in the Gear to the Max Division.
Benicia High was in the event in the Field of 64. They went 2-2.
Sutter High (2-2) was in the event in the Field of 64.
In the final day of the 12th MaxPreps Holiday Classic on Tuesday, the three games involving the four Northern California teams all were contested battles that came down to the final quarter. Here is our final report.
Folsom 62, Archbishop Mitty 59
In a battle between the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the most recent NCP Boys Basketball Top 20, Folsom was able to rally from a huge third quarter deficit to bolster their claim to the No. 2 ranking.
Folsom had a slow start to this game as the Bulldogs could only muster 12 points in total in the first half to trail 33-12 to the Monarchs. Ben Kone was the offensive leader in the first half with 10 points while the Mitty guards attacked the offensive rebounds that led to put backs and second chance points.
Jordan Ford was scoreless for the Bulldogs in the first half but came out firing in the third quarter. He hit four and three 3-pointers respectively in the latter two quarters. Folsom outscored Mitty 29-9 to cut the deficit to 42-41 after the third quarter. Kone and Sebastian Much scored early baskets in the fourth quarter to pad the lead, but Ford accounted for 15 out of the team's 21 fourth quarter points including six clutch free throws to help Folsom rally for the 62-59 victory.
Folsom goes to 11-2 with this win. Outside of league play, the Bulldogs have a matchup with Monte Vista on Jan 10. Folsom's success is directly related to Ford's numbers as he was able to create his shot off the dribble or to pull up with a quick release perimeter stroke. His only memorable shooting flaw in the Mitty victory was his lone free throw miss when the Bulldogs were shooting the penalty. Colin Russell had 13 points and can be expected for a double-double on the stats sheet for most of their remaining games. The key for Russell is if he can be a defensive intimidator in the post against shorter teams and if he can win the post matchups when battling a true post player. In the Mitty victory, Kone outplayed Russell on both ends. After Ford and Russell, the Bulldogs need a third scoring option to lessen their contributions.
Mitty drops to 6-3 and have some open questions as league play starts. The post play could be the answer as Kone had 21 points in the Folsom loss and can be penciled in for 20 plus points and 10 plus rebounds per game. 6-foot-7 sophomore Sebastian Much had 15 points while he provides additional size in the post and has good length and form on his perimeter game. Dakari Monroe looks like the third scoring option as he is a slasher and creates points on his pressure defense. The other Mitty guards look to be spot up shooters who have many open looks as opposing defenses have to handle Kone and Much in the interior. But these guards are undersized and often have difficulty breaking the press. 6-foot 4 Riley Grigsby is an intriguing piece as he has good size and length but still plays tentative at times as a freshman. Mitty is still the favorite to win league but is not a lock.
Sacramento 58, American Fork (UT) 55
Sacramento defeated a bigger but less athletic and less aggressive American Fork team. The Dragons pressure defense helped them take a 15-10 first quarter advantage. The Utah team has Brandon Bailey, who is an Arizona State commit and the son of Thurl Bailey. At 6-foot-8, he has a perimeter release that is difficult to guard as he kept hitting his shots to help American Fork lead 34-30 at the half and 49-45 after the third quarter. A combination of Sacramento's swarming defense and American Fork's passing ineptitude allowed the Dragons to rally for the 58-55 victory. American Fork threw several post passes away including a few that hit the rim accidentally and they threw their last two inbounds passes erroneously to end the game.
Sacramento goes to 8-3 and still has non-league games with Bishop O'Dowd and Sacred Heart Cathedral to test their post play. The Dragons only size is with juniors Solomon Young and Christian Terrell who had 11 and 10 points respectively in the win. Young dominates the paint in terms of rebounding and block shots while playing the offensive post position with a linebacker mentality. Terrell has length and good versatility as he is tasked with defending the opposing team's most dangerous scorer. During the four game event, the Dragons did not have a consistent third option. All the other players are essentially interchangeable guards who press and scrap relentlessly on the defense. Sophomore Sayvon Hines was a key perimeter contributor in the first two games but less so in the latter two. Senior Stevie Matthews had 14 points in the American Fork victory as he goes hard to the basket. More importantly, he was a tenacious defender as he had to defend against a much taller player in the post but he held his own. If either Young or Terrell have early foul trouble, then it is hard to see how the Dragons can compete effectively with limited size.
Moreau Catholic 64, Alemany 60
Moreau Catholic jumped out to a 19-11 first quarter lead against Alemany. Damari Milstead had 21 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals as 11 of his points came in the first half to give the Mariners the 37-28 halftime advantage. Moreau Catholic looked to cruise to victory, as they were ahead 53-40 after three. A flurry of turnovers allowed Alemany to narrow the deficit at 57-56 with less than three minutes left but the Mariners righted the ship with clutch free throw shooting to win 64-60.
Moreau Catholic goes to 5-5 as all five losses are against non Northern California teams. Arguably, the Mariners performed best at this event as their two losses were against the literal tall tasks of Mater Dei and Prestonwood (TX). Outside of league play, an MLK matchup with Archbishop Mitty would be an interesting battle of the two team's high level 2016 and 2017 prospects.
Oscar Frayer had 15 points in the Alemany victory. Milstead and Frayer were the most consistent and effective scorers for the Mariners in the four game event. Frayer shot the ball with confidence, created off the dribble, and was aggressive in rebounding and challenging opposing shots. Milstead was coming off of a suspension to make his season debut. In this final game, he drove and finished at the basket several occasions as he has an extra gear in the open court. The elusive third scoring option is still an unknown for the Mariners. Terrell Brown played well in Milstead's absence but contributed less in the four games here. Brandon Lawrence and Armond Simmons were key contributors in past seasons but have not gotten any consistency this season yet.
Additional Notes
College head coaches in attendance during the winter viewing period for the four games included Arizona (Miller), San Diego State (Fisher), USC (Enfield), and Washington (Romar). Assistant head coaches include Arizona State, Pacific, Pepperdine, San Diego State, and UC Riverside.
The original seeding of the Open Division was:
No. 1 - Sierra Canyon, Calif.
No. 2 - Mater Dei, Calif.
No. 3 - Prestonwood, TX
No. 4 - Etiwanda, Calif.
Unseeded Pebblebrook High of Georgia, which is coached by a George Washington, took the tournament by storm by defeating Damien, Calif. in its opening round. Then, it took out Prestonwood and Mater Dei before losing to Sierra Canyon 67-66. Mater Dei defeated Etiwanda for the third place game to place three Southern California teams in the top four of the event.
None of the four Northern California teams were initially seeded in the top four and they finished as such:
No. 7 - Moreau Catholic went 2-2
No. 11 - Sacramento High went 2-2
No. 13 - Folsom went 2-2
No. 14 - Archbishop Mitty went 1-3
Capital Christian finished 2-2 in the Gear to the Max Division.
Benicia High was in the event in the Field of 64. They went 2-2.
Sutter High (2-2) was in the event in the Field of 64.
Article 403: Holiday Classic Day 3
December 30, 2014
The MaxPreps Holiday Classic passed the midway point on Monday at Xavier College Prep in Palm Desert, Calif. The four Northern California teams in the Open Division split their four games. Here is a summary.
Archbishop Mitty 69, Saddleback Valley Christian 48
After losing their first two games in the event, Coach Tim Kennedy said that his team came out strong and played with more intensity in the first quarter. Mitty led 15-10 and 31-21 after the first two quarters respectively. The third quarter was shaky for the Monarchs as Saddleback's Eric Rwahwire, a UC Riverside commit who had 20 points in the game, helped cut the deficit to four points midway. But Monarch, Ben Kone, had 18 of his 27 points in the second half to help extend the third quarter advantage back to 46-34 and to pad the final score in the fourth quarter.
Guard Dakari Monroe had 14 points, as he was disruptive on the defensive end to help create turnovers to lead to easy baskets. However, the Monarchs only had one made 3-point shot. This year's Mitty team will depend on Kone being the offensive focal point as the perimeter shooting has not been consistent. Sophomore Sebastian Much has shown a nice touch but needs to look for his offense and shots more.
Mitty goes to 6-2 and faces Folsom Tuesday for the 13th place decision. This is a battle between the top two teams from Northern California after Bishop O'Dowd.
Folsom 58, Issaquah (WA) 57 OT
This Issaquah squad gave Moreau Catholic a battle in the first half of their Friday game. With a distinct size advantage with Colin Russell and solid guards, Folsom dominated early on with an 8-0 lead midway into the first quarter. Issaquah lives and dies by the perimeter shots as they made eight 3-point field goals in the game. With two of those in the first quarter, Issaquah trailed 14-13. Folsom gave up the lead midway into the second quarter but rallied with the advantage of 34-30 into halftime.
Russell picked up an early fourth foul and Folsom lost the hustle plays to trail 43-41 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter, which ended in a 52-52 tie, and the overtime period had a lot of turnovers, missed free throws, and missed opportunities on both ends. Issaquah missed four free throws in overtime that allowed Folsom to take a 58-54 advantage before Issaquah ended the game with a 3-point shot.
Jordan Ford had 22 points for the Bulldogs and has been the most consistent offensive player in all three games for Folsom. Russell battled foul trouble but was able to get 14 points. Against Mitty on Tuesday, the Bulldogs, now 10-2, need to execute better and play to their preferred tempo.
Rufus King (WI) 56, Sacramento 52
Solomon Young was the tallest and strongest player on the court. He followed up a double-double from his previous game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Christian Terrell had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Despite their efforts, the Dragons trailed every quarter by nearly double digits. In the final quarter, Sacramento used a frenetic press defense to cause several turnovers. The Dragons had a few opportunities to take the lead but came as close as 53-52 with 0:22 left before losing the game.
Terrell and Young accounted for 15 of the team's 21 made field goals, 14 of the team's 17 rebounds, and all of the block shots. The Dragons do not have much depth in the interior and are highly dependent on Young being on the floor.
Sacramento drops to 7-3 and faces American Fork (UT) for the 11th place game. This Utah team has the size and depth to give the Dragons trouble.
Prestonwood (TX) 68, Moreau Catholic 53
On opening night, Prestonwood handled Folsom with ease. Prestonwood was up 13-2 midway in the first quarter and 19-7 at the end of it against the Mariners. Moreau Catholic could not hit any of their perimeter shots in the first quarter but turned the momentum around in the second quarter with some long distance makes to narrow the deficit to 29-23 at the half. Prestonwood came out in the third quarter and extended the margin to 46-33. The Mariners could not bring the deficit below ten points and would lose 68-53.
Oscar Frayer and Damari Milstead were the most aggressive and consistent offensive players. Frayer looked confident in his perimeter stroke as he did make a few of his perimeter shots. Milstead did not have the outside game working but was aggressive attacking the basket and converting. On the defensive end, the team did its best in a zone coverage to handle the two 6-foot-11 players from Texas.
The Mariners drop to 4-5 and will take on Alemany for the 7th place game. Alemany has some interior size to challenge Moreau Catholic.
The MaxPreps Holiday Classic passed the midway point on Monday at Xavier College Prep in Palm Desert, Calif. The four Northern California teams in the Open Division split their four games. Here is a summary.
Archbishop Mitty 69, Saddleback Valley Christian 48
After losing their first two games in the event, Coach Tim Kennedy said that his team came out strong and played with more intensity in the first quarter. Mitty led 15-10 and 31-21 after the first two quarters respectively. The third quarter was shaky for the Monarchs as Saddleback's Eric Rwahwire, a UC Riverside commit who had 20 points in the game, helped cut the deficit to four points midway. But Monarch, Ben Kone, had 18 of his 27 points in the second half to help extend the third quarter advantage back to 46-34 and to pad the final score in the fourth quarter.
Guard Dakari Monroe had 14 points, as he was disruptive on the defensive end to help create turnovers to lead to easy baskets. However, the Monarchs only had one made 3-point shot. This year's Mitty team will depend on Kone being the offensive focal point as the perimeter shooting has not been consistent. Sophomore Sebastian Much has shown a nice touch but needs to look for his offense and shots more.
Mitty goes to 6-2 and faces Folsom Tuesday for the 13th place decision. This is a battle between the top two teams from Northern California after Bishop O'Dowd.
Folsom 58, Issaquah (WA) 57 OT
This Issaquah squad gave Moreau Catholic a battle in the first half of their Friday game. With a distinct size advantage with Colin Russell and solid guards, Folsom dominated early on with an 8-0 lead midway into the first quarter. Issaquah lives and dies by the perimeter shots as they made eight 3-point field goals in the game. With two of those in the first quarter, Issaquah trailed 14-13. Folsom gave up the lead midway into the second quarter but rallied with the advantage of 34-30 into halftime.
Russell picked up an early fourth foul and Folsom lost the hustle plays to trail 43-41 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter, which ended in a 52-52 tie, and the overtime period had a lot of turnovers, missed free throws, and missed opportunities on both ends. Issaquah missed four free throws in overtime that allowed Folsom to take a 58-54 advantage before Issaquah ended the game with a 3-point shot.
Jordan Ford had 22 points for the Bulldogs and has been the most consistent offensive player in all three games for Folsom. Russell battled foul trouble but was able to get 14 points. Against Mitty on Tuesday, the Bulldogs, now 10-2, need to execute better and play to their preferred tempo.
Rufus King (WI) 56, Sacramento 52
Solomon Young was the tallest and strongest player on the court. He followed up a double-double from his previous game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Christian Terrell had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Despite their efforts, the Dragons trailed every quarter by nearly double digits. In the final quarter, Sacramento used a frenetic press defense to cause several turnovers. The Dragons had a few opportunities to take the lead but came as close as 53-52 with 0:22 left before losing the game.
Terrell and Young accounted for 15 of the team's 21 made field goals, 14 of the team's 17 rebounds, and all of the block shots. The Dragons do not have much depth in the interior and are highly dependent on Young being on the floor.
Sacramento drops to 7-3 and faces American Fork (UT) for the 11th place game. This Utah team has the size and depth to give the Dragons trouble.
Prestonwood (TX) 68, Moreau Catholic 53
On opening night, Prestonwood handled Folsom with ease. Prestonwood was up 13-2 midway in the first quarter and 19-7 at the end of it against the Mariners. Moreau Catholic could not hit any of their perimeter shots in the first quarter but turned the momentum around in the second quarter with some long distance makes to narrow the deficit to 29-23 at the half. Prestonwood came out in the third quarter and extended the margin to 46-33. The Mariners could not bring the deficit below ten points and would lose 68-53.
Oscar Frayer and Damari Milstead were the most aggressive and consistent offensive players. Frayer looked confident in his perimeter stroke as he did make a few of his perimeter shots. Milstead did not have the outside game working but was aggressive attacking the basket and converting. On the defensive end, the team did its best in a zone coverage to handle the two 6-foot-11 players from Texas.
The Mariners drop to 4-5 and will take on Alemany for the 7th place game. Alemany has some interior size to challenge Moreau Catholic.
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