Monday, April 30, 2012

Article 300: Final Showcase report

April 30, 2012

The final day of the 1st Annual NorCal Spring Showcase at the City College of San Francisco had many head coaches from the west coast in attendance to observe the hardwood talent. Modesto Christian looks to be loaded, as the depth chart is easily two deep at most positions as the bulk of the team is playing for their Modesto Basketball Club. And the future talent in Sacramento does not look to be lacking either as the Sacramento based PHPS Renegades displayed.

Tyras Rattler 6-foot-0 G Modesto Christian (2014) Modesto Basketball Club: Rattler is a left-handed guard who plays with poise and savvy as he reminds one of Derek Fisher. Rattler has a nice pull up jumper but can take the ball strong to the basket as his body is quite stocked. Modesto Basketball Club Coach Richard Midgley, who also serves on the Modesto Christian staff and was a former guard for the Cal Bears, commented on how Rattler averaged double digits this past season as a sophomore and how he is always dependable to take the clutch shots at the end of games.

Sam Onochie 6-foot-4 SF Modesto Christian (2013) Modesto Basketball Club: Modesto Christian has talented freshmen post players in Leandro Amador and Anthony Townes. But Onochie is an energy guy who displayed hustle and scrappiness in diving for loose balls and for battling for rebounds. His defense and rebounding will complement the offensive firepower on the roster.

Philip Morgan 6-foot-4 Wing Hiram Johnson (2014) PHPS Renegades: Morgan showed a little of everything as he is comfortable handling the ball, has the size to rebound, a good fade away shot, and at least three fast break dunks during the two days. According to PHPS Renegades Coach Lester Diaz, who has been on the club scene in Sacramento for over 20 years, Morgan has shown the most improvement in a three-year span with any prospect that he has worked with. Diaz implied how Morgan's skill level at first was non-existent but that his game has developed in every aspect over these past few years. Morgan definitely stood out as his double-digit average as a sophomore for his Hiram Johnson team during this past season may indicate where his trajectory is heading.

Taron Johnson 6-foot-0 PG Sheldon (2014) PHPS Renegades: Johnson is a pass first point guard who passes well off his dribble. He is low to the ground and can defend well on the perimeter. Sheldon runs multi-guard sets, which should allow Johnson to see more playing time next season.

Andre Miller 5-foot-11 PG Serra (2013) Bay Area Bulls: Miller does not have the prototypical point guard height but has a low center of gravity and plays bigger than his size as he takes contact well and is not hesitant about going to the paint. He will play a critical role in the Padres backcourt next season.

Mitesh Patel 5-foot-11 G Christian Brothers (2012) E-Time Hoops 17U: Patel hit several three-point shots and displayed a clean stroke. He is undersized as a guard but could be a specialist perimeter shooter in the right college situation.

Ben Kone 6-foot-6 Post Holy Angels Middle School (2016) Oakland Soldiers 15U: The 8th grader is still undecided on his high school destination. Despite his age, Kone was not afraid to pound in the paint with opponents who were a few years older. His size allows him to be a rebounding and shot blocking presence. As an understatement, his offensive game is very raw but the potential cannot be ignored as he develops into his size in the next few years.

Marcus Harris 5-foot-10 PG St Joseph Notre Dame (2015) Oakland Soldiers 15U: Harris is quick and athletic as he showed good anticipation in several open court steals. His footwork and lateral movement make him a good defensive specialist. Expect him to be a key contributor for St Joseph as they look to replace their starting backcourt.

Graham Gilleran 6-foot-7 F Archbishop Riordan (2013) Olympic Club: Gilleran is versatile as he stepped into a few perimeter shots. With his size, he was comfortable working the paint in getting shots. He moves well and is quick to get to spots on the floor and to pursue rebounds. He is a tweener as his perimeter skills will determine his fit at small forward while his size will determine his fit at power forward.

Khalil James 5-foot-9 PG Sacred Heart Cathedral (2013) Roadrunners 17: James has quickness and is fearless going to the paint despite his size. He uses ball fakes well and has a respectable perimeter shot. Per Roadrunners Coach Curtis Haggins, UC Riverside and Washington State have expressed interest.

Nate Claxton 6-foot-4 F Grace Davis (2014) Team Superstar: The Modesto based prospect would probably win in any jumping jack contest, as he is relentless on the boards. He is a glue guy on the defensive end as he can defend multiple positions, rebounds well, and can leap to block shots. Per Team Superstar Coach Lerohn Dodson, Claxton needs to improve his ball handling and scoring ability in his next level of skill development.

DJ Wilson 6-foot-6 F Capital Christian (2014) Team Superstar: On the flip side, Wilson is more polished as a ball handler and offensive threat as he looked comfortable with the basketball in any offensive situation. He needs to use his length and size to make a greater impact on defense. Per Coach Dodson, Pac 12 interest have begun showing for the Sacramento based prospect.

CJ Patterson 6-foot-5 F Palo Alto (2014) Roadrunners 17: Patterson has good size and bulk to play the post. His projection at which position will depend on how tall he is or how much he develops his perimeter game. Right now, his offensive game trails his defense and rebounding. He has good bloodlines, as his mother, Trina Patterson, is assistant women's basketball coach at Stanford.

Antoine Porter 6-foot-0 PG Mission (2013) SF Rebels 17U: Porter is a bit undersized but is efficient with his dribble and makes crisp passes. He directs the offense well and moves his feet well on perimeter defense.

Herman Pratt 6-foot-0 G Sacred Heart Cathedral (2013) SF Rebels: Pratt is a glue guy in the way that he does a little of everything. He has a perimeter shot, runs the offense, and goes in the post to rebound.

Weekend Notes

During the weekend, head coaches who attended included Stanford's Johnny Dawkins, Cal's Mike Montgomery, Arizona State's Herb Sendek, Washington State's Ken Bone, UC Irvine's Russell Turner, UC Davis' Jim Les, San Francisco's Rex Walters, Princeton's Mitch Henderson, among others. During the weekend, assistant head coaches who attended included Gonzaga's Donny Daniels, Harvard's Brian Adams, San Jose State's Brent Davis, among others.

The bulk of DI, DII, NAIA, and JUCO coaches were on hand on Saturday. But many of the BCS and DI head coaches showed up on Sunday morning. Many were flying in on a stopover from events in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Having some competitive club teams from Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and Washington really helped in bringing out Pac 12, WCC, WAC, Big West, and other west coast conference coaches to the event.



Sunday, April 29, 2012

Article 299: Spring Showcase Day 2

The 1st Annual NorCal Spring Showcase had a full day of games on Saturday as close to 50 college and junior college coaches were in attendance. Bellarmine's potential starting backcourt should serve notice in the West Catholic Athletic League next season. Laguna Creek was a mediocre 11-15 this past season but should instantly challenge in the Delta Valley Athletic League with the addition of Malik Pope.

Grant Vermeer 6-foot-3 SG Bellarmine (2013) Bay Area Bulls: Vermeer displayed an uncanny ability to get to the basket fearlessly while finishing consistently. He has a quick first step and is quite acrobatic when finishing as he can use either hand and made some 360-degree spin layups. His offense is not one-dimensional as he connected from the three-point line a few times as well. For a guard, Vermeer has the size to post up smaller guards and is not hesitant in looking for his shots. Brown, Claremont Mckenna, Hawaii, MIT, Williams, and Yale have been in contact.

Blair Mendy 6-foot-3 PG Bellarmine (2013) Bay Area Bulls: Bellarmine has a good backcourt in Mendy and Vermeer. Mendy is lanky and runs the offense effectively. He plays at his own pace with a subtle calm. Mendy seems to be a pass first guard and can complement and setup Vermeer well. Archbishop Mitty, Serra, and perhaps St Ignatius should be the league favorites going into next season, but Bellarmine has a solid backcourt that could surprise.

Malik Pope 6-foot-8 Wing Laguna Creek (2014) Team Superstar: For his height, Pope dribbles quite well as he brings the ball up and can run the fast break. He has a long wingspan, runs the floor well and is a good leaper but will need to add bulk. His current skill level and raw potential warrants the recruiting buzz around him. Per Team Superstar Coach Lerohn Dodson, Pope will attend Laguna Creek High as it was a family move and nothing related to basketball. According to Dodson, Pope received seven offers last weekend and the club will participate in the Under Armour summer league which is similar to Nike's EYBL and will make stops in Dallas, Kansas City, and Milwaukee. Expect Pope to be one of the 2014 prospects to have a meteoric rise over the summer.

Khalid Johnson 5-foot-9 PG St Francis (2013) Roadrunners 17: Johnson is an undersized point guard but makes up for that with his quickness and passing. He takes the ball to the paint well and makes good decisions in setting up teammates. Portland and Portland State have been in contact.

Charlie Friend 6-foot-7 Post Redwood (2015) Lakeshow White 16U: The left-hander has a solid midrange game. He is long and still raw for his age but is expected to be on varsity next season. Both his parents played basketball at Harvard.

Cole Lockwood 6-foot-0 SG Santa Clara (2014) Roadrunners 16: Lockwood is a multi-varied scorer. He has enough size to take the ball to the basket and initiate contact. At the same time, he is comfortable pulling back and taking the perimeter jumper. He averaged double digits in leading Santa Clara High to a 20-win season.

Michael Smith 6-foot-4 Wing El Camino (2013) SF Rebels 17U: The left-hander uses his body well in getting position and rebounding. He has a calm and smooth release. His height and size make him a tweener at the wing position though.

Deryck Ylanan 6-foot-2 SG Moreau Catholic (2012) Blue Devils 17s Blue: Ylanan has an effective pull back jumper with consistent form. He has a good center of gravity as he is expected to man the post against bigger opponents. Injuries early in his high school derailed his progression but he is definitely a serviceable junior college or lower division college guard.

Samson Donick 6-foot-1 SG Redwood (2013) Bay Area Warriors 17s: Donick moves his feet well on defense. He is a big guard who plays with grit. He displays a nice shooting touch from the perimeter when left open.

Isaiah Jones 6-foot-8 Post Center (2013) E-Time Hoops 17U: Jones is an interesting prospect as he did not start playing basketball till his sophomore year due to a medical condition. His size will get him inquiries but his overall development over the next year will determine his college basketball route.

Thomas Fitzgerald 6-foot-7 PF Pleasant Grove (2014) E-Time Hoops 17U: Fitzgerald was primarily a bench player as a sophomore but will be key next year. His lateral movement is good and he is able to use his body in the interior well. His offensive game still needs to be refined.

Victor Rustin 6-foot-3 SF Franklin (2013) Nor Cal Warriors 17U Black: Rustin plays the post well even though he is undersized. He is active, moves his feet well, and has a nose for the ball. He will have to develop his guard play to make it to the next level if he does not get any taller.

Benson Osayande 6-foot-7 Post Franklin (2014) Team Sage: Osayande is long and tall but does not shy away from contact. He needs to finish better in the paint but has a nice free throw touch.

Zerrion Payton 6-foot-0 PG Modesto Christian (2013) Modesto Basketball Club: Payton is very skilled at taking the ball to the basket and taking contact. He runs the team well and dribbles effectively. Modesto Christian is loaded with guards but Payton should be an impact.

Hunter Myers 6-foot-7 Wing Douglas, NV (2013) Nevada Wolverines Black: Myers was one of the more sought after players by the college coaches. He is either an oversized shooting guard or a prototypical small forward. He can score either from the perimeter or in the paint. He has good size to help with rebounding and post defense.

Terrence White 6-foot-1 G Inderkum (2014) Team Sage: White goes to the basket strong and handles the ball well. He projects as an ideally sized guard at the next level.

David Straughter 6-foot-5 F Burbank (2013) PHPS Renegades: Straughter is big and athletic as he looks at ease playing in the paint. His height or his perimeter game will determine his college position. He needs to develop his dribbling and perimeter shot to be a wing. He has the strength and soft hands to be a post player but will need a few more inches to be a power forward.

Ahmaad Rorie 6-foot-1 PG Clover Park, WA (2014) Northwest Panthers: The Washington point guard committed to Cal last month. He is a fair sized point guard who is tight with his dribble. He runs the point for a very talented Northwest Panthers club.

Leandro Amador 6-foot-6 Post Modesto Christian (2015) Modesto Basketball Club: Amador looks really polished and advance for a freshman. He is athletic, moves his feet well in the paint, and is quite effective scoring in the paint. He was on varsity as a freshman and his trajectory looks quite promising for the next level.

Matt O'Reilly 6-foot-2 SG Campolindo (2015) Oakland Soldiers: O'Reilly has a good perimeter shot and takes the ball to the basket strong. He plays at a fast and determined pace. He looks like he is at one gear higher than everyone else on the court.

Jamir Andrews 6-foot-2 G Dublin (2013) Nevada Wolverines Black: Andrews has a good pull up perimeter shot. In addition, he is a big guard who can overpower smaller perimeter defenders.

Lance Coleman II 6-foot-5 SF St Mary's Stockton (2015) Oakland Soldiers: Coleman hit a few spot up three point shots. He has good height and length at his current grade but his ball handling skills or back to the basket skills will determine what position he plays and how highly he gets rated.






Friday, April 27, 2012

Article 298: Canty can too

April 26, 2012

The St. Patrick/St. Vincent Bruins started this past season slowly at 3-5 before rallying to finish the season 21-12 overall and 8-4 in the Bay Shore Athletic League (BSAL). A big reason for the turnaround was the play of 2014 forward Jalen Canty who averaged 13.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game as he provided a legitimate post presence for the Bruins. The Bruins season ended in the Northern California CIF playoffs with an 80-78 loss to Sacred Heart Prep.

At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Canty is quite agile and quick for someone of his size. At the high school level, Canty can easily overpower smaller players and is quite effective in the paint as a rebounder and post defender. However, Canty envisions himself playing some of the wing position at college, which is why he has been working on his guard skills.

"Jalen is a great rebounder with a nose for the ball," says St Patrick St Vincent Coach Derek Walker. "He has good timing and instincts to attack the ball. Jalen was a huge addition to the program. He helps control the paint with his rebounding and his shot blocking. Jalen's game has grown a lot from the start of the season. Early, he would rush shots and depend on his size to get put backs. Toward the end of the season he has some post moves that he's beginning to trust and his overall feel for the game has improved alot."

During the upcoming summer season, Canty will be playing for his Oakland Soldiers 16U club. The exposure on the summer circuit will jump start this sophomore's recruiting. In the recent Soldiers Extravaganza and the Rebels Tourney in successive weeks in Hayward, Canty displayed good stamina in running the court, was aggressive in attacking the basket, and was effective on both ends in rebounding.

Coach Joe Griggs who coached Canty last summer for the Soldiers 15U club says, "Jalen reminds me of Kendrick Perkins. He is just a raw physical presence inside. Very active around the rim and is extremely hard to defend when he gets the ball in the paint. Once he develops a few post moves, he will be almost unstoppable."

Off the basketball court, Canty is a serious student as he maintains a solid 3.00 GPA and would like to attend college for four years to obtain his degree. Coach Walker says, "Jalen is a quiet kid who likes to have fun. If he keeps working on his fundamentals and hits the weight room hard, he could be a DI player. High/mid/low level depends on how hard he works on his skill set to improve his game."

Canty had some monster games in the past season that included a 34 point and 21 rebound game against Natomas in addition to having three other 20 plus rebounding games. The Bruins coaching staff has Bruin alumni Bakari Hendrix who was a 6-foot-8 power forward who played at Gonzaga and played professionally for ten years overseas. Hendrix's experience and coaching has helped Canty develop his post game as well.

The early favorites in the BSAL will likely be Salesian and St Joseph. But do not be surprise if St Patrick St Vincent "can too" compete in the league with this Bruin. Watch for the No. 6 ranked 2014 prospect according to NorCalPreps.com to give a bruising in Vallejo the next two seasons.


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Article 297: Rebels tourney report

April 15, 2012

Teams of note on the first day of the Oakland Rebels Easter Tournament included the Oakland Soldiers 15s and 16s, Spirit Got Game Black and the host Rebels. Here is a brief rundown on the players who stood out:

Jamaree Strickland 6-foot-9 Post Mcclymonds (2012) Oakland Rebels Blue: Strickland was often mentioned in tandem with former Bishop O'Dowd/Findlay Prep star Brandon Ashley as the two top prospects in Northern California. But injuries have limited the play of the McClymonds star during the past two seasons. He plays with a right knee brace but his lift and movement does not seem hindered in the paint. He had several layups and dunk put backs as he looked comfortable with that brace. Despite his time away from the game, Strickland said that he has strong interest from CSU Northridge. With a college-ready frame, Strickland would be a good get for a college program that needs interior size. If his knee is sound, he could be a surprise late signing for a Division I program.

Jaskarn Bawja 6-foot-3 Wing Irvington (2014) Norcal Jumpsquad: Bawja is a good perimeter shooter who is also athletic and can get into the paint. He needs to add some bulk to absorb more contact and to improve his rebounding strength.

Matt O'Reilly 6-foot-2 SG Campolindo (2015) Oakland Soldiers 15: O'Reilly is deceptively athletic and quick. For a freshman, he is skilled in his dribbling, footwork, and shooting technique. O'Reilly is one of the more notables in the 2015 class to watch for.

Sherron Bradford 5-foot-10 PG Granite Bay (2013) Spirit Got Game Black: Bradford plays outstanding on ball defense with a good stance and foot movement. He has a compact and fluid shooting motion as he hit a string of three point shots in his games.

Temidayo Yussuf 6-foot-6 F St Joseph (2014) Oakland Rebels Red: Yussuf runs the court effortlessly and does not leave his feet prematurely on defense. He has a good frame and long wingspan. With Yussuf, his Pilots will remain a favorite in their division during the high school season.

Andy Isokpehi 6-foot-5 SF Woodside Priory (2015) Mavericks: The native Nigerian is lean, long, and mobile on the court. He played as a freshman and has a good upside but will need to add to his offensive arsenal and also mass to his frame. With Gabor Somoygi going to Maine, Isokpehi could be a feature piece for Woodside Priory.

Joey Frenchwood 6-foot-0 PG Newark Memorial (2014) Oakland Rebels Red: Frenchwood converted on a few three point shots. The point guard will need to provide outside scoring to complement his floor general skills for Newark next season. Newark is relatively young but should be a favorite in their division next season as Frenchwood headlines the team.

Trevor John 6-foot-3 G Monte Vista (2014) Oakland Soldiers 16: John has good size for a guard and moves laterally well on perimeter defense. He uses his body well in creating space on the dribble. John doubles as a rising pitcher prospect as well.

De'Sean Parsons 6-foot-5 SF Grant (2013) Spirit Got Game Black: Parsons built on last weekend's event in Hayward and continued his solid play. Parsons is active on defense, hustles, and runs the court well. Per his club coach, several college programs are beginning to inquire about this hidden 2013 gem.

Rodney Cook 5-foot-11 PG Bethel (2012) Norcal Elite: Cook takes the ball strong and likes to initiate contact. He may be undersized but is fearless on the court. The senior has interest from a few west coast colleges but will go the JUCO route if nothing materializes by his graduation date.

Jordan Wright 6-foot-4 SG Skyline Oakland (2013) Norcal Jumpsquad: Wright goes to the paint hard and finished at the rim well. He needs to improve his jumper but is a solid defender.

Delvon Nisby 6-foot-4 SG San Leandro (2012) Oakland Bulldogs: Nisby can score in any manner as he went for 37 points in the second game. He has a nice frame for a guard and can create matchup problems for opposing teams. He will likely be playing at Merritt Junior College after playing a total of four games in his high school career due to various personal reasons.

Jay Kang 6-foot-4 Wing Amador Valley (2014) Oakland PAL: Kang plays the post for his undersized club but held his ground as he runs the floor well and makes good decisions in his passing. He sat out this past sophomore season after transferring from Bishop O'Dowd as a freshman and he will now transfer to either Dublin or Kimball. The physical attributes and raw skills look to be there, but real playing time is needed to grow his game.

Jelani Hardaway 6-foot-0 PG (2012) DBC: The wiry point guard will be a solid floor general at the JUCO that he attends. He plays efficiently and should be going to a four year program after one year at a JUCO. His passing is crisp and his ball handling is solid for a point guard.

Leo Smith 5-foot-9 PG Oakland Tech (2013) Oakland Rebels 17s: Smith plays at a fiery and quick pace as he pounds the ball when dribbling. Smith would benefit from playing at an uptempo and guard oriented program on the next level. His height may be in question but his ability to direct a team and create for himself may compensate for that.

Chris Woods 6-foot-2 SG Delta Charter (2012) Norcal Outlawz: Woods is a high flyer as he had a few above the rim plays. His jumping ability makes him a good shot blocker for a guard. He will need to improve his perimeter shot as he will most likely be going the JUCO route.

Kiran Shastri 6-foot-5 Wing Miramonte (2013) Oakland Rebels Blue: Shastri is lean and long, but is efficient in his movement on the court. His footwork and shooting techniques are fluid. Shastri can build on his 24 point average from the past season at Miramonte.

Joey Goodreault 6-foot-3 SG Miramonte (2014) Oakland Rebels Red: The lefty shooting guard has a compact, smooth stroke as he hit several perimeter shots cleanly. He has good size and lateral movement when guarding the perimeter. Despite a coaching change at Miramonte, Goodreault teaming with Shastri should allow the team to improve on their 20-win season.

Jonathan Galloway 6-foot-8 Post Liberty (2014) Oakland Soldiers 16: As a sophomore, Galloway averaged a near double double. He is long and has a nice wingspan to benefit his defense and rebounding. His midrange shot is respectable but he will need to develop a back to the basket game.

Kendrick Jackson 6-foot-3 Wing Granite Bay (2015) Spirit Got Game Black: Jackson is the son of Bobby Jackson who is the sponsor of Spirit Got Game Black, was a former NBA guard, and is currently an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings. The younger Jackson is already taller than his father and has inherited many of his basketball fundamentals and savvy. He displayed vision, a pull up jumper, and a nice floater as Granite Bay should improve on their 14-win season.

Paris Austin 5-foot-8 PG Bishop O'Dowd (2015) Oakland Soldiers 15: On the junior varsity team, Austin averaged 27 points. He has quickness, dribbles well, and passes sharply. He is a candidate to get minutes as O'Dowd looks to reload on varsity.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Article 296: Extravaganza final day

April 9, 2012

The final day of the Soldiers Extravaganza matched the host Oakland Soldiers 17U against their 16U brethren in the Elite Division Platinum championship. Despite fielding underclassmen, the 16U Soldiers nearly pulled off the upset before falling to their older siblings 85-82 in overtime. The Soldiers once again appear to be one of the top clubs in the region but other teams also showcased some notable prospects.

Tyrell Alcorn 6-foot-0 PG El Cerrito (2015) Oakland Soldiers 16U: In the title game, Alcorn was not fazed by older and bigger defenders as he was able to break the press with ease and direct traffic efficiently. In addition, he has a very calm perimeter stroke and hit clutch shots in the closely contested game. He played significant minutes as a freshman at El Cerrito as he averaged close to double digits in points.

Ivan Rabb 6-foot-9 C Bishop O'Dowd (2015) Oakland Soldiers 16U: Rabb has put on mass since last summer and it showed, as he was able to take interior contact and was not bothered. He runs the floor well for an interior player and looks more calm and mature than his freshman status. With Bishop O'Dowd graduating several interior players, Rabb will be literally the centerpiece of the Dragons next season.

Stedman Saunders 6-foot-1 G Monterey Trail (2012) E-Time Hoops 17: Saunders has quick hands and shows ability in disrupting the opposing guards. Saunders can break down defenders to get to the basket and can play above the rim.

DeMoriaye Hart-Spikes 5-foot-10 PG Armijo (2014) Rise 17U Elite: Hart-Spikes can get to basket with ease as he has the dribbling and strength to break down opposing perimeter defenders. Even as a point guard, Hart-Spikes has a good nose for rebounding the ball.

Danny Becker 5-foot-11 PG Del Oro (2014) PHPS 16s: Becker built on his first year on varsity this past season as he is a good perimeter defender and can disrupt passing lanes. He is a pass first point guard who runs a team well.

Pat Lowman 6-foot-3 SG Vista Del Largo (2012) NorCal Pump N Run: Lowman displayed a good perimeter touch in addition to his transition offense. He is an athletic guard who can rebound on both ends.

Ahmad Smith PG Bella Vista (2013) NorCal Pump N Run: Smith is an energy player and gives good effort. He is a change of pace guard who has a good floater in the paint.

Jamir Andrews 6-foot-2 SG Dublin (2013) Nevada Wolverines 17U: Andrews is a big guard who is a natural scorer who can create his own shot. Andrews hit clutch perimeter shots including the buzzer beating 3-point shot to win the Gold Division Championship game. His range extends beyond the regular 3-point line as he can shoot off the catch or dribble but also get to the basket and finish. Andrews is overshadowed by his Dublin teammate Joe Mcglaston but could easily be the featured guard on most high school teams.

Chris Snyder 6-foot-9 C Ponderosa (2014) PHPS 16s: Only a sophomore, Snyder's height and size make him an intriguing prospect. He shows good footwork and technique when around the paint on the offensive end. Snyder will need to improve his conditioning and lateral quickness.

Jud Sailsbery 6-foot-0 G Orland (2013) E-Time Hoops 17: Salisbery is a versatile guard who can score both from the perimeter and to the basket. He uses his body well to get positioning in the interior for both scoring and rebounding. Salisbery averaged over 15 points for Orland as he was named team MVP in this past season's 20 plus win season.

Mitesh Patel 6-foot-0 PG Christian Brothers (2012) E-Time Hoops 17: Patel has a very good perimeter shot. He moves well without the ball and gets to his spots to create his shots. Patel will need to increase his size to play more on the next level.

Jiday Ugbaja 5-foot-11 PG Archbishop Riordan (2014) Rise 17U Elite: Ugbaja has the size and speed to be a solid point guard. He can get by defenders off the dribble and has good footwork in his perimeter defense.

Justyce Key 6-foot-0 PG Berkeley (2013) Bay Area Magic 17s: Key is a complete point guard as he can distribute the ball but also create his own shot when the offense breaks down. He has good length and wingspan on perimeter defense. Per his coach, CSU Bakersfield and San Jose State have expressed interest.

Mason Washington 5-foot-9 PG Modesto Christian (2014) Modesto Christian: Washington is a solid floor general. He creates shots well for his teammates.

Jaysen Mutha 5-foot-9 PG Valley Christian Dublin (2013) Bay Area Magic 17s: Mutha is a fundamentally solid perimeter defender and shooter. He is an undersized point guard who shoots well. Per his coach, he has a 3.93 GPA and 2000 SAT while getting contact from Chicago, Macalester, Occidental, Washington & Lee, and Oberlin.

George Johnson Jr. 5-foot-9 G Heritage (2013) Nevada Wolverines Elite 17U: Johnson is a solid ball handler who distributes the ball well and can hit the open jumper. His floor vision is solid and he is a tenacious on ball defender. Johnson is a pass first point guard.

Devon Owen 6-foot-4 SF Patten Academy (2014) Bay Area Supriem: Owen is a raw prospect. He is an energy player who rebounds, plays defense, and helps alter shots. He is expected to transfer to Bishop O'Dowd and can help with the matriculation of their 2012 post players.

De'Sean Parsons 6-foot-5 SF Grant (2013) Spirit Got Game Elite: Despite being known as a football school, Grant has a raw prospect in Parsons. He is long, athletic, and active on the court. His length and quickness allows him to get to the paint while the same length and quickness allows him to disrupt on the defensive end. Playing for the Bobby Jackson sponsored team, Parsons could get some recruiting interest going into his senior year.

Eric Jones 5-foot-7 PG Mcclymonds (2013) DBC: Jones hit three 3-point shots in a span of minutes. His release point and technique in shooting is solid. He is quick, can get to paint, and then distribute to teammates. Jones is tenacious in his perimeter defense.

Nifae Lealao Jr 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds PF Capitol Christian (2014) Spirit Got Game Elite: Lealao is a good passing big man with a respectable midrange game. His size makes him a good rebounder. He plays the defensive line in football and may be a better football prospect as he has garnered some Division I football interest already.

Kenny Love 6-foot-1 G Cardinal Newman (2013) Bay Area Warriors: Love plays efficiently for a guard. He has a versatile offensive game as he can score both inside and outside. He is a good perimeter defender.

Graham Gilleran 6-foot-6 F Archbishop Riordan (2013) Olympic Club: Gilleran displayed a good elbow and midrange jump shot. He moves well without the ball and positions himself well in the paint for rebounds and defensive position.

Mark Alexander 6-foot-6 PF Thurgood Marshall (2012) Bay Area Warriors: Alexander plays with hustle and defensive tenacity. His hustle allows him to be a good rebounder. Alexander is raw on the offensive side. He may benefit from junior college development before going to a four year program.


Around the Region

Dulani Robinson PG McClymonds (2012) Rise 17U Elite: Plans to play for Rise 17U Elite for the summer. He has interest from Cal State Bakersfield, Portland, Portland State, Cal Baptist, and North Dakota.

Paris Davis SG Skyline (2012) Rise 17U Elite: Will join Robinson with Rise 17U Elite for the summer. He has interest from Humboldt State, Academy of the Arts, Pacific, Bemidji State, Adams State, Cal Baptist, and Simon Fraser.

Gabor Somogyi F Woodside Priory (2012): Per his former Roadrunners coach, Somoygi will be attending Maine.

Travon Abraham, former Sacramento High point guard, had a medical redshirt at Yuba City Junior College. He is helping coach Rise 17U Elite during the summer. The former Rice Owl had committed to Idaho State before a coaching change. He still plans to go to a four year college in the fall.

Jeff Parker W Salesian (2012): Per his former high school assistant coach, Parker will be attending Sacramento State.

Rae Jackson SG El Cerrito (2013): Jackson is transferring from Rodriguez to El Cerrito for his senior year. He is playing for Oakland Soldiers 17 for the summer.

Delvon Nisby will be attending Merritt Junior College per the Merritt coach.

Jelani Hardaway will be going the junior college route.

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