RHP State Preview: Francisco’s Finest (Part 3)
RHP State Preview: Francisco’s Finest (Part 3)
NORWALK, CA— Harvey Kitani and his staff did an outstanding job of corralling many of the elite teams in Southern California, including arguably the best prospect in Southern California in Onyeka Okongwu. The Chino Hills versatile 4-man affects the game in multiple ways and does it a spectacular, yet efficient manner. There were a number of fine performances that will be covered in-depth this coming week, including the winner of the Most Improved Award: Oscar Lopez.
Senior Standouts
Chris Austin (Maranatha)
2018, SG, 6-foot-4, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Fordham commit was scorching hot from the field in the 1st half as he hit a number of highly contested pull-up jump shots. He gets great lift on his shot and his release looks smooth. He attacks the rim in transition and uses his strong frame and bounce to convert over and through length. Austin had some bright moments in the Pangos All-American Camp and with the improved skill set and coaching from Tim Tucker, his game has continued to elevate.
Wes Slajchert (Oak Park)
2018, CG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Slajchert is the ultimate glue-guy who can affectively play all three perimeter positions. He struggles with quick defenders, but he has improved his ability to attack pressure using his size and ability to change speeds with the ball in his hands. He is a savvy passer who runs the half court set with aplomb and his jump shot has become a weapon, especially in the mid-range area.
Most Improved
Oscar Lopez (Bishop Montgomery)
2019, WF/PF, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: If there was an award for the most improved player in Southern California, Lopez would be at the top of the list. The potential was always there as Lopez is one of the more uniquely skilled players in this area. His frame has tightened up and with improved coaching and accountability, his game is going to new heights. Despite not having great lift, he knows how to use his frame, savvy, and skill set to convert play after play on the offensive end. If he adds a consistent 3-point shot to his all-around inside-out game, Division 1 schools will be paying close attention.
Best 2-Way Player
Ofure Ujadughele (Chino Hills)
2018, SG, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ujadughele is one of the better 2-way players in So-Cal. He has a chiseled frame with long arms and his motor always runs hot. He picks up full court and smothers ball handlers with his quickness and strength. Offensively, he can convert deep jump shots off the catch or utilize the up-fake to blow by defenders for the acrobatic finish. I will be shocked if a Division 1 school doesn’t pick him up by the time the Spring evaluation period rolls around.
Best pull-up game
Ethan Anderson (Fairfax)
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: This kid is built like an All-Pro middle linebacker, but he has a lethal combination of skill and power. He is lethal in the mid-range area where he drives hard into defenders and rises up (gets great lift) to convert the jump shot. He needs to get better moving without the ball and working off a pick-and-roll offensive set, but at this level he is a beast with a remarkable soft touch.
Rice-bound
Payton Moore (Santa Monica)
2018, SG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: More is one of the more improved players since the summer. The multi-positional prospect will be taking his all-around game to Rice in the Fall—and he should make an immediate impact. He has always had the frame, athleticism, and motor, but now he has a much more consistent jump shot and he plays at a more controlled pace. Due to his ability to affect the game in a number of areas, Head Coach Scott Pera should find a role for him immediately.
Best Defender
Millard Hill (Fairfax)
2018, PG, 5-foot-7, 140 pounds
Joel’s Take: This kid is a pest on the defensive end. He was arguably the most disruptive defender at this event due to his strength, active hands, and exceptional lateral quickness. He picks up full court, stays low, and jabs in and out to keep ball handlers off balance.