Take Flight Challenge: Breakthrough performers
Take Flight Challenge: Breakthrough performers
Francisco’s Finest
NORWALK, CA— The Take Flight Challenge is always a must-stop on the So-Cal winter scouting tour. It’s always chock-full of elite players, teams, as well as a tasty hospitality room. Bishop Montgomery, despite missing David Singleton, Gianni Hunt, and Will Crawford, hung on for a thrilling 65-62 victory over highly touted Sierra Canyon squad.
Tyler Powell (St. Bernard)
2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Powell is arguably one of the top freshmen in So-Cal due to his lethal combination of size and developing skill. He had his ups-and-downs at the The Classic at Damien, but at this event he showed solid ball skills and a nice touch from the perimeter. He is a jack-of-all-trades wing that can affect the game with his athleticism, rebounding, finishing in transition, or delivering a timely assist.
Oscar Lopez (Bishop Montgomery)
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: It could be argued that Lopez had the MVP performance in this event. With 3 starters out (David Singleton, Gianni Hunt, and Will Crawford) due to injury, Lopez took it upon his shoulders (literally) in taking down Sierra Canyon. He was a menace to deal with in the paint with his ability to create space and finish with either hand. He has the playmaking skills to create opportunities for his teammates and he can score at all three levels.
Doctor Bradley (Gardena Serra)
2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bradley has that quintessential wing-type frame with long arms and a ton of athleticism. He is a prospect who is oozing with talent if he can continue to hone his skill set. In transition he is unstoppable due his ability to get to the rim and finish. His ball skills are solid and he has a knack to score. If his jump shot comes around, he should be getting interest from many Division 1 schools.
Craig Woods (Brentwood)
2020, 6-foot-4, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: When you think of Woods, rebounding needs to come immediately to mind. He has a thick frame with long arms and his timing and savvy in the paint is quite good. He rebounds in and out of his area and shows soft hands and instincts. He’s an undersized 4-man at this stage, but he some developing ball skills and scoring punch within the elbow.
Charlie Riordan (Campbell Hall)
2018, PF,C, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Riordan, who is headed to Oberlin College, possesses a terrific frame with long arms and broad shoulders. He can finish with either hand in the paint and does a nice job of staying balanced while posting up and finishing trough contact. He doesn’t have great bounce, but he knows how to carve out space and his hands are soft.
Jared Springer (Mayfair)
2018, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: This lefty shooter had his shot smoking from deep against Sierra Canyon. He has good size and length and his shot mechanics are quite good. He can stroke his jump shot off the catch or pull-up in transition. He appears to be a late-developer and due to his shooting ability I’m sure a bunch of JUCOs will be come calling.