A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Etiwanda
A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Etiwanda
RIVERSIDE, CA—Duane Washington, who is headed to Ohio State in the Fall, nailed a 3-point shot that will go down as one of the most memorable shots in CIF history as he sent the game into a overtime against the NO. 1 seed Bishop Montgomery. He would eventually carry his team to the CIFSS Open Division Championship where they’ll squaring off against Mater Dei.
In the second semi-final Mater Dei would methodically put away a physical Etiwanda team behind a stellar all-around performance by Michael Wang and some clutch free throw shooting by Spencer Freedman. Here are the observations from all the action at Cal Baptist University.
MVP
Michael Wang (Mater Dei)
2018, PF, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Joel’s take: Wang was a non-factor against Crespi in the opening round of the CIFSS Open Division. However, he may have played his best all-around game that I’ve seen against Etiwanda. The multi-skilled 4-man can knock in 3s, deliver timely assists, and can finish on the block.
Clutch Free throws
Spencer Freedman (Mater Dei)
2018, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Freedman struggled a bit in the 1st half against the quickness and speed of Etiwanda. However, in the 2nd half, the savvy floor general controlled tempo, dropped off some nifty assists, and knocked in a big time deep 3 to put Mater Dei for good—not too mention his clutch free throw shooting (13-of-14) down the stretch.
Unpolished Gem
Elijah Harkless (Etiwanda)
2018, CG, 6-foot-4, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Harkless is best described in this scouting business as an polished gem. The explosive combo-guard can finish over the rim, slash his way through defenders, and drop off a high-level assist when needed. His 3-point shooting was on display as well in this one. He, along with Kessler Edwards, were the only players that kept their game close against the Monarchs.
Stepping Up
Reagan Lundeen (Mater Dei)
2018, PF, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Inconsistency has long been Lundeen’s issue in seasons past. However, the jumping jack 4-man is flashing some major improvements in that area. He has been active on the glass and he’s finishing at a high clip—most notably off of cuts to the rim. Due to his motor and athleticism, Lundeen has been a definite catalyst for the Monarchs as they try to bag another Open Division Championship.
Diamond in the rough
Dylan Gaines (Etiwanda)
2018, CG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gaines is one of the those players that the more you see, the more you like. The slick lefty is a definite point guard prospect due to his length, ball handling, and overall feel for the game. He can knock down the 3-point shot as well, but it’s his defensive prowess that really catches your eye.
Mr. Dependable
Kessler Edwards (Etiwanda)
2018, WF/PF, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: In terms of court demeanor, Edwards reminds me much of of Lonzo Ball. It doesn’t matter whether his team is down 20 or up 2 with a minute to go—his stoic demeanor never changes. The lengthy 4-man can knock in jump shots form the mid-range or out to 20-feet. Not to mention he has improved his rim protection and rebounding.