A Scout’s Take: Sierra Canyon vs Etiwanda
A Scout’s Take: Sierra Canyon vs Etiwanda
LONG BEACH, CA—When you play Etiwanda at their pace, it’s going to be a dog fight and that is exactly what the Southern Regional Open Division Championship was—a dog fight. Sierra Canyon had to earn every penny as the saying goes at both ends of the floor as the game got testy on more than one occasion. But at the end of the day, despite a terrific all-around performance from Pepperdine-bound Kessler Edwards, the Trail Blazers of Sierra Canyon had a bit too much fire power as the captured the championship
MVP
Scotty Pippen Jr. (Sierra Canyon)……pictured
2019, CG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Pippen Jr had a quiet first half, but in the 2nd half, he was the catalyst in leading the Huskies to Sacramento for chance to bag the state crown. He can knock in the 3-point shot, but is at his best when attacking the rim. He is a fearless competitor and takes after his father at the defensive end. He was bit “mouthy” in this game, but I’ll take that over someone who doesn’t compete.
Jack-of-all-trades
Elijah Harkless (Etiwanda)
2018, CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Harkless continued to be the spark for Head Coach Dave Kleckner’s well-coached squad. Harkless has his fingertips all over the stat sheet. He is a very good rebounder for his size, is tough to deal with in transition, and is very explosive. His game is still unpolished in the areas of shooting and handling against immense pressure, but he is one of the better two=way prospects in So-Cal.
Mr. Steady
Kessler Edwards (Etiwanda)
2018, PF, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Edwards has evolved each and every season and his court demeanor is just terrific. He never gets rattled, doesn’t get caught up in useless “smack talking” on the court, and just plays the game with an even keel. His jump shot is a weapon out to 23-feet and he rebounds at a high-level.
Ice in his veins
Duane Washington (Sierra Canyon)
2018, PG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Ohio State-bound Washington didn’t have a great shooting night ( ) and his shot selection can be curious at times, but this kid is oozing with clutch genes. He isn’t afraid to take the big shot and his passing is terrific in the open court. He needs to get better at finishing in traffic with his off hand, but overall he is the Trail Blazers best all-around player.
Human pogo-stick
Kenyon Martin Jr. (Sierra Canyon)
2019, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: The human pogo stick continues to make “big” plays for the Huskies. Despite being undersized, the pop in his legs is mind blowing as is his timing (quick jumper). He rebounds well in and out of his area and his motor is high level, but in order for his game to go to another level, he needs to get more productive while operating on the block and his ball handling needs to tighten up while attacking pressure.