Prep Hoops Series Los Angeles: Top Performers
THOUSAND OAKS, Ca. — Sports Academy HQ played host to the inaugural Prep Hoops club event in the state of California, the Prep Hoops Series Session 1.
The three-day event drew a handful of the top programs to the conejo valley, including The Truth, Team Eleate, Pump-N-Run, Los Angeles Elite and a mix of the Las Vegas Prospects and California United.
Below are some of the weekend’s top performers.
Jaden Shackelford, The Truth
The smooth-shooting junior combo guard had his jumper rolling on the weekend. He was equally effective both off the catch from 3-point range and off the bounce with his mid-range pull-up. The Hesperia High standout is still one of the most under-appreciated prospects from a national perspective, but his ability to create his own shot with the dribble and hit difficult baseline fadeaways should open the eyes of those “sleeping” on him during the live viewing period.
The Truth guard Josh Christopher dazzled the crowd with his thunderous dunks over the weekend.Josh Christopher, The Truth
The highly-regarded sophomore didn’t disappoint, wowing the crowd packed around his court every game with freakish dunks both in transition and off of lobs in the half-court setting. Christopher, who plays his high school ball at Mayfair, is one of the more naturally gifted scorers you’ll find anywhere and dazzles onlookers every time he takes the floor.
Jarred Hyder, Team Eleate
Hyder falls within the “under-the-radar” category, but that seems to be changing with every game he plays. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard has one of the more consistent and balanced pull-up jumpers we’ve seen and is becoming more of a threat off the catch from 3-point range. The Cajon High standout junior made a statement on the defensive end, as well, showing improved lateral speed and ability to fight through and recover when put in high ball-screen action.
Jalen Hill, United x Supreme x Prospects
Hill will be running with the Las Vegas Prospects 17U squad on the EYBL Circuit, but this past weekend was a nice tune-up for the 6-foot-7 forward. Hill was one of the more active players on both ends of the floor. The Las Vegas Clark junior is a high motor guy who works hard on the offensive and defensive glass, runs the floor with purpose, and has a good face-up attack game from 17 feet and in.
Shamar Wright, Team Eleate
Wright, an unsigned senior, is planning on attending prep school if his recruitment doesn’t pick up over the spring and summer, and if he plays the way he did over the weekend, he could be on a college campus come the fall. The 6-foot-6 left-hander has a solid all-around skill set and had it all on display. He can stretch the floor to 3-point range with his touch or attack closeouts and create for himself or others off the bounce.
D.J. Davis, The Truth
The overwhelming theme when it comes to Davis’ game is that he’s just a shooter. While the 6-foot Corona Centennial sophomore guard does that quite well, he showed this weekend that his passing and playmaking for others is on the rise. Davis was advancing the ball in transition and even set up a teammate for a game-winning shot on a simple drive, draw and kick play.
Armon Muldrew, Pump-N-Run
It was Muldrew’s first weekend playing for a “shoe circuit” team after playing for independent squads throughout his club career, and let’s just say the Pump-N-Run staff did a nice job of identifying and acquiring a talented and underrated prospect. The Orange Vista sophomore is wired to score and did just that with his explosive first step and ability to get by defenders and into the paint where he finished with consistency.