Fairfax Summer Classic: Breakout Performances
Fairfax Summer Classic: Breakout Performances
LOS ANGELES, CA—It was a bit of a tease, but for a small portion of time there was air conditioning in the Fairfax High School gymnasium. Those of us that have made that trek north to Fairfax, have endured the suffocating sauna-like conditions because the hoops were so worthy of our attention.
Despite some air conditioning malfunctions, the “hoops” action rivaled that of the heat in the gym as Ziaire Williams and Sierra Canyon backed up their reputations as the Best Prospect (Williams) and Best Team (Sierra Canyon) in the event. The first installment of “Francisco’s Finest” will feature those “Breakout performances”.
Francisco’s Finest: Breakout Performances
Quincy McGriff (Santa Monica)
2020, SG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: McGriff showed signs of his budding scoring skills and improved jump shot last season. However, at this event he was on fire. Brewing with confidence, McGriff was draining deep jump shots off the catch and powering his way to the rim. His lift on his shot was solid and his release was quick.
CJ Woods (Brentwood)
2020, PF, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: When it comes to rebounding in So-Cal, there are few as potent as Woods. The burly 4-man with good hands, excellent feet, and a knack of always being around the ball. He snags each rebound with two hands and his outlet passes are quick. While finishing in the paint, he keeps the ball high and can finish with either hand.
Dominique Winbush (Woodland Hills/Taft)
2019, PG, 6-foot, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: While watching Winbush—a transfer from Crenshaw—the one trait that appears to be a consistent piece of his repertoire is his tenacity. He picks up the opposing point guard immediately and has superior speed, quickness, and active hands. His shot needs to get better, but he attacks the rim fearlessly and he can finish over length.
Dennis Flowers III (St. Francis)
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Against perennial power Sierra Canyon, Flowers III was one of the few kids who was not intimidated by the physical prowess of Sierra Canyon. Flowers III hit deep jump shots and attacked the rim fearlessly. He needs to improve his facilitating skills, but overall he can really score.
Robert McRae (Fairfax)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: McRae had an up-and-down performance at the Maranatha Block Party. However, against Maranatha in his team’s own event, McRae hit tough shots in the mid-range, is an excellent defender, and he is one of the more dependable prospects in So-Cal based on his attention to detail at both ends of the floor.