Maranatha Summer Block Party: Sleeper Prospects
Pasadena, Ca. — The first two days of the loaded Maranatha Summer Block Party allowed many of SoCal’s top prospects to show additions and improvements to their game. But over the course of 16 games, a handful of new prospects emerged with strong performances. Here are six sleeper-type players who stood out.
Roy Clarke, Jr., Fremont
Clarke is the catalyst behind the Fremont High revival. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound point guard has impressive size and strength for the position, but what stood out most was his ability to completely control the pace of the game in a 10-point win over Culver City. Clarke, a rising senior, was toying with the defense, dictating pace and tempo, getting into the paint at-will and finding open teammates with drive and kick passes. Clarke also exhibited the ability to score whether on an explosive dunk or by knocking down a deep 3-pointer.
Beverly Hills guard Marcel Stevens was scoring at-will from the mid-range level Tuesday at the Maranatha Summer Block Party.Marcel Stevens, Beverly Hills
Stevens, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, scored at-will in a win over Muir. He was carving his way into the paint and to the basket in transition where he finished around or through contact, but what is most intriguing about his offensive repertoire is his mid-range game. Stevens was nearly unstoppable with his jump shot from 10-15 feet, sinking them from a variety of spots on the floor.
Josh Assiff, Valencia
Assiff is a smooth and mobile athlete at 6-feet-7 who could fit into that “stretch four” mold with a little more edge to his game. The rising senior looks the part with his length and fluid shot mechanics with touch to the 3-point line. Assiff showed soft hands and good touch around the basket, as well, but didn’t assert himself quite as much as he could have despite his team picking up a 42-33 win.
Carey Page, Fremont
Page is a freakish athlete with unbelievable length that he uses to his advantage at the defensive end. The 6-foot-4 rising senior has his hands in every passing lane for tips and deflections, has the ball skills and feel to lead the break and initiate offense and was one of the more crafty finishers around the basket during the first two days of the tournament.
Daylen Williams, Fairfax
Williams has come a long way since this time last summer. The 6-foot-7 left-handed forward could be a viable offensive option for coach Steve Baik heading into next season. Williams, a senior-to-be, displayed a smooth stroke from 3-point range and his activity on the offensive glass led to numerous successful free throw attempts.
Holden McRae, Harvard-Westlake
McRae fits the bill of a guy you’d love to have on your team, but a guy you’d hate to play against. The 6-foot-2 rising junior epitomizes a high motor player, getting under the opponents skin on defense with immense on-ball pressure. Offensively, McRae doesn’t try to do things out of his comfort zone, makes the extra pass and plays within the Wolverines offensive schemes.