A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 1/Standouts)
A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 1/Standouts)
WESTMINSTER, CA—After a brief stint with their high school teams, it’s now back to club basketball season. The Clash of the Counties brought together a host of teams from around Southern California to do battle as they prep for the club supremacy during July. Within the scorching doors of Westminster High School gym there was a sight for sore eyes as Prephoops No. 1 senior-to-be Onyeka Okongwu made his debut after sitting out the spring evaluation period because of a achilles tendon issue.
Dalen Terry (Phoenix/Hillcrest) Club Team: Compton Magic 16U
2020, SF, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The length and overall talent are evident and he is showing some competitive “dog” in him as well. When he plays both ends with assertiveness and efficiency he is as talented at that position as there is in the West. Can slash to the rim, hand out the nifty assist, or knock in the occasional jump shot. If he can continue to say focused and not get caught up in the hype (new national recruit), he has the potential to be a high-major scoring guard.
Jakob Alamudun (Marina) Club Team: Cali Rebels 17U
2019, SF, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Alamudun is one of the more consistent players in So-Cal. The burly wing-type can play inside and out with equal aplomb. He has the frame to carve out space in the paint and the skill to convert. Whle on the perimeter he has a much-improved 3-point stroke. Toss in all the other intangibles and you have a winner.
Isaiah Mobley (Rancho Christian) Club Team: Compton Magic
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: Coming off a monster spring session, Mobley is poised for a big July run as well. He chirps a bit much for my liking, but he backs it up. His skill and savvy inside and out is highly impressive and his footwork in the paint has improved.
Kailen Rains (San Ysidro) Club Team: Cali Rebels 16U
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Rains has an ideal frame with long arms and overall excellent length. Against Compton Magic 16s he showed off his fearless scroing prowess. He can knock in deep jump shots and attack the rim as well. He needs to adds strength, but overall is progress looks good.
Jarod Lucas (Los Altos) Club Team: Compton Magic
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Lucas is molding into a bullish scoring guard. His strength is impressive and it’s utilzied inside (rebounding) and out (great lift on his shot). At this event he was sprinkling in jump shots from everywhere—and that’s what he does on a consistent basis.
Onyeka Okongwu (Chino Hills) Club Team: Compton Magic
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: After taking a few months off due to an achilles issue, Okongwu made his way back to the hardwood—and it’s a welcome sight. He needs to tighten up his frame and get back into playing shape, but his skill and savvy were evident. His outlet passing was impeccable as well as his drop-off passes to open teammates. In the coming months I want to see what he adds to his game to take it to a new level.