A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 2/Sleepers)
A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 2/Sleepers)
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.
Daylen Williams (Fairfax) Club Team: ICAN All Stars
2019, WF/PF, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: The son of All Time Prodigy and former Crenshaw star John Williams has some game as well. The younger Williams is a gifted 4/3 who has ideal length (long arms), ball skills, and is an overall crafty all-around player. However, his motor fluctuates and that will be the catalyst on what level he ends up heading forward.
Alexander Archer (Cerritos) Club Team: Cali Rebels 16U
2021, CG, 6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more intriguing sleepers at this event was Archer. He is long, skilled, and possesses a good feel for the game. He doesn’t force the issue and his vision is excellent. He doesn’t get sped up with the ball in his hands and he his pull-up game looked solid for someone so young. Definitely one to watch.
Solomon Davis (Pacifica Christian) Club Team: Branchwest
2019, PF, 6-foot-6, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Davis played with a nice dose of urgency at both ends of the floor. He runs well, can finish in transition, and he shows a nice soft touch out to 17-feet. He needs to continue to improve his face-up skills and play through contact more efficiently, but he’s intriguing.
Dean Keeler (Marina) Club Team: Cali Rebels 17U
2019, C/PF, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Keeler always plays with a good motor and he has a nose for the ball. He plays through contact, but his lack of strength is evident. He needs to hone his fundamentals (bend knees/keep ball high) when attacking defenders and play wide when battling for rebounds. How he adds weight to his willowy frame will help his production.
Gavin Kroll (Patriot) Club Team: Rancho Elite
2020, PF, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: This was my first look at Kroll and he defintely passed the eyeball test. He is a skilled 4-man with solid hops, good hands and feet, and he plays with purpose. He runs well in transition, can finish over length, and he can step out to 20-feet and knock in the jump shot. Will be monitoring his progress this summer and onto next season.