A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 3/Stock Raisers)
A Scout’s Take: Clash of the Counties (Part 3/Stock Raisers)
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.
Johnny Juzang (Harvard Westlake) Club Team: Compton Magic
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Juzang has always been known as a pure scorer. There are some kids that have that knack to get a bucket and Juzang is that guy. Yes he hit some jump shots and he has the size and skill to get to the rim, but it was his willingness to give up the rock to open teammates that had a better scoring opportunity that caugth my eye.
Jon Scheyer (Saddleback Valley Christian) Club Team: Cali Rebels 17U
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Scheyer is one of the better catch-and-shoot guys in So-Cal. He sets up his shot well, is always on balance, and he gets ideal arc on his shot. The area of his game that needs to improve is his ability to get to the rim off the dribble, but he did exhibit this skill a few times at this event.
Festus Ndumanya (Capistrano Valley Christian) Club Team: CABC 17U
2019, C, 6-foot-7, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: The burly Ndumanya put his stamp on each game he played by attacking the glass with a vengeance. He did show some evolution in his game by facing up his opponent at the elbow and attacking, but overall his footwork and post skills need attention. However, when it comes to finishing in the paint he loves to assault the rim.
Wilhelm Breidenbach (Mater Dei) Club Team: Compton Magic 16U
2021, PF, 6-foot-9, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Breidenbach has always been a tough competitor and that was noticeable as he was using his body to ward off his opponent, finishing through contact, and diving on the floor for loose balls. The pick-and-pop 4-man can stick the jump shot, set a mean screen, and finish or pass with either hand. In other words, he is a straight baller..
Marcel Stevens (Beverly Hills) Club Team: ICAN All Stars
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: I’ve seen Stevens a few times now and the one thing that has stood out with him is his assertiveness at both ends. He excels in transition as an attacker, can drop off the nifty pass, or score from all three levels. Going forward “efficiency” will be one of the kids of his development.