Francisco’s Finest: WCE HS Invitational (Best Glue-Types)
Francisco’s Finest: WCE HS Invitational (Best Glue-Types)
GARDEN GROVE, CA—Ryan Silver, director of the West Coast Elite AAU program, gathered a plethora of elite high school teams to do battle at The Map complex. When you have Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Damien, and Bishop Montgomery and a host of other talented squads coming together to improve their skill, fundamentals, and team chemistry—those are the ingredients for a must-see event.
Nick Bowden (St. Bernard)
2020, SG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: “Fearless” is the first word that comes immediately to mind when describing Bowden. His shot is impeccable and he has range out to 23-feet. He is getting much more astute at attacking off the dribble and he has the dexterity to finish over most “bigs.” Defensively, he gets into his defender and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty as we say.
Dondre Bausley (Riverside/Notre Dame)
2019, WF, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bausley is a strongly built wing-type who affects the game in multiple ways. He can knock in shots, rebound in traffic, and lets the game come to him rather than forcing the issue. Defensively, he has the physical strength and “mindset” to be a lock-down defender.
Damion McDowell (Dorsey)
2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: McDowell is a member of one of the more talented “young” teams in So-Cal. The rangy 4-man has good instincts, soft hands, and he’s a quality athlete. He can convert off of put-backs and tip-ins or in transition, but his perimeter skills (ball handling and shooting) need to improve to raise his stock. Defensively, he can challenge shots and he gives an honest effort on defense.
Justin Rochelin (Heritage Christian)
2021, SG, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Another team that is blessed with young talent is Heritage Christian. Along with Dillon Depina there is Zach Williams (relentless at both ends) and now Rochelin. He is a natural scorer who attacks in hard in transition and has the determination to finish amongst the bigs. He has a nose for the ball to make him an ideal high-level defender down the road.
Will Crawford (Bishop Montgomery)
2019, PF, 6-foot-5, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Crawford may not be the most talented player on the Knights, but he is probably their most important player as they strive for a State Championship. He has the strength and IQ to guard multiple positions and a shooting touch that extends out to 20-feet. Toss in his rebounding prowess and offensive efficiency inside-and-out, and you have a winner right here.