WCE Elite 100: Top 40 All-Star Game Standouts (Part II)
Claremont, Ca. — The West Coast Elite “Elite 100” camp name was a bit misleading. Ryan Silver, the king of getting basketball bodies through the door, had upwards of 500 players participating in the camp two-and-a-half day camp.
We were in attendance Saturday morning and afternoon and all day Sunday for the all-star games. Here are the top performers from the Top 40 all-star game:
Malvin Payero, Valley Christian
Payero is a new name on the scene and he has game filled with toughness and moxie. The 6-foot point guard is both quick and physical and thrives off of taking bumps and getting into the paint where he can finish strong layups.
Elijah Pepper, Selah (WA)
Pepper is another strong, physical point guard who has all the intangible attributes you look for in a leader. The 6-foot-2 rising senior understands how to control the pace of the game, doesn’t force much whether it’s a pass or a shot and did a nice job of getting teammates involved in an all-star setting.
Damien high school guard Malik Thomas is scoring at a more efficient clip due to an improved catch-and-shoot jumper.Malik Thomas, Damien
Thomas has really improved his offensive feel without the ball in his hands. The 6-foot-3 rising sophomore came into his freshman season as a ball dominant scorer with tunnel vision to the rim, but now, Thomas understands how to move and use screens off the ball. His improved shooting off the catch has helped him become a more efficient scorer.
Nikola Trifunovic, Seattle Prep (WA)
Trifunovic embodied the meaning of the term “true” point guard. The lanky 6-foot-2 rising senior used the advance pass in transition to perfection, finding teammates leaking out down the floor for easy buckets. Trifunovic showed a high IQ when working in high ball-screen situations, knowing when to pull-up for a jump shot, turn the corner and drive and kick to a shooter or when to drop one off to a rolling big man.
Keenan Worthington, Blair Academy (NC)
Worthington had as true a shooting stroke and touch as you’ll find anywhere. The 6-foot-8 forward counted out five 3-pointers on the game from multiple spots behind the arc, but looked especially comfortable from either of the short corners. Worthington showed some back-to-the-basket scoring ability, as well.