WCE Elite 100: Top 40 ASG Standouts (Part I)
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:
Griffin Effenberger, Lewis & Clark (WA)
Effenberger is an intriguing next level prospect because of his versatile and well-rounded game. The 6-foot-4 wing can initiate offense or create for himself or others on the ball, while also being a potent scorer off of it, knocking down 3-pointers off of pin-down screens or via the pull-up in transition. The part of Effenberger’s game that stood out the most was his decision-making in both transition and half-court settings.
Kiimani Holt, Rancho Solano Prep
Holt has the ideal frame for a Division I shooting guard/wing. At 6-feet-4 with a built upper body and good length, Holt can score both inside and out as a catch-and-shoot 3-point threat or a guy who can attack baseline and finish through contact or around it with a crafty layup package.
Christian James, one of the more under-appreciated guards in SoCal, played well in the WCE Elite 100 Top 40 all-star game.Christian James, St. John Bosco
James might be one of the most under-appreciate players in all of Southern California. He won’t blow you away with poster dunks or crazy acrobatic finishes, but James simply understands how to play the point guard position. He’s a vastly improved 3-point shooter and manages the tempo of the game with precision and IQ.
James Keefe, Loyola
We’ve been saying this for months, but it’s worth repeating: There are few players who go harder on both ends than Keefe. The 6-foot-8 forward is an absolute workhorse on the offensive and defensive glass and in transition where he beats his defender down the court with consistency. Keefe finishes around the basket in a variety of ways: Through contact, with power dunks or finesse layups if needed.
Zack Paulsen, Curtis (WA)
Paulsen displayed a good understanding for the game both with and without the ball in his hands. The 6-foot-4 wing got out in transition and used his long strides and body control to nullify defenders and finish around the basket with ease. Paulsen created his own shot off the bounce in the half-court setting, as well.