A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Stock Raisers)
A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Stock Raisers)
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Although Hal Pastner and UAA Finals had a lot of talent within their gyms, the FAB 48, directed by Gary Charles, Dinos Trigonis, and Grant Rice, continue to be the cream of the crop of Las Vegas Grassroots hoops. From the beginning (Compton Magic taking down Team Takeover in a thriller) to DC Premier claming the championship over The Truth, the Fab 48 delivered in a big time way.
CJ Walker (Orlando Christian/FL) Club Team: E1T1
2019, PF/WF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: If there ever was an award for “Biggest Stock Raiser” in the country, Walker would definitely be in the discussion. After ramming home dunk after dunk at the Pangos AA Camp, Walker continued his onslaught on the competition in Las Vegas. Rim-running dunks and highlight reel dunks are a constant in his repretoire, but now his jump shot and ball skills have gone to a new level. McDonald’s anybody?
Samuel Williamson (Rockwall/TX) Club Team: Drive Nation EYBL
2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: The smoother-than-silk Williamson isn’t overly aggressive, but don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you, he affects the game in multiple ways. Smooth jump shooting and slashing drives are part of the package, but he is also an astute passer.
Trey Stewart (American Fork/UT) Club Team: Exum Elite
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: He isn’t a true point guard, but after Rylan Jones got sick, Stewart did a more than servicable job of running the 1 for Exum Elite. He has the strength, quickness, and ball skills to play both positions at the next level, but he is more scorer than facilator.
Jaden Shackelford (Hesperia) Club Team: The Truth
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: If you’re looking for the No. 1 jump shooter in the senior class in So-Cal, look no further than Schackelford. The lefty sniper has a quick trigger and his range extends out to 25-feet. He isn’t lightning fast, but he changes speeds well and has improved his ball skills and decision making in the half court set.
Cassius Stanley (Sierra Canyon) Club Team: Team Why Not
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Stanley has electrified crowds since middle school with his high-wire act, but his skill set and overall feel for the game needed attention. Each and every season, he has improved his ball handling and savvy. He makes better decisions, has improved his middle game, and the outer-worldly explosivenss has not gone away.