Francisco’s Finest: Las Vegas Classic (2019 Stock Raisers)
Francisco’s Finest: Las Vegas Classic (2019 Stock Raisers)
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Hal Pastner, a well-known Grassroots event organizer, continues to provide coaches and scouts alike with high-level events—and the Las Vegas Clasic is no exception. The NIKE-sponsored teams, led by perennial power Team Takeover, were dominant throughout, but there were a bevy of quality teams and players to consume the eyes of the onlookers. At the end of the day though, it would be California-based Cali Stars that would shock the competition to capture the prestigious championship over Illinois-based Mac Irvin Fire.
Christian Koloko (Sierra Canyon) Club Team: Oakland Soldiers
2019, 6-foot-11, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the fastest rising seniors on the West Coast is Koloko. He has the physical tools that Division 1 programs covet. Extraordinary length, nimble feet, quickness, and timing describe this raw, albeit talented 5-man. His offense is intriguing because although his post game is still developing, he does have a nice shooting touch and he is bouncy and active in the paint.
RaeQuan Battle (Marysville Pilchuck/WA) Club Team: Seattle Rotary
2019, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Battle is arguably one of the best shooting 2-guards in the West. He has great size and length and he is a Division 1 athlete. He can hit the pull-up 3-point jump shot or come off a down screen, square up, and nail the shot.
Jihaun Westbrook (Serrano) Club Team: Cali Stars
2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy Westbrook has been on the recruiting radar for quite sometime and after taking his act in Las Vegas, he has definitely elevated his game. He can stretch the floor with his 3-point shot and his release is quick. In transition he is slippery as he scored several points at the rim. He needs to get stronger and improve his ball handling against pressure, but his game did go to another level in Vegas.
James Keefe (Loyola) Club Team: Cali Stars
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds
Keefe has the physical tools to be a Division 1 recruitJoel’s Take: During the spring evaluation period Keefe struggled a bit finishing over length. However, in the summer he really found his groove as he exhibited his inside-out skill set. He runs well in transiton and can explode to the rim. His touch from the elbow is potent and his 1st step out of the triple threat position is improved.
Owen McGlashan (Don Bosco Prep/NJ) Club Team: Team Speed
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Frank Burlison and I walked into Spring Valley figuring we arrived just in time to see Cole Bajema. However, the games were running behind and we came across a solid looking prospect for the Mid-Major level. McGlashan has a good frame with long arms and broad shoulders. He is a quality athlete that can finish through contact in transition and he shows a nice shooting touch out to 22-feet.
Neal Begovich (San Francisco/St. Ignatius) Club Team: Oakland Soldiers
2019, PF, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Begovich is a stretch 4-man that fits well into today’s perimeter-oriented game. He has a smooth touch out to 23-feet and he gets good lift on his shot. He can finish in transition and can elevate to the rim with momentum. His ball skills are solid in the open court and overall he projects well to the Division 1 level.
Rashaun Agee (Bogan/ILL) Club Team: Mac Irvin Fire
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: This no nonsense 4-man is all about production. Despite his slight frame he does have long arms, good hands, and he has a nose for the ball. He is an excellent rebounder in and out of his area, a stout defender, and he plays with assertiveness at both ends of the floor. He has limited offense, but he can convert over his left shoulder and shows a solid touch from the elbow.