Francisco’s Finest: So Cal Clash (2019 Standouts)
Francisco’s Finest: So Cal Clash (2019 Standouts)
PLAYA DEL REY, Ca.— Alex Carmon and Devin Ugland—two of the up-and-coming Grassroots figures in the West—put together a terrific collection of some of the best prospects in Southern California. The first annual So Cal Clash would pit the Class of 2019 against their 2020 counterparts at St. Bernard High School. The game was an offensive affair where the Class of 2019 would defeat the Class of 2020, 161 to 143, where jump-jack senior KJ Martin bagged the MVP hardware.
MVP
KJ Martin (Sierra Canyon)
WF/PF, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: In an all star up-and-down affair, Martin is going to excel. The high-flying 4/3 deflected passes, protected the rim in dramatic fashion, and threw down a slew of thunderous dunks. His face-up skills have improved due to his burst off the triple threat and his handle is playable in the open court, but if he can improve his jump shot out to the 3-point stripe, his stock will rise considerably.
Biggest Stock Raiser
Jarred Hyder (Damien)
CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hyder came into the summer as a standout shooter, especially off the catch. His range is limitless and his release is impeccable. Pull-ups in the mid-range or a deep corner 3, it doesn’t matter. However, the greatest growth in his game is his improved ball handling against pressure as well as his abiliyt to manage an offense in the half court set.
Most Spectacular
Jordan Brinson (Westchester)
CG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: After putting on a show in Las Vegas, Brinson continued his stellar play at this event. His jump shot needs refining, but he has the length, quickness, and bounce to impact the game in a number of ways. His burst off the dribble is high-level and he is one of the more prolific finishers in the paint due to his explosiveness and body control.
Best Shooter
Jake Kyman (Santa Margarita)
WF, 6-foot-7, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Kyman is one of the better shooters in the West, and that is exactly what he did at the So-Cal clash. His shot is feathery out to 23-feet, especially off the catch. He moves well without the ball and he gets his shot off quick. His high IQ was on display as well as he snapped a number of passes to open teammates.
Best Slasher
Max Agbonkpolo (Santa Margarita)
WF, 6-foot-8, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Agbonkpolo, who is committed to USC, has steadily taken his game to a new level each and every season. The combo-forward is potent in the open court where he uses his length and improved perimeter skill to convert consistently at the rim. His jump shot is playable to the stripe and he has become a more assertive rebounder as well. His best basketball is definitely in the years ahead.
Biggest Surprise
Marquise Nelloms (St. Anthony)
PF, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nelloms came into this game as an undersized 4-man with a high-level motor, but now he showed signs of an evolving game. The energy and instincts were evident, but he knocked in a couple of 17-foot jump shots, and had some skilled drives to the bucket in transition. He is still raw, but there is some intrigue with Nelloms heading into his senior season.