A Scout’s Take: Ron Massey FHC (Best Point Guards)
A Scout’s Take: Ron Massey FHC (Best Point Guards)
NORWALK, Ca.—Dinos Trigonis, one of the pronounced Grassroots pioneers, orchestrated yet another epic Fall Hoops Classic—now named after former Long Beach Jordan Head Coach Ron Massey.
In a field that was loaded with much of Southern California’s elite programs, it would be Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) that would bag the championship with impressive wins over Harvard-Westlake, Mater Dei, and Bishop Montgomery. Bishop Gorman’s electrifying junior Noah Taitz would bring home the MVP as he lit up the score board in a variety of ways.
Zaon Collins (Bishop Gorman/NV)
2021, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Arguably the best passer this weekend was Collins. Grassroots guru Dinos Trigonis came up with a nice comparison when he thought Collns reminded him of a young Jacque Vaughn—former Muir, Kansas, and NBA point guard. Collins whips passes in transition and the ball never sticks in his hands. He has good length, excellent quickness, and he plays with great pace.
Josh Vasquez (Bishop Montgomery)
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: He is more of a combo-guard at this stage, but he can play the point in a pinch. He has a high basketball IQ and and the savvy to match. His forte is hitting shots, which he can convert from deep range or in the mid-range. He is more scorer than facilitator at this stage, but at the next level he’ll be able to play both guard spots.
Yassine Graham (Foothills Christian)
2020, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: When describing Graham one of the first descriptions that come immediatley to mind is “moxie.” He always gives an honest effort at both ends and isn’t afraid to make the big play. He loves to attack in transition and can finish over length due to his instincts and lift. His jump shot is solid out to the 3-point stripe and he can score in the mid-range area. Improving his left hand—both finishing and attacking—will take his game to a new level.
Richard Isaacs Jr. (Cornado/NV)
2022, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Arguably the No. 1 freshman point guard in the West in his class. The even-keeled point guard has an advanced basketball IQ, can knock in jump shots from deep, or deliver the nifty assist. However, what really stands out for a player of his youth is his defensive prowess. He slides his feet very well and has active hands.
Spencer Hubbard (Harvard-Westlake)
2020, PG, 5-foot-10, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hubbard lacks ideal size and needs to get gain strength when he attacks off the dribble, but you cannot deny the moxie that this kid possesses. He pushes the ball well in the open court, changes speeds, and has the vision to get others involved. His jump shot is solid and should get more consistent with strength.
Lamont Butler (Riverside Poly)
2019, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Butler has become considerably stronger since his sophomore campaign and looks prime for an exceptional junior season. He is a faciltating true point guard who looks to make the right basketball play every possession. Snapping passes to open shooters and advancing the ball in transition are part of the package. His pull-up game has improved as has his explosiveness to the rim. A true floor general.
Chance Michels (Bishop Gorman/NV)
2019, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Owner of the best two-handed chest passer in the West belongs to Michels. Reminiscent of a young Doug Gotlieb (Oklahoma State) Michels knows how to get others involved via the pass. In addition to his passing prowess, he has improved his jump shot as he connected on a number of pull-ups, including a fewl 3-pointers.