COTC: Mashack, Howell dueled in 2021 “Creme” game
CARLSBAD, Ca. – It didn’t take long into the Class of 2021 Crème game at the fourth Crème of the County Saturday at the Army-Navy Academy to determine who was going to be awarded the Most Outstanding Player for the contest.
The two-best college prospects in the class at the event, 6-foot-3 Jahmai Mashack (Etiwanda) and 6-5 Chris Howell (San Diego San Marcos/PICTURED), were on opposing East and West squad and each was outstanding throughout.
Mashack overpowered defenders with his ability to get to easily get to the rim, snatch missed shots in traffic and induce panic into opposing dribblers with his on-ball defense.
And Howell showed off his much-improved jump shot as well as his oh-so-dependable, precisely-on-target passing.
Eventually, it was the East – and Mashack – who came out on top, the team with the 89-88 victory and Mashack with the MOP honor.
There were plenty of other standouts in the class – notably one who played in the 2021 “Select” game, 6-1 Isaiah Brickner, who played on the junior varsity as a St. Augustine freshman.
The Saints will have a terrific all-junior frontcourt this season in Chibuzo Abgo, Luke Haupt and Nakial Cross.
The continued improvement of Brickner (and others) could enhance the Saints’ chances of dethroning Mission Bay as the San Diego Section’s Open Division champion in March.
Other 2021s that impressed during the day included guard Jessie Campbell and forwards Mauricio Reyes and Nico Meza of Chula Vista Mater Dei Catholic; guard A.J. Burgin (San Diego High); forwards Craig McMillan Jr. (Sweetwater) and Derrien Carter-Hollinger (El Cajon Foothills Christian).