Crème of the County – Top Prospects
Yes, it’s my event. But I still have eyes.
The fourth annual 3P Crème of the County went off (relatively) without a hitch on Sept. 1 at Army and Navy Academy, with more than 250 athletes taking part in the daylong showcase.
A number of the top players in San Diego – and a sprinkling of players from outside the region – attended the event, making an impression on scouts and college coaches.
I’ll be breaking down some of the top players I saw in a series of reports, starting with the best overall prospects.
Crème of the County – Top Prospects
Chibuzo Agbo, 2020 W, St. Augustine
Agbo pulled a feat done only once in the showcase’s brief history: was the best overall prospect in both the senior and junior game. The other player? Former Saintsman Taeshon Cherry, who is now at Arizona State. Agbo has a chiseled frame, exceptional agility and athleticism, and is relentless off the bounce. His offensive game continues to evolve to the point where he is much more comfortable attacking from the perimeter than in previous viewings. The consensus among scouts on hand is that Agbo is criminally underrated nationally. Expect that to change this upcoming season.
Chris Howell, 2021 G, San Marcos
Measuring at 6-5 and blessed with impressive court vision, Howell continues to separate himself from other point guard prospects in SD, regardless of class. Howell made several impressive passes in the halfcourt and transition during the 89-88 OT loss. But, as my colleague Devin Ugland brought out in an earlier report, Howell’s increasing comfort shooting the ball from midrange is a huge development. If he can master that, Howell projects to be a Shaun Livingston type prospect that will be highly coveted nationally.
Alexis Marmolejos, 2022 G, Army Navy Academy
It’s safe to say that Marmolejos was the biggest surprise of the showcase. In arguably the most anticipated game of the day, the 6-1 Dominican guard stole the show with his dazzling speed and playmaking in the open court. Marmolejos has a great frame, broad shoulders and good length. Continuing to play with better pace will only make him more dangerous.
Mikey Williams, 2023 G, San Ysidro MS
It wasn’t his best game, but Williams showed flashes of why many consider him to be the top prospect in the 2023 class. Williams smoothly shifts gears in the open court, and his athleticism can best be described as “effortless.” Measuring 6-1 with a 6-4 wingspan at 14 years old, Williams probably isn’t close to done growing – his half brother is 6-10 former San Diego State star Malcolm Thomas. I want to see him continue to attack the paint in the halfcourt to open up better shots from the perimeter, but I think that’s going to be part of his natural progression.
Dimitrius “DJ” Dudley, 2022 G, San Ysidro
Blessed with incredible metrics (6-1.5 with a 6-6.5 wingspan) and bounce (39-inch approach jump), Dudley at this stage is one of the most athletic prospects in recent San Diego history. We saw flashes of that athleticism when he attempted three very difficult dunks – including a lob that he nearly completed over a defender despite being a foot away from the rim. As he continues to hone his handle and jump shot from three-point range (he’s got a very good mid-range pull up), it will open up his game that much more.
Jahzare Jackson, 2023 C, North Coast Bluechips
The massive (6-10, 327-pound) center has soft hands and nice touch around the rim. He had one of the highlights of the event when he forcefully blocked an opponent’s layup attempt off the glass with two hands. Getting in better condition will allow him to transition from end to end and make him more effective on both ends.