COTC Senior Open Run – Event standouts Part 1
In addition to writing for Prep Hoops, I also organize events in the San Diego. This weekend, I hosted the inaugural Creme of the County Senior Open Run, a showcase for unsigned seniors.
The last-minute venue switch to Mission Bay High School didn’t dampen the turnout or the enthusiasm, as 34 of the region’s unsigned senior crop – and one sophomore (more about him later) – participated in three games in front of onlookers and several college coaches.
In the first of several reports, we look at the standouts from the event, including a point guard who is rapidly climbing the ranks of San Diego’s unsigned group, a forward with high skill and even better grades and a pair of unsigned guards who could help college programs.
COTC Senior Open Run – Event standouts Part 1
Roman Wright, 5-11 PG, Rancho Bernardo
Wright dazzled in his two games at the Open Run with his quickness and uncanny court vision. The 5-11 point guard was able to get into the key at will using changes of speed, hesitation dribbles and a very quick first step. Once in the key, he used his eyes to manipulate the defense and deliver dime after dime to teammates. It’s truly been impressive to watch his rise from role player to arguably one of the top true point guards in San Diego. And with his scores (3.5 GPA, 1130 SAT), he’s a qualifier ready to help a NAIA/D3/D2 level program.
Travis Snider, 6-6 F, Torrey Pines
Snider led his team to a 2-0 record on the day, and did it in a variety of ways. He scored it effectively both facing up his defender and with his back to the basket. Snider also did a great job reading double teams and hitting open shooters and cutters for easy scores. Defensively, he is a solid position defender in the paint and is making gradual improvement in his perimeter defense. Some high-academic school will get a very polished player with Snider (4.39 GPA, 1410 SAT, 31 ACT).
Roxroy Davis, 6-1 G, El Camino
Davis showed why he is arguably – along with Wright – the most improved guard in the 2019 San Diego class. He scores it efficiently from three, midrange (very smooth pull-up) and at the rim. Davis isn’t flashy and doesn’t over handle, instead willingly gives the ball up to open shooters when defenders cut off his drive. He also is a very solid on-ball defender, taking pride in cutting off the drive and forcing his defenders into tough shots. Another great student (4.2 GPA, 1200 SAT), Division 3, and perhaps some Division 2 schools, should give Davis a hard look.
AJ Burgin, 6-2 2021 G, San Diego
Filling in at the last minute, Burgin – the lone underclassman – wasted little time establishing himself as one of the top players in the gym. In the event’s final game, Burgin scored at will from mid range, three and in transition to lead his team to a near victory after trailing by 21 points. Despite being the youngest player on hand, Burgin’s size at the guard position is imposing at times, and his skill level is rapidly improving. Furthermore, no player in the gym played with his confidence.
Zantez “Zee” Willis, 6-2 G, Rancho Buena Vista
Willis was one of the revelations of the event. A role player both in HS and travel ball, he used the platform to show off an impressive two-way game. Offensively, the stocky guard uses his size and quick first step to get downhill in a hurry. Once in the key, his head is on a swivel, and he made excellent drive-and-kick plays to shooters. His unselfishness didn’t stop him from showing some nice finishing ability at the rim. Willis, while not a knockdown shooter, has improved as a catch-and-shoot guy from mid-range and even hit some from further distances. San Diego City College took note and have begun recruiting Willis and Davis after the event.