Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam: 2020 standouts
Costa Mesa, Ca. — The Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam Showcase at Vanguard University featured 70 high school basketball players in a class-by-class game setting.
The combined freshman and sophomore game proved to be the most exciting of the day, a sudden death overtime game that was decided, anticlimactically, by a foul and free throw by Santa Margarita sophomore guard Selah Robins.
The junior class game was another close one, with the team coached by Santa Margarita assistant Wolfgang Wood defeating Fountain Valley assistant AJ Gasporra’s team, 74-69. The senior class contest was the most lopsided of the three, as team Wood dominated its way to a 83-63 victory.
Here are the class of 2020 standouts from Saturday’s action:
Jordan Montgomery, Rancho Christian
Montgomery did a little bit of everything Saturday. He scored in transition, wreaked havoc on the defensive end, hit the open 3-point shot and created opportunities for teammates. If there’s one thing that the 6-foot-1 point guard will not let happen, it’s nobody will play harder than he does from start to finish.
Rancho Christian point guard Jordan Montgomery had his hands in every aspect of the junior class game at the Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam.Aidan Prukop, Mater Dei
Prukop had his improved creativity with the ball on display. The 6-foot-4 wing has clearly been working on his ball handling since the close of last season and it showed in how he was able to to get by and create space from defenders in the half-court setting. Prukop had a number of crafty finishes around the basket.
Ryan Evans, Mater Dei
Evans has become well-known for his catch-and-shoot ability from 3-point range, but something that’s swept under the rug with him is his defensive prowess. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard is always sitting down in a defensive stance and keeping offensive players in front. His upper body strength allows him to defend three positions at the high school level.
Bryson Stephens, Rancho Christian
Stephens was one of the more explosive athletes in the gym in all three games. The 6-foot guard is quick off the floor both in transition opportunities and when attacking the basket in the half-court setting. Stephens can absorb and finish through contact in addition to his up-and-under and acrobatic layup package.
Mason Machado, Corona Centennial
Machado is an active and long forward with an ever-expanding skill set on the offensive end. Machado uses his length and 6-foot-7 frame well on the defensive end when it comes to shot blocks and contests. He makes his impact offensively when rim-running in transition for two-handed dunks or working the offensive glass for second chance opportunities.