Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam – San Diego Report
Fresh off of the very successful Hoops By Ugland Skills Summit, my Prep Hoops colleague Devin Ugland was back at it with the inaugural HBU Beach Jam.
Held October 13 at Vanguard University, the event pitted players from the classes of 2019 through 2022 in “class games.” Freshman and sophomores mixed it up together.
San Diego represented well at the event, despite the inclement weather. Here, you’ll find a recap of some of the under the radar performances by some of the region’s representatives.
Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam – San Diego Report
Melo Sanchez, 2021 G, Mater Dei Catholic
The 6-3 guard didn’t get the reps on the ball that we are used to seeing, but when he did, he showed off the high-level court vision, throwing a couple of beautiful assists in the game’s final frames. Sanchez is also an underrated defender who gives an honest effort, slides his feet and contests shots.
Keaton Webb, 2021 F, Tri-City Christian
At 6-4, Webb has nice size for a wing, and when left open, can knock down shots at a nice clip. He also rebounds the ball well. Webb’s next step will be to improve his lateral quickness, which will help him on both offense (attacking the basket) and defense (defending on the perimeter).
Owen Isachsen, 2022 G, San Dieguito Academy
Isachsen, 5-10, had a nice stretch in his final frame when he hit a 23-foot three, then got a steal and tossed a nice outlet to Nick Davidson for the dunk. One of the youngest players on the floor (just turned 14), Isachsen has high hips, pretty long arms and very good lead guard instincts.
Trae Taylor, 2020 F, Mission Bay
This was one of the better performances Taylor has turned in. At 6-5 and growing, he’s got long arms, a rangy frame and is fairly skilled. He showed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down short-corner jump shots and a few three pointers. He’s gotta get stronger and be more of a factor on the boards.
Jacob Collins, 2020 W, Sage Creek
As my colleague Devin Ugland noted, Collins really competes on the defense end. He sits in a stance, slides his feet and cuts off driving lanes. Offensively, he’s transitioning from an interior player to the perimeter, and he is progressing. Collins is good slashing to the rim in fewer than 3 dribbles, and is starting to use his explosive athleticism to finish around the rim through contact.