San Diego High School Showcase – Most Improved
Corky Smith Gym in San Marcos was abuzz last weekend for the two-day San Diego High School Showcase.
Organized by Gamepoint Basketball, the field included some of San Diego’s top programs and several of the top teams from the City and Southern sections.
There were a number of standout performances by teams and players. My colleagues and I will be breaking down some of them in a series of reports. Next up for me, I’ll examine some of the most improved players from last weekend’s event.
San Diego High School Showcase – Most Improved
Will Corbin, 2019 G, San Marcos
Corbin, an extremely young 2019 prospect, has made huge strides entering his final year. Offensively, the 6-3 shooting guard always been one of the top shooters in the class, but it’s on the defensive end where he has shown big improvement. Corbin doesn’t have the quickest feet, but he is using his length and positioning to angle defenders from their dominant hand. And he’s giving a great effort on that end, to boot. For a prospect that doesn’t turn 17 until December, Corbin would be an ideal redshirt candidate at the next level.
Keavie Love and Tyson Robinson, 2021 guards, El Camino
One of the top on-ball defenders in his class, it is Love’s shooting and offensive repertoire that has shown the most growth. A physically imposing guard at 6-1, 180, Love has improved his mechanics and touch from three, and the results were clear. Robinson, a 5-11 guard, is another high-motor lockdown defender who is making strides offensively as well. He has good feel in the pick and roll, and has improved as a table setter for his shooting teammates.
Mauricio Reyes Esquer, 2021 F, Mater Dei Catholic
The 6-5 bruiser is playing with much more focus and attention to detail to begin his sophomore year. Reyes did a good job finishing plays set up by the guards all weekend, and scored on straight line drives and finishes around the rim. Reyes’ touch on his jump shot has gotten better, as he hit several from midrange over the weekend. He also seems to have improved his defensive intensity and continues to be a solid rebounder on both sides of the ball.
Jalai O’Keith, 2020 F, Foothills Christian
O’Keith put together his most impressive weekend, helping the Knights to a 3-1 record. Offensively, he was much more assertive, making a living on the offensive glass and hitting spot-up threes. Defensively, he helped his team by again teaming with Derrick Carter-Hollinger to rebound and find outlets to spring the Knights transition offense. He’s also gradually becoming more comfortable handling the ball off the dribble. With ideal size (6-5) and length, O’Keith is evolving into an intriguing prospect.
Look out for 2021 San Ysidro F Raheem Nowlin to take a step forward in his sophomore yearRaheem Nowlin, 2021 F, San Ysidro
The 6-4 forward has been gradually making his transition from the post to perimeter. This weekend, however, he made a huge leap forward in that respects. He hit five first-half threes in a win over San Diego, and looked confident with each shot. Additionally he’s improving his lateral quickness and perimeter defense. He still has some work to do handling the ball (left hand needs work) but he’s only a sophomore. Nowlin is on his way to emerging as a sleeper prospect in the 2021 San Diego class.