Francisco’s Finest: Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Day 3 Surprises
Francisco’s Finest: Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Day 3 Surprises
REDONDO BEACH, CA—It was quarter-final day at Redondo Union High School and the action on the hardwood floors was scintillating to say the least. It began with an electrifying performance from nationally acclaimed junior Ziaire Williams—who dropped in 36-points in leading his team to an upset victory over Santa Margarita. While the night-cap ended with Washington Prep going on a 43-to-3 run in dismantling the Lynwood Knights 78-46.
Jeremy Dent-Davis (Gardena/Serra)
2022, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The most impressive trait of Dent-Smith thus far in his young career is his court demeanor. He never gets rattled at either end of the floor, makes good decisions, and gets after on the defensive end. He has active hands, slides his feet, and his head is always up on the break. He needs to improve his jump shot (set shot) as well as his burst off the dribble.
DeShawn Johnson (Washington Prep)
2020, PF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hansen Clarke and Noel Scott get most of the attention on the Generals side, but the catalyst on the interior is Johnson. The big-bodied 5/4 has bounce, good hands, and solid feet. He plays with a hot motor, contest shots, and rebounds in and out of his area—not too mention he can fill the lane and finish on the break.
Cameron Thrower (Harvard Westlake)
2022, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better looking guards entering high school is Thrower. Despite his youth he plays with confidence (isn’t afraid to take the big shot) and savvy. He never forces the action and he is always on balance on when launching his jump shot. His ball skills are on the come and his frame suggests upside going forward.
Jayden Bush (Long Beach/St. Anthony)
2022, PG, 5-foot-6, 140 pounds
Joel’s Take: The slick left-handed point guard is yet another young player who plays with great poise. He can knock in the 3-point shot, changes speeds off the dribble, and snaps passes to open teammates.
Jayden Winfrey (Redondo Union)
2019, SG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: It was feast and famine for Winfrey thus far this tournament. He plays with speed and tenacity at both ends of the floor and has a knack to score from all three levels. He can force the issue at times (turnover prone) and play some hero ball, but he has been one of the many bright spots on a Redondo squad that gave powerhouse Bishop Montgomery all they could handle.
Jordan Archie (Bishop Montgomery)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Each season Bishop Montgomery has a couple of glue-types that are catalysts to their success as a team—and Archie fits this description to a tee. The hard-nosed scoring guard plays both ends with intent and efficiency. Locking up opposing guards, snatching rebounds in traffic, and attacking the rim with a vengeance describes Archie.