Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Under-the-Radar Performers (Part II)
The six-day Ryse Williams Pac Shores Tournament brought together many of the Southland’s top teams and players for an impressive season-opening field.
Fairfax took home the title with a 64-56 victory over a Bishop Montgomery team littered with injuries, while Washington Prep took home third with a win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and Santa Margarita finished fifth with a victory over host Redondo Union. Rolling Hills Prep beat Birmingham for the consolation championship.
Here are some more players whose efforts put their name on the map:
Jayden Winfrey, G, Redondo Union
Winfrey fits the mold of a pass-first point guard to a “T.” He plays with good pace and tempo, probes the paint with his eyes surveying the floor, and normally makes the correct pass or decision with the ball. Winfrey’s ability to take care of the basketball is what allows Redondo to play the as fast as it does.
Dominic Woods, G, Serra
Woods embraces what most kids frown upon these days, the catch-and-shoot 3-pointer. The standstill triple is one of the most effective shots in the game and Woods connected on them with regularity throughout the week, including in a 23-point effort in an opening round loss to Santa Margarita.
David Cheatom, F, L.A. University
The 6-foot-3 wing participated in the small school division of the tournament, led his team to four easy wins, and averaged 21.8 points per game in the process. The junior continues to be one of the more underrated players in the area mainly due to the lack of eyes that see his high school team’s games. Cheatom is averaging 23 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on the season.
Jordin Udenze, F, St. Anthony
The 6-foot-6 power forward came alive Saturday in the Saints’ blowout of Lynwood, scoring 13 points with a handful of dunks. The senior earned the starting nod and made the most of his increased minutes, finishing with power through contact in the paint.
Daylen Williams, F, Fairfax
Williams has been a guy who tends to hang around on the perimeter and settle for 3-point shots, but the 6-foot-7 senior showed two instances of increased aggressiveness with a couple beastly put-back dunks off of offensive rebounds. Williams still possesses a soft shooting touch, but it was good to see another side of his game.