BSN Sports Showcase – Senior Sleepers
The inaugural BSN Showcase at Carlsbad High provided scouts and hoops fans in San Diego a nice opportunity to see some of the very best San Diego teams square off against some of the best that Southern California has to…
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Continue ReadingThe inaugural BSN Showcase at Carlsbad High provided scouts and hoops fans in San Diego a nice opportunity to see some of the very best San Diego teams square off against some of the best that Southern California has to offer. Kudos to Carlsbad High coach Sam Eshelman for putting together such an excellent one-day affair.
While the focus is on the teams, there were individual standouts at every grade level throughout the day. In this report, we will discuss some seniors who have largely hovered under the radar – until now.
BSN Sports Showcase – Senior Sleepers
Anthony Bell, 6-1 G, Chino Hills
A strong, quick and physical combo guard, Bell starred in the game against Mission Bay on both ends. Defensively, he harassed Duke-bound Boogie Ellis into 4-23 shooting through three quarters, and embraced the task. It’s exactly what you’d come to expect from a player who spent any amount of time at Etiwanda, which is where he was before transferring. He was able to break defenders down off the dribble and finish in the paint, through contact at times. He could be a guard who really comes into his own at the JUCO level.
Devin Fortune, 6-6 F, Murrieta Mesa
An undersized forward with explosive athleticism and a nose for the ball best describes Fortune, who shredded Westview in his team’s victory. He scored 22 points on 10 shots, scoring around the basket and stepping out to hit mid-range shots consistently. Fortune also corralled 12 rebounds, pursuing rebounds out of the paint to boot. The one area of his game where he needs to grow is ball handling, as he struggles to attack off the bounce (6 turnovers).
Nick Manor Hall, 6-6 F, Chino Hills
The bouncy, long utility wing had an impact on both sides of the ball for the Huskies. He can flat out fly and finish above the rim, and he can slash his way to buckets in the paint. Defensively, he has the length and versatility to guard every position at the high school level. If he improves his perimeter shooting and tightens his handle, he’s a kid whose best basketball is ahead of him.
Kryztian Walton, 6-6 F, Temecula Valley
Walton doesn’t pass the eye test, but the burly, albeit undersized big is very productive. He turned it on in the second half of the win against Christian, snagging offensive boards left and right and finishing everything in the paint. Walton also stepped out and knocked down a couple of threes, displaying a feathery stroke. In the era of the “stretch 5,” Walton will be an intriguing one for sure, and could be the type of player who thrives in the NAIA ranks.
Raphael Allen, 6-2 G, Temecula Valley
Temecula Valley is full of senior sleepers, as Josh O’Campo and Nate Jacobsen also fall into this category. Allen has the metrics that pop out at you (a plus wingspan, nice athleticism and quickness), and his game is catching up. The lefty can knife his way to the basket, and can step out and hit the three or the mid-range pull-up. Developing his off hand is still a big priority, but I like his progress.
Brogan Pietrocini, 6-5 F, Carlsbad
One of the more skilled guys on the court this weekend, Pietrocini scored it from all three levels. He’s a set-shooter, but knocks down shots from three and mid-range. While not the quickest, the face-up four man uses excellent footwork and strength to get to the basket and finish below the rim. If I am a Division 3 school, Pietrocini would be a big priority.