Francisco’s Finest: Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic (Standouts)
Francisco’s Finest: Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic (Standouts) GARDENA, CA—The Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic had an intriguing set of teams that sparked the interest of fellow colleague Devin Ugland and myself to venture out to Junipero Serra High School. It was…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic (Standouts)
GARDENA, CA—The Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic had an intriguing set of teams that sparked the interest of fellow colleague Devin Ugland and myself to venture out to Junipero Serra High School. It was a first look at St. John Bosco as well as some under-the-radar talent like King Drew’s senior Billy Clark and Windward’s sophomore Brandon Richard.
Devin Tillis (Windward)
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Tillis, who is coming off of a severe knee injury, is slowly but assuredly evolving into the prospect that we imagined a couple of seasons ago. The rangy 4/3 has a lengthy frame, excellent ball skills, and a feathery shooting touch. He can knock in 3s, utilize his savvy and touch in the paint, or deliver the high IQ assist. Overall, he has some Jared Dudley (Brooklyn Nets) to his game.
Chris James (St. John Bosco)
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The ultra-skilled James is a solid all-around basketball player who impacts the game in a number of ways. He can slash his way to the rim in transition, knock in deep jump shots, or run the offense in the half court set. He allows the game to come to him and projects well at the Low D1 level. UC Davis has offered.
Christian Johnson (View Park)
2021, PG, 6-foot, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Johnson is not a blazer nor does he have an exceptional burst, but he is extremely physical with the ball in his hands (can carry defendes on the hip), and he changes speeds well. His vision is excellent as is his mid-range scoring skills. Improving his 3-point shot will be important going forward.
Fidelis Okereke (King Drew)
2020, C, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: When it comes to no nonsense “beast-like” performers on the high school level, Okereke should come immediately to mind. He is built like an NFL DE and his blue collar approach is quite productive. He can drop step and finish through contact and he attacks the glass at both ends. Despite his size he does a nice job sprinting the lanes in transition for the finish.
Fernando Gomez (St. John Bosco)
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Arguably the best shooter of the night belonged to Mr. Gomez. This kid has a quick trigger and his range is out to 23-feet. He can pull-up in transition or come off a pin-down screen. Overall, his moxie is contagious at both ends of the floor and he’ll rebound within the trees when needed.
Jaren Harris (Windward)
2021, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Harris put together a fine all-around performance as Windward handled the host (Serra) with ease in the semis. The long-armed point guard prospect has a soft touch inside the lane as he does out to the 3-point line. He converted a number of deep 3s, found teammates for open looks, and utilized his long arms to get deflections. Finishing through contact and playing with urgency more consistency will take his game to a new level.