The Holiday Classic – Day 4 standouts
The final day of The Holiday Classic saw me hit three sites – the American Division, for an early morning rematch between Vista and LCC, the Mayor’s Division, for a fifth-place game and consolation championship, and the National Division for…
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Continue ReadingThe final day of The Holiday Classic saw me hit three sites – the American Division, for an early morning rematch between Vista and LCC, the Mayor’s Division, for a fifth-place game and consolation championship, and the National Division for the third-place and championship game of the top bracket.
I’ve tried to spotlight some of the players at the satellite sites in these reports, so this report will be no different.
The Holiday Classic – Day 4 standouts
Christian Rose, 6-6 2019 F, Bishop’s
Rose dominated Ramona’s front court in a 68-28 consolation championship blowout. The lefty scored in every way possible – off dribble drives with both hands, pull-ups from mid-range and even a three mixed in. Defensively, his length, lateral quickness and attention to detail overwhelmed his opponents.
Zach White, 6-0 2020 PG, Bishop’s
White gains confidence with each game, as he has become the Knights primary scoring option. He shoots it smoothly from deep off the catch, and is a crafty scorer off the bounce with his right hand. He’s not a burner, but does a good job changing speeds, to get to his spots on the court.
Steve Stinson, 5-10 2020 G, San Diego
Stinson kept the Cavers in the game after their leading scorer AJ Burgin fouled out with 6:30 left. In overtime, when the Cavers needed a bucket, he delivered, from three, from midrange and around the rim. He can force shots at times, but the talent is evident.
Lucas Kravitz, 6-3 2020 W, Laguna Beach
Whenever Laguna Beach needed a big shot, they turned to Kravitz, who delivered. The sharpshooter hit eight threes in the overtime win over San Diego, finding crevices in the defense to get his shot off. Kravitz has a quick release, always squares his shoulders and is automatic once his feet are set.
Jordan Hilstock, 6-3 2019 G, Vista
Hilstock had an up-and-down tournament, but ended it on a high note with a 24-point effort in Vista’s 71-63 win over La Costa Canyon. He scored on aggressive drives to the rim, hit timely threes, and turned live-ball turnovers into transition buckets. Hilstock is a very underrated passer, dropping several nice assists in the second half surge.
Baylor Brimmer, 6-5 2019 W, La Costa Canyon
Brimmer, who recently became eligible for the Mavs after transfer sit out, made up for lost time this week, looking to score from deep and off the dribble. He had a solid game against Vista, scoring off the bounce and off the catch to keep the Mavs in the game. He needs to improve his court vision, as he gets tunnel visioned at times.
Sam Kramer, 6-8 2019 F, La Costa Canyon
Kramer is a late blooming big man with some gifts that you can’t teach. At 6-8, he has a seven footer’s wingspan, shoots from the perimeter, and can play above the rim in transition and the half court. If I am a Division 2 school, I’m taking a flier on him.
Carter Starnes, 6-4 2019 F, Vista
Starnes, an undersized four man, scored in the paint with a nice jump hook, took bigs off the dribble for scores, and even nailed a couple of long-range jumpers in the process. His offensive assertiveness proved to be one of the catalysts in Vista’s second-half surge against LCC.