Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Biggest Revelations)
Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Biggest Revelations) LA VERNE, CA.—Frank Burlison and the Damien staff did an outstanding job of gathering the best collection of talent in the West for this holiday season. In the previous reports we focused…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Biggest Revelations)
LA VERNE, CA.—Frank Burlison and the Damien staff did an outstanding job of gathering the best collection of talent in the West for this holiday season. In the previous reports we focused on the standouts. However, these next reports will focus on the stock raisers (Liam Woodrum), sleepers (Evan Oliver), and Biggest Revelations (Brenton Knapper).
Brenton Knapper (Colony)
2021, PG, 5-foot-11, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: This highly explosive point guard is on the rise in So-Cal. Quick burst off the dribble, tight handle, and can finish in the paint. His head is always up and he makes the appropriate decisions with the ball. He is very effective in the mid-range area as a scorer and can knock in the 3-ball.
Bryan Mex (Leuzinger)
2021, SG, 5-foot-11, 145 pounds
Joel’s Take: Mex can really shoot it from deep. The willowy scoring guard does have a slow rease, but his mechanics are excellent. He is getting much better with the ball in his hands as a playmaker as well.
Jake Hlywiak (Valencia)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hlywiak was arguably one of the two or three best shooters in the event. Whenever Valencia needed a big shot, Hlywiak was money. He has a smooth shooting stroke and is always on balance—not too mention he moves very well without the ball is a moxie performer.
Luis Ochoa (Riverside/Notre Dame)
2019, PF, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: A transfer from Mexico, Ochoa has made an immediate impact for his team. The burly Ochoa is a strong post defender, rebounds in and out of his area, and he can knock in the deep 3-ball as well.
Cameron Cohn (Second Baptist/TX)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest surprise of the tournament was the elite shooting Cohn. He has long arms, moves well without the ball, and can score from deep (high-level shooting stroke) or take defenders off the drive for the finish—utilizing both hands.
RJ Smith (Damien)
2022, WF, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Smith is one of the Top 10 freshman in So-Cal. This kid is a rebounding machine due to his instincts, long arms, and bounce. He has a knack for always being around the ball and his hands are magnetic. He is strictly a post threat right now, but look for his game to expand as his career progresses because his perimeter skills are evolving.