Take Flight Challenge (Day 1 Standouts/Part 1)
Take Flight Challenge (Day 1 Standouts/Part 1) REDONDO BEACH, CA—The Take Flight Challenge, hosted by Redondo Union High School, is chock full of outstanding teams and individual talent. The day started off with 2020 stud Julian Strawther showing off his…
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Continue ReadingTake Flight Challenge (Day 1 Standouts/Part 1)
REDONDO BEACH, CA—The Take Flight Challenge, hosted by Redondo Union High School, is chock full of outstanding teams and individual talent. The day started off with 2020 stud Julian Strawther showing off his elite shooting while the night ended with UCLA-bound Jaime Jaquez Jr. taking on Santa Margarita’s tandem of Jake Kyman (UCLA) and Max Agbonkpolo (USC).
Julian Strawther (Liberty/NV)
2020, WF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better prospects in the West, regardless of class, is Strawther. The gifted wing-type has a feathery touch out to 25-feet, crafty ball skills, and a high basketball IQ. He needs to continue to improve his explosiveness and become more assertive on the glass, but he is a talent.
Kaelen Allen (Westchester)
2019, C, 6-foot-6, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: Allen utilized his size advantage over Redondo Union as he punished the Sea Hawks in the 1st half with his nimble feet, long arms, and soft touch. His motor is up-and-down, but he has the physical tools to play somewhere at the college level.
Jordan Brinson (Westchester)
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Brinson is one of the better available scoring guards for the next level. The bouncy scoring guard has an explosive 1st step, terrific body control while attacking the rim, and he’s a willing passer. He’s a scorer, but he can play the 1 in a pinch due to his unselfish play. As his jump shot continues to evolve so will his production.
Giordan Williams (Long Beach Poly)
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Williams is a highly competitive scoring guard who plays both ends of the floor. Each and every season he has taken his game to a new level. He has become more explosive—had an explosive dunk over Duke-bound Boogie Ellis— this season and his jump shot has become more consistent.
Max Agbonkpolo (Santa Margarita)
2019, WF, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Agbonkpolo wasn’t efficient from the field, but he exhibited all the physical tools that make him such an intriguing prospect. He has superior length, improving ball skills, and capable 3-point shot. His decision-making can be erratic (turnover prone), but the talent is undeniable for this USC signee.
Corey Cofield II (Birmingham)
2021, SG, 6-foot-4, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: “Relentless” is one of the first words that come to mind when describing Cofield II. The talented 2-guard is ultra-bouncy, a quick 1st step, and a instinctive scorer. He can get erratic with his decision making, but he is definitely one of the more talented sophomores in So-Cal.