Francisco’s Takes: CIFSS/LA City Playoff Standouts/Part 1)
Francisco’s Takes: CIFSS/LA City Playoff Standouts/Part 1) TORRANCE, CA—There were many high-level games to choose from—including Fairfax/Centennial and Westchester/Rancho Christian. However, I ventured down to El Camino College with my buds Frank Burlison, Devin Ugland, and Bob Becker to check…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Takes: CIFSS/LA City Playoff Standouts/Part 1)
TORRANCE, CA—There were many high-level games to choose from—including Fairfax/Centennial and Westchester/Rancho Christian. However, I ventured down to El Camino College with my buds Frank Burlison, Devin Ugland, and Bob Becker to check out the potentially epic match-up of Bishop Montgomery and Mater Dei. The Monarchs under the guidance of Gary McNight put on a clinic in their victory over the Knights.
However, that would not be enough for this hoop junkie as I clicked the television on and watched the LA City Championship between Fairfax and Westchester to finish off the night of great hoops.
LA City MVP
Ethan Anderson (Fairfax)
2019, WF, 6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anderson did not have the dominant performance most expected from this 4-year starter. However, he put his stamp on this game due to his power and motor. Explosive drives to the basket mixed with some strong pull-ups demonstrated the skill set he will bring to UNLV in the Fall.
Dynamic Duo
Devin Askew (Mater Dei)
2021, CG, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Askew is on a short list of sophomores that have a lethal combination of confidence and skill. He is a fearless combo-guard who has a potent pull-up game combined with a junkyard dog mentality. His defense on Josh Vasquez was one of the key components that lead to the Monarchs’ victory.
Aidan Prukop (Mater Dei)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: It was a carbon-copy performance for Prukop as he scorched the nets yet again as he did against St. John Bosco last week. He gets great lift on his jump shot and his on-ball defense was tight as Prukop and his running mate Askew dominated both ends against Bishop Montgomery.
On the rise
Isaiah Johnson (Bishop Montgomery)
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: The more I watch Johnson the more I get flashbacks of former Duke/Cal standout Jamal Boykin. The bouncy Johnson plays with a hot motor, finishes well around the basket, and shows a solid 3-point touch. He has to work on his footwork in the paint—has a tendency to shuffle his feet—but overall his growth has been noted.
Most Improved
Kaveon Batiste (Westchester)
2019, C, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: The long and slender lefty struggled during the summer time due to a lack of strength and overall feel for the game. However, each and every game I’ve witnessed this season I have seen growth in his game. He plays hard at both ends, converts baskets more consistently through contact, and he’s a quick leaper.