WCE Spring Kickoff California Standouts
This past weekend was the kickoff for AAU season for many teams and one major event out in Southern California was the Spring Kickoff hosted by West Coast Elite Basketball. The three-day event took place from Friday to Sunday at…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend was the kickoff for AAU season for many teams and one major event out in Southern California was the Spring Kickoff hosted by West Coast Elite Basketball.
The three-day event took place from Friday to Sunday at the American Sports Center in Anaheim, CA. Some of the best talent in the region was on display as it was the first weekend that college coaches could be in the gym scouting potential recruits.
With dozens of games going on at once, it was difficult to get around to all of the courts and really digest all of the talent there. Not only were there teams from Southern California, but from other parts of the country as well.
With so many different players in attendance, I focused mainly on the local standouts as in from both Northern and Southern California. Here’s a look at some of the players who stood out the most.
1. Jordan Montgomery – SDA Soldiers 17U
Rancho Christian point guard Jordan Montgomery had his hands in every aspect of the junior class game at the Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam.
The starting point guard for the Rancho Christian Eagles the past couple of season, Montgomery has really developed into a solid pass-first point guard playing with the talent the Eagles have had. However, he was able to show off a bit more of his overall game being the lead guy on SDA Soldiers. He’s quick in the open court and gets to the rim with ease. He also has a good outside shot. He’s got a few D1 schools checking in on him, and he’s poised to have a strong senior year.
2. Emmanuel Adeoye – NBBA 17U Black Showcase (Meyerson)
Adeoye was a key piece to a very talented Salesian College Prep team this past season. He’s got good size and good instincts for a big man. He just completed his senior year so this is his final go-round on the AAU circuit. He is a decent defensive player and with a little more work, could develop into a real defensive anchor. His offense is also a work in progress but is definitely noticeable. He can finish at the rim and he has a decent jumper. A couple of years at the JuCo level could really help him even more.
3. Josh Jones – The Truth 17U
A long and athletic guard, Jones also just finished his senior year, making this his last time on the AAU circuit. He has the ability to play multiple positions and is a very solid playmaker. He knows when to find that balance between being a facilitator for his teammates and when to look for his own shot. He’s great at attacking the rim and finishing with contact. He can also step out and shoot from distance. He’s got good defensive instincts and has the skillset to be an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. He can definitely help a college team.
4. Carter Mahaney – West Coast Elite
Mahaney has all the tools to be a solid college point guard. His play over the weekend saw him pick up an offer from Northern Arizona. Like all good point guards must be able to do, he can find that balance between being a playmaker for his teammates and looking for his own shot. He is good off the dribble at creating his own shot and he shoots very well from midrange. He is constantly looking for his teammates as well and getting them easy baskets.
5. Lorenzo Marsh – Los Angeles Elite 17U Bryson
An incoming junior, Marsh has all the tools to really become an athletic wing who can score in multiple ways as well as defend multiple positions. He can create his own shot and he’s got range out the three-point line. This could be a big summer for him as he can really establish himself and show colleges that he can be a combo guard that’s able to play multiple positions.