High School Summer Ball Kick off “Players To Watch”
Summer is officially here for the High School season and a lot of players that will be looking to impress their coaches and earn spots. There are also players that already have solidified spots but are looking to build early…
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Continue ReadingSummer is officially here for the High School season and a lot of players that will be looking to impress their coaches and earn spots. There are also players that already have solidified spots but are looking to build early chemistry with new players and returning players to head into fall ball. I’ve popped into a few gyms already in a few different leagues around the SF valley and I wanna spotlight a few players that I’ve liked so far.
6″2 G 2020 Gio Bellows (Oakwood)
2 Way Player! Gio is a nice size shooting guard looking to make a major come back after having to sit out his junior year because of transfer woes. He is a knock down shooter and a floor general. Gio is even more impressive on the defensive end with great side to side speed and a lock down on ball defender. He is a very scrappy two way player that loves to do the dirty work. Looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table in his upcoming senior season at Oakwood.
5″8 PG 2020 Trent Smith (Redondo Union)
Scorer! Small in stature but makes up for it with his tenacity! Trent is a prolific scorer and can do it on all levels, with the ball or off the ball. Shoots very well from behind the arc with deep range. He also has very good mid range pull up and attacks the rim relentlessly. The Redondo Union incoming senior is primed for a big senior year and definitely one to keep an eye on.
5″7 PG 2024 Emmanuel Taylor (Village Christian)
Lighting fast! Incoming freshman “E” Taylor is having a great summer so far. Playing var as an undersized freshman doesn’t intimidate this kid at all. He is a very good on ball defender and also uses his speed to play the passing lanes very well for his age. He has a lot of learning to do but already has a huge IQ for the game. Very nice pull up jump shot off the dribble and can knock down the open 3 ball. Emmanuel is also great with the drive and kick to the open man. He will come in and contribute immediately this upcoming season for coach Andrade at Village. He’s young but definitely worth keeping an eye on.
6″6 F 2020 Aiden Oliver (Oakwood)
Big Body Beast! I watched “A.O.” make 7 footers look like 5 footers this spring. He has major footwork and is an expert at getting his man in the air and drawing the foul. Great mid range jump shot and can knock down the open 3 ball. He is also a very good passer from the high post and the pick and roll game. Aiden has a very high basketball IQ and is also a 4.0. student. He was all CIF last season with missing the whole first half and is primed to have another huge year as a senior.
6″2 SG 2021 Avial Pearl (Burbank)
High Motor! Avial is who you get the ball to when you need a bucket! He will knock down the 3 ball off the dribble or off the pass. Attacks the paint at will and has a knack for drawing fouls. Nice feel for the game and moves very good without the ball. He is also very long making him a sneaky defender in the passing lanes and on the ball. Avial is also a pretty good shot blocker and very explosive when attacking the rim. Plays above the rim! He’s one to watch.