WCE Summer Kick-Off: Below the Radar
Southern California played host to a plethora of events during the lone live period in the July calendar. On Day 2 of the live period, we headed to Anaheim Sports Center for a day at Ryan Silver’s West Coast Elite…
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Continue ReadingSouthern California played host to a plethora of events during the lone live period in the July calendar. On Day 2 of the live period, we headed to Anaheim Sports Center for a day at Ryan Silver’s West Coast Elite Summer Kick-Off.
In the second of two reports, we look at the players under the radar who caught our attention.
WCE Summer Kick-Off: Below the Radar
Nate Witte, 6-0 2021 PG, Torrey Pines/ West Coast Flight
If there is a “most improved’ 2021 prospect in San Diego, Witte may claim the title. He has grown significantly since last year, and is noticeably stronger and more athletic. In the game against And 1 Elite, Witte pretty much got whatever he wanted offensively. From steady drives and finishes off the dribble to threes with improved range, Witte is playing with a high level of confidence. Expect him to have a significant role for the Falcons this season.
Arvind Sandhu, 5-10 2021 PG, Central Catholic/ And 1 Elite
The heady lefty point guard got into the paint at will against West Coast Flight in the sudden-death win. He plays on balance and uses the jump stop well to set up his nice package of floaters and runners. He took a lot of shots from deep, and is a solid catch-and-shoot threat to boot. His steadiness stands out, as he appears – at least in this viewing – to not get sped up or turned over.
Isaac Torres, 6-3 2021 G, Piner/ Santa Rosa Bear Cubs
If you weren’t a family member, you might have missed this Nor Cal team. But Torres pops out immediately as a sleeper prospect. Blessed with a rangy frame, long arms and very good ball skills, Torres’ game translates well as a big combo guard, despite being listed as a small forward in the book. He made some very high-level reads off the live dribble, creating opportunities for his teammates on drive and kicks or pocket passes to the weakside big.
Gio Martinez, 5-7 2020 PG, Olympian/ WCE San Diego
I have been a fan of Martinez as a player for a while, but his stock hovers below the radar largely due to his size. But he is consistently one of the better point guards you’ll see in his class in San Diego. Martinez has learned to harness his speed and play more under control, seeing the floor better in the process. He can also get you a bucket in the paint, through and over contact.
Winston Williams, 6-3 2021 PF. Immanuel/ And 1 Elite
Williams punished the undersized West Coast Flight squad on the interior, muscling his way for buckets on the low block with either hand. I love prospects who know what they are and play to their strengths. Williams does this.
Garrett Pyle, 6-1 2021 SG, Poway/ WCE San Diego
Pyle, who started at Poway but has been unheralded as a prospect, was the surprise of the night. The stocky combo guard is a knockdown shooter from deep off the catch, but used the shot fake to set up a couple of nice one-dribble pull-up jump shots from mid range. But his ball skills, especially his passing in the half court, and movement without the ball caught my attention.