Gamepoint Fall Shootout: Five Takeaways
Oceanside, Ca. — Whenever there’s an opportunity to get a close look at many of San Diego’s best teams in one sitting, I make sure to take advantage of it. The fine folks who run the high level and high…
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Continue ReadingOceanside, Ca. — Whenever there’s an opportunity to get a close look at many of San Diego’s best teams in one sitting, I make sure to take advantage of it.
The fine folks who run the high level and high class Gamepoint travel program organized a Fall Shootout at MiraCosta College, which featured some of SD’s top teams and players, in addition to a couple Temecula squads and one from my home-base of Orange County.
Here are five takeaways from the seven-game event:
Torrey Pines’ size could be problematic for area foes
The key player for the Falcons this season will most certainly be 6-foot-8 forward Brandon Angel. The Stanford-commit is one of the best shooters in the state and poses a mismatch problem for opposing four men because of his range and high release. The guy responsible for getting Angel open looks is 6-foot-6 junior point guard Chris Howell. The San Marcos transfer is one of the best passers in SoCal and can see over most of his defensive match-ups because of his size. Another key addition for Torrey Pines is 6-foot-8 center Otto Landrum by way of Colorado. The sophomore should see plenty of playing time because of his willingness to do the dirty work.
Capo Valley poised to be one of Orange County’s best, again
The Brian Mulligan tenure at Capistrano Valley has been a long and successful one and this season shouldn’t be any different. Even without two of his more important interior players, the Cougars competed at a high level with two of San Diego’s best programs, Torrey Pines and Balboa Prep. Senior guard Conner Gleason will be the spark plug offensively, while junior Langston Redfield is the guy who orchestrates it all. Add in the consistent shooting of Zach Roberts and inside-out scoring ability of Spencer Egbert and you have a team that should compete at a high level locally.
Murrieta Mesa shows it can hang in Southwestern League
The Rams have a new coach running the sidelines and plenty of players returning who saw varsity action last season, including Cameron Rentie, Lewis Singleterry and Matthew McIntosh. Six-foot-7 center Demorian Lowe is a nice addition to the front court to go along with McIntosh, and the physicality of that duo is something Mesa’s opponents won’t want to deal with for 40 minutes of game action. Temecula Valley is still the favorite in the Southwestern League, but the Rams have the roster make-up to challenge them and Great Oak at the top.
Chula Vista Mater Dei remains in the top tier of the Mesa League
Last season was the first time in seven years that the Crusaders didn’t earn at least a share of the Mesa League championship as Montgomery took the crown in 2018-19 with Mater Dei Catholic coming in second at 8-2. The Crusaders have a roster filled with difference makers led by talented junior guards Melo Sanchez and Jesse Campbell to go along with sophomore KJ Gonzalez. Add athletic and versatile forwards Dexter Stratton, Christian Ubochi and Mauricio Reyes into the mix and Mater Dei will be in prime position for a bounce-back year if all the pieces mesh well together.
Will Dynamic Trio help Santa Fe Christian take the next step in the Coastal League?
The Coastal League is one tougher 10-game slates in all of San Diego with the likes of SFC, Foothills Christian, Bishops, Army-Navy, Francis Parker, La Jolla Country Day and Orange Glen all boasting their own levels of talent and styles of play. As of now, Foothills Christian looks to be the favorite again this season, but the Eagles with the junior trio of Trevan Martin, Hayden Gray and Keatten Smith have the skill and firepower to potentially pull off an upset. The key for Santa Fe Christian will be which player can step up if one of the “Big Three” is having an off night?