Gold Coast League Players to Watch
The 2019-20 high school basketball regular season is set to get underway this month. For some teams, they tip-off this week while others will start next week. The Southern California area is full of talent and this season should be…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019-20 high school basketball regular season is set to get underway this month. For some teams, they tip-off this week while others will start next week. The Southern California area is full of talent and this season should be a good one.
I’ll be going through a couple of different leagues in the area that I’ll be covering at various points this season and highlighting a few key players from that league to look out for. These players aren’t necessarily stars on the team. Some of them might be, but others are key cogs that might play an important role on the team’s success this year.
Here’s a look at some of those players from the Gold Coast League.
1. Brayden Thomas – Brentwood 2020
Thomas is an incoming senior and poised to have a solid year. He’s a big man who can control the paint at times both offensively and defensively. He’s a hard worker who can establish his position well in the post. He has a nice little hook shot. He’s also a very good rebounder. He crashes the offensive glass and secures second shot opportunities for the team. Gets easy put-back opportunities.
2. Amado Coleman – Paraclete 2021
Coleman is a tenacious rebounder and tough player. He uses his size and strength to his advantage against opposing players. He’s very athletic and solid in transition, always looking to finish around the rim with authority. He can make plays for himself and get to the free-throw line by attacking the rim and drawing contact. Crashes the glass on both ends of the floor to get defensive rebounds and second shot opportunities.
3. Devin Tillis – Windward 2020
Tillis is one of the best shooters in the Gold Coast League. Shooting isn’t all he can do, however. He’s a very versatile scorer who moves very well without the ball making cuts and getting in proper position to receive a pass. He spots up well and is a lights out shooter if left open. He’s a good rebounder too who crashes the glass hard and gets put-back opportunities for himself. Should have a strong senior year.
4. T.J. Muhammad – Crossroads 2020
One of the senior leaders for the Roadrunners, Muhammad has seemingly taken the mantle of being the player who does all the little things from former Roadrunner D.J. Houston. He makes winning plays. He can run the team’s offense as the point guard, he shoot and score if needed, he plays tough defense on the wing, and is constantly diving on the floor for loose balls. His leadership will be key to this team.
5. Shy Odom – Sierra Canyon 2022
On a team full of five-stars and big names, it might be Shy Odom who ends up making one of the biggest impacts for the Trailblazers. Their frontcourt lost K.J Martin and Christian Koloko, and Odom could help replicate what they brought. He’s a tough defender in the paint and capable of matching up with players bigger than he is. He also has a soft touch around the rim and can finish well. He can put the ball on the floor too and makes plays.
6. Isaiah Brewington – Campbell Hall 2023
Brewington is an incoming freshman, and he’s looking to have an immediate impact for the Vikings. He’s a big man in every sense of the position. Watching him over the summer, he boxes out very well, something not often seen in young players today. He has great timing on his rebounds and he follows misses well to grab offensive boards. His development over the season will be fun to watch.
7. Dante Ogbu – Viewpoint 2023
Another young player on this list, Ogbu is also looking to have an immediate impact in his first year of high school basketball. He’s a bit of a combo guard and he has a knack for scoring. He’s runs the fast break well and he can finish strong at the rim. Quick off the dribble with good court awareness in terms of passing. Can shoot from the outside. He will also be fun to watch this season as he develops.