Francisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Standouts)
Francisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Standouts) LA HABRA, CA—I had the privilege of witnessing the epic battle between Mayfair and JSerra in last year’s championship tilt where DJ Rodman nailed a 3-pointer to win it for JSerra. Well, round…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Standouts)
LA HABRA, CA—I had the privilege of witnessing the epic battle between Mayfair and JSerra in last year’s championship tilt where DJ Rodman nailed a 3-pointer to win it for JSerra. Well, round two came into fruition thankfully as a Josh Christopher-led Mayfair squad took on an Ian Martinez-led JSerra squad for the second year in a row and the result was yet another spectacular game. Despite Christopher pouring in 42-points, his counterpart and Utah-bound Martinez countered with 34-points in leading his team to a 85-75 win.
Josh Christopher (Mayfair)
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Christopher put on a scoring clinic with his 42-point outburst and he did it in a number of ways. He is a physical specimen who can grind points out in the mid-range area due to his tight pull-up game or venture out and drain deep 3s. He is a good shooter, but his shot can get erratic. High arching 3s and off balance pull-ups are part of his arsenal. Although he is a pure scorer, he can be quite the gifted passer.
Ian Martinez (JSerra)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Martinez bagged the MVP after leading his team to the championshipJoel’s Take: One of the more efficient performances that I’ve seen this winter was put forth by Martinez. First, he allowed the game to come to him as he converted a number of 3-point jump shots—7-of-10 to be exact—and he was always on balance. He gets great lift on his shot and his release has become much smoother than in the past. He can play both guard positions, but he is at his best as a scorer. Becoming a more efficient ball handler against pressure is his next step.
Daniel Esparza (La Habra/Sonora HS)
2021, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Esparza has a non-stop motor at both ends of the floor and is shows up in the stat book. He’ll rebound in traffic, push the ball hard on the break, and can score from all three levels. He has a good frame with nice length and he’s a solid athlete that gets to where he needs to go with the ball. While pushing the ball on the break, he shows vision and a knack of getting to the rim. His jump shot isn’t pure, but he does get nice lift on his shot and it’s pretty consistent.
Atin Wright (Fairmont Prep)
2020, PG, 5-foot-11, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Cal State Northridge signee is an athletic combo-guard who can score and faciliate equally well. He gets a bit too flashy and turnover prone, but he’s a talent. He can stop on a dime and nail the deep jump shot or break his defender down—utlizing quite a burst—to get to the basket. Changing speeds and becoming more efficient with the ball will help his development.
Connor Gleason (Capistrano Valley)
2020, PG, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gleason is a slick lefty point guard who chock full of savvy and moxie. He has a quick burst off the dribble and his head is always up. He can convert the jump shot and is especially effient with the elbow pull-up, His quarterbacking of his team is tight and efficient and he just has winner written all over him. DIII colleges should take a look at this savvy point guard.