Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Day 1 Observations/Part 1)

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #00ff00;font-size: 14pt"><b>Francisco's Finest: The Classic at Damien (Day 1 Observations/Part 1)</b></span></p> <p>LA VERNE, CA—Each and every season The Classic at Damien continues to build it's reputation and as it stands now, it's the “must-see” tournament on the West Coast. With an eighty team field broken up into five divisions, quality and quantity are at your doorstep. With that being said here is the breakdown of our observations throughout the first day at the top two divisions: Platinum and Gold.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;color: #0000ff"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><b>MVP</b></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Isael Silva (Jesuit)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2021, PG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Silva was the maestro on the first day of The Classic at Damien. The combination of his savvy and skill is awe-inspiring. Splitting double teams, knocking in deep jump shots, and euro-stepping through the paint area were just a hint of what he accomplished on the court leading his team over a relentless Roosevelt (Eastvale) squad. Did I mention he dropped some nifty dimes? Well, I just did.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size: 14pt;color: #0000ff"><b>Honorable Mention</b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Kijani Wright (Windward)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2021, PF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds</i></b></span></p> [caption id="attachment_792108" align="alignleft" width="300"] <span style="color: #ff0000"><em><strong>Wright has a strong frame with a soft shooting touch.</strong></em></span>[/caption] <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Wright's game has continued to evolve and his shooting touch from deep is part of the reason. His feathery touch from deep was on display in the first half and it was mixed in with some power moves in the paint. Jump hooks and dunks are part of his arsenal as well. Has some Paul Millsap (Denver Nuggets) in his game.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Julian Strawther (Las Vegas/Liberty)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2020, WF, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Strawther has sculpted his frame and his game has improved exponentially. He still has that impeccable touch from deep and he has a real knack to score from all three levels. Despite not being a high-level athlete, he does have great footwork and his scoring skills and his passing is high-level as well—which bodes well for the Gonzaga system going forward.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Evan Mobley (Rancho Christian)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2020, PF, 6-foot-11, 220 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> The willowy Mobley has his full arsenal of skills on display against Dublin form Northern California. Ball skills in the open court, impeccable passing on the perimeter, and an array of quick-jumping finishes in the paint area. Defensively, he had 3 blocks and he altered other shots as well. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Amari Bailey (Sierra Canyon)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2022, CG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: This high-flying combo-guard had his whole skill set on display in the opener against an out-manned Ribet Academy. The lefty Bailey has range out to the stripe and his acrobatic finishes above the rim are noted. However, the biggest growth has been his efficient pin-point passing, especially on the break.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Kenneth Simpson Jr (Chaminade)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2021, PG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Simpson pretty much did what ever he wanted to against Pasadena. He got to the hole at will with his explosiveness and skill. He is a relentless competitor at both ends and impacts the game in multiple ways—one being rebounding. He can knock in shots from all three levels and the way he works with fellow teammate Keith Higgins Jr. is a sight to see.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>