Francisco’s Finest: Take Flight (Day 1 Sleepers)
Francisco’s Finest: Take Flight (Day 1 Sleepers) REDONDO BEACH, CA—The Take Flight Challenge is always a must-see event on the West Coast, due to amount of talent that is right before your eyes at one sitting. The first game scouts…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Take Flight (Day 1 Sleepers)
REDONDO BEACH, CA—The Take Flight Challenge is always a must-see event on the West Coast, due to amount of talent that is right before your eyes at one sitting. The first game scouts got to see the intriguing skill set of one of the better unsigned senior “bigs” in 6-foot-10 Christian Oliver (Maranatha). While in the nightcap the Oregon State-bound Isaiah Johnson rattled the rim as he led his team to a hard fought victory over Mayfair, despite an epic 44-point performance by Josh Christopher.
Davon Cobbs (Phoenix/Shadow Mtn.)
2020, SG, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: “High-Flyer” is what first comes to mind when describing Cobbs. Superior quickness and speed allows him to push the break like a runaway freight train. He’ll snap passes to open teammates or finish at the rim. His jump shot needs refining, but he does get good lift. However, utilizing a jump stop when the play isn’t there would help his efficiency.
Thomas Oosterbroek (Brentwood)
2021, PF, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Oosterbroek is a terrific glue-guy at the high school level. He doesn’t have great bounce or quickness, but his savvy for the game is terrific. Soft hands and ball skills are part of the package as well. He can score inside and out due to his skills and fundamentals. As his frame fills out and matures, he will be a prospect to keep an eye on.
Christian Oliver (Maranatha)
2020, C, 6-foot-11, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: Oliver is one of the biggest enigmas on the So-Cal scene. He has a terrific frame with long arms, nimble feet, and his touch is impeccable. He can step-out and nail the 3-pointer, or manuever in the paint for the finish. However, he doesn’t like contact and doesn’t pursue the ball out of his area while rebounding. Will his mindset change?
Damion McDowell (St. Bernard)
2021, PF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
McDowell is a nice glue-type prospect who plays with a hot motorJoel’s Take: The Vikings are blessed with skill and talent, abeit a young team. However, it’s McDowell that does all the dirty work. He sprints in transition, rebounds in and out of his area, and he can defend the 4 and the 3. His ball skills are solid in the open court, but in order for him to play the 3 at the next level, his triple threat game and jump shot need to improve.
Braydon Thomas (Brentwood)
2020, C, 6-foot-10, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Thomas has battled injuries during is high school career, but he appears to be on the mend. His frame is underdeveloped at this stage (late bloomer), but he does have long arms, good hands, and he’s fairly bouncy. Whether it’s an elbow jump shot or a jump hook over his left shoulder, he has a nice touch. If he can stay healthy and add some weight, he’s intriguing for some level of college ball.