Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Standouts/Part 2)
Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Standouts/Part 2) 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…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Standouts/Part 2)
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 final day at the Platinum Division.
Jaylen Clark (Etiwanda)
2020, WF, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Clark made his much anticipated debut and after a slow start getting acclimated, he made his presence felt in the 2nd half. He is a multi-skilled wing who can score inside-and-out. His jump shot needs consistency, but he he is quite effective off the bounce attacking the rim. What I liked most was his willingness to rebound and finish through contact that sparked his team’s comeback against St. John Bosco.
Kijani Wright (Windward)
2021, PF, 6-foot-8, 225 pounds
Wright has a strong frame with a soft shooting touch.Joel’s Take: One of the most improved “bigs” in the country is Wright. He showed glimpes of that improvement in the summer and fall, but it was at this tournament that he showcased his full skill set. His feathery touch is noted as he hit some daggers from deep. In the paint he has the ability to score over both shoulders and his shoulder-width and overall strong core was exhibited with his countless finishes.
Dominick Harris (Rancho Christian)
2020, CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Scouts, including myself, get perplexed by Harris’ shot hungry decision making. However, there are not too many guards in this So-Cal class that can score like Harris. He can hit the 3-point shot with regularity and due to his size and scoring prowess, he can get into the lane and finish with the best of them. I don’t like him at the one, but he is definitely a player.
Ziaire Williams (Sierra Canyon)
2020, WF, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Evan Mobley is the best prospect in the country, but it could be argued that Williams is a better player right now. You ask why? Williams is a better scorer. His jump shot is smooth from deep and he attacks as well as anybody in the class off the dribble—not too mention he had some of the best passes in the entire tournament.
Brandon Boston Jr. (Sierra Canyon)
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 175 pounds
Brandon Boston Jr. has a solid all around game.Joel’s Take: As the tournament evolved, Boston grew on me as a player. His erratic play early on was worrisome, but as the tournament progressed, Boston made play after play. Defensively, he is a ball hawk with his length and active hands. Offensively, he is a terror in the open court with is explosion and he can finish with either hand. His jump shot comes and goes, but it’s good enough to respect it.