Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Surprises)
Francisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Surprises) 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…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: The Classic at Damien (Surprises)
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 top two divisions: Platinum and Gold.
Sean Newman Jr. (Culver City)
2020, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Neuman is one of the better kept secrets in So-Cal.Joel’s Take: The willowy Newman just became eligible after transferring from Santa Monica and his presence was felt immediately. He is a smooth scorer who can covert buckets from all three levels. While attacking he shows a solid burst and once he gets in the paint area he has an uncanny ability to hang in the air for the finish. He does have a slight frame, but after some weight training and overall physical development, he is a potential D1 player.
Godfrey Little (Eastvale/Roosevelt)
2021, CG, 5-foot-10, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Little is a combo-guard with a ton of moxie. He can score from all three levels and he gets great lift on his shot. His burst off the dribble is quick and he can elevate in the paint for the finish. Defensively, he has the lateral quickness and active hands to cause havoc on the defensive end. He’s an undersized combo-guard at this stage, but when you can score like him, coaches are going to take notice.
Jayden Teat (Carmichael/Jesuit)
2023, CG, 6-foot, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Teat is the beneficiary of Isael Silva’s impeccable passing prowess. Despite his youth, Teat moves very well without the ball. He has a quick release on his shot and he gets excellent lift on it. He has a frame that should fill out well and it will be interesting to see how he develops in the coming seasons.
Sage Tolentino (Honolulu/Maryknoll)
2022, C, 6-foot-11, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Tolentiono is a sinewy 5-man with very long arms, good hands, and a bevy of agility. He lacks strength at this stage—and rightfully so—but he is skilled. He can step out and hit the 3-point shot, turnover his left shoulder for the conversion, and he’s fairly bouncy. Overall, when you have a young “big” who runs well, has nimble feet, and skill—he’s a no-brainer prospect.
Kollen Murphy (Colony)
2023, CG, 6-foot1, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Colony has an excellent freshman class led by Kylan Boswell. However, they have two other frosh worth noting: 6-foot-6 Denzel Hines and Murphy. Murphy is a long-armed lefty who has the potential to be solid prospect going forward. He can knock down the 3-point shot (low release, but quick) and he is very quick. His burst of the dribble is high-level and he cand drop in a floater as well. In transition, he gets down hill fast and he’ll advance the ball as well.