Wake Them Up: Under the Radar (Unsigned Seniors)
Los Angeles, CA – As we embark into the new year, several new faces and new names are finding themselves on rankings and radars. Several tournaments in the last few weeks such as The Classic at Damien and the Tarkanian…
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Continue ReadingLos Angeles, CA – As we embark into the new year, several new faces and new names are finding themselves on rankings and radars. Several tournaments in the last few weeks such as The Classic at Damien and the Tarkanian Classic among others, gave plenty of prospects a chance to showcase their talents. Here are some unsigned seniors who are making a name for themselves.
AJ Echols (Arcadia HS, Guard, 2020) The slashing guard is quietly rising up the rankings. Echols is the Arcadia Apache’s team captain and leading scorer. The guard makes a living slashing and finishing at the rim. Echols is a slasher who knows how to get by his man and initiate contact and makes a living at the FT line. At the Tarkanian Classic in Vegas, he also showed that he can contribute in other ways with performances where he posted 6 assists and 6 rebounds to compliment his double digit scoring. He also has the ability to shoot off dribble and create for himself. When he’s hot, he can fill up the stat sheet in a hurry. Echols currently has interest from Antelope Valley, and Holy Names, and should garner more interest as the season goes on.
Jake Hlywiak (Valencia, Guard, 2020) Hlywiak is a senior who can scorch the nets. The 6’3″ guard is easily one of the best shooters in SoCal. He’s averaging 24 PPG and shooting 47% from 3 this season. At The Classic at Damien, Hlywiak went bonkers and put up 28 PPG against Leuzinger, Heritage Christian, Colony, and Rolling Hills Prep. The long range assassin also contributes to his team in many other ways including grabbing rebounds and making extra passes. Hlywiak’s all around game is integral to Valencia’s 8-4 start. Jake is one of the top unsigned seniors in SoCal.
Amound Anderson (Leuzinger, Guard, 2020) To say Anderson is under recruited would be an understatement. The 6’3″ guard is one of the top scorers in Southern California and has received zero offers. Coming off a performance where he scored 50 points against King Drew last week, Anderson continued his hot streak averaged 29.8 PPG at The Classic at Damien, and was an All Tournament selection. Amound is simply a microwave, he can score in multiple ways and has potential to get hot fast. He also keeps defenders honest, and teams cannot sag off of him. Colleges who are looking for a player who can score and initiate the offense need to immediately take a look at Anderson.
Jayce Catchings (Rancho Christian, Wing, 2020) Catchings is the epitome of a team guy. In St. Louis, he was one of the top scorers in his league and now hes sacrificed his scoring to help his team win. In a win where the Rancho Christian Eagles took down previously undefeated Sierra Canyon, Catchings played an integral role doing all the dirty work. Whether it was guarding Ziaire Williams and BJ Boston, or hustling for rebounds, or making extra passes, Catchings did it all. He brings grit and hustle, and has a team first attitude which will be sought after at the next level. Catchings also has athleticism and loves slashing to the rim. Catchings is one of the most underrated unsigned seniors in the area.
Austin Cook (Damien, Wing, 2020) At The Classic at Damien, in front of his home gym, Cook put on a long range archery display. Cook is known as a lethal shooter and a scorer. With big games against the other Damien from Hawaii, and Rancho Christian, Cook was able to showcase his high IQ and passing to compliment his offensive skills. He stands in at 6’4″ and although not the tallest, he also shows that he isn’t afraid to go into the paint and fight for rebounds. Schools who need a shooter with good intangibles and work ethic need to take a look at Cook.