Nike Extravaganza: Sophomores to Watch
SANTA ANA — The 25th edition of the Nike Extravaganza tipped off over the weekend with fourteen games spread across two days and featuring many of Southern California’s top programs along with a couple of strong out-of-state teams. Below are…
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Continue ReadingSANTA ANA — The 25th edition of the Nike Extravaganza tipped off over the weekend with fourteen games spread across two days and featuring many of Southern California’s top programs along with a couple of strong out-of-state teams. Below are the junior class prospects to watch from the event.
Christian Watson, Long Beach Poly
The younger brother of the highly-regarded junior Peyton Watson continues to make a name for himself this season. The 6-foot-1 point guard has seen his frame continue to grow and stretch out and has also made big strides in his game. Watson finished with eight points and seven rebounds in the Jackrabbits’ loss to De La Salle with a couple of dazzling finishes around the basket. The next step for the intriguing class of 2022 prospect is to tighten up his shooting mechanics and become a more consistent threat from deep.
De La Salle wing Jeremiah Dargan impacts every aspect of the game with his versatile skill set.Jeremiah Dargan, De La Salle
Dargan was one of the more impressive all-around performers on the day, scoring 12 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists in just over 21 minutes of action. The 6-foot-4 wing has a strong frame and uses that to his advantage when absorbing and finishing through contact in the paint. Dargan also has the ball skills, vision and IQ to serve a point forward role and initiate offense.
Marqui Worthy, Sonora
Worthy is another guy who has an impact in just about every stat category. The 6-foot-3 wing is strong and physical with his 190-pound frame, allowing him to power through contact offensively, but also defend multiple positions and rebound the defensive glass. Worthy finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the Raiders’ four-point loss to Los Alamitos.
Noah Clifford, De La Salle
Clifford looks like a guy who might play offensive tackle or guard for the Spartans’ football team because of his 6-foot-6, 240-pound frame, but that’s not the case. The power forward has an intriguing skill set for his size, complete with ball skills, ability to rebound and push the break, low post scoring moves and touch out to the perimeter. Clifford scored seven points, pulled down 10 boards and blocked two shots.
Payden White, Corona Centennial
White is a dig beyond the box score type of player because a lot of what he brings to the floor is of the “intangible” category. The 6-foot-4 wing guards multiple positions with success, makes the extra pass in the half-court setting, can hit the open catch-and-shoot triple and his high basketball IQ steadies Centennial’s pace when needed.