Francisco Awards: Post Masters (Class of 2020)
Francisco Awards: Post Masters (Class of 2020) LONG BEACH, CA—What do you do when you’re taken out of the classroom and in the midst of a virus quarantine? You bust out “the best of the best” from the 2019-20 high…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Awards: Post Masters (Class of 2020)
LONG BEACH, CA—What do you do when you’re taken out of the classroom and in the midst of a virus quarantine? You bust out “the best of the best” from the 2019-20 high school basketball season—So Cal Style. Beginning with the immensely talented Sierra Canyon squad, who exhibited the type of fanfare demonstrated by the Lonzo Ball-led Chino Hills squad of years past. Brandon Boston Jr was the MVP for the Trailblazers, but surprisingly the Kentucky signee was not the best player on his team as that label belonged to the multi-skilled Ziaire Williams.
USC-bound Evan Mobley is still considered the “best prospect”, but he needs to assert himself more going forward to reach his vast potential. Josh Christopher (Mayfair) put up huge numbers and Utah-bound Ian Martinez rattled many rims with his bounce, but also showed off a much-improved jump shot. In the following blogs, we will break down the season and also project what the Class of 2020 has to offer going forward as they put their finger prints on the college basketball scene. However, that is only going to happen if this Corona Virus disappears into the thin air.
Post Masters
Mason Hooks (Harvard Westlake)
C, 6-foot-9, 255 pounds
Hooks can score over either shoulder and is a load in the middle to deal with.Joel’s Take: The most skilled and fundamentally sound big man in So-Cal was definitely this guy. The burly 5-man brought back “old school” post moves like the mini hook shot and he can deliver it with either hand. Elbow jump shots were part of the package at times, but it was his relentless work on the block as a finisher and rebounder that caught our eye.
Isaiah Holm (St. John Bosco)
C, 6-foot-9, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest surprise this season—when discussing the bigs that is— was the emergeance of Holm. He stepped up big time for Head Coach Matt Dunn as St. John Bosco qualified for the Open Division. Magnetic hands, toughness, and a feathery touch are part of the package—not too mention the fundamentals.
JT Tan (Rolling Hills Prep)
PF, 6-foot-6, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: Watching Tan manuever on the block is a thing of beauty. Drop steps and up-and-unders are common place with him. He has soft hands and nimble feet, but at this stage he is a rim-level finisher. With is IQ, savvy, and post skill set he should be a solid college player. Not too mention he brings a blue-collar mentality to every contest.
Brayden Thomas (Brentwood)
C, 6-foot-10, 210 pounds
Thomas is one of the rare two-sport athletes that excels in basketball and baseballJoel’s Take: Thomas has had to persevere through some injuries during his high school career, but hopefully that is all behind him as he demonstrated why he is one of the most improved players in So-Cal. The long and rangy 5-man has soft hands, good feet, and a nice touch inside and out. While operating of the block he showed a nifty jump hook and his assertiveness improved as well.