San Diego Week 1 – Frosh/Soph standouts
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Angelo Gil Angelo Gil 6'1" | PG Mission Bay | 2023 State CA-S , 6-1 2023 G, Mission Bay Gil could have easily been in the best guard performances, after scoring 32 points in the game against Bonita Vista. The…
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Continue ReadingAngelo Gil Angelo Gil 6'1" | PG Mission Bay | 2023 State CA-S , 6-1 2023 G, Mission Bay
Gil could have easily been in the best guard performances, after scoring 32 points in the game against Bonita Vista. The steely combo guard is tough when he gets to his dominant hand, scoring through contact or finishing with the floater. He has also improved the range on his spot-up shooting, knocking down several catch-and-shoot threes.
Lawrence “Lolo” Rudolph, 6-0 2024 PG, St. Augustine
Of the four freshmen and sophomores to start for St. Augustine in its thrilling 59-58 win over Santa Fe Christian, Rudolph’s presence in the starting lineup was the least surprising. The lightning quick lead guard has a big reputation, and delivered a very solid debut, proving to be disruptive on defense and an excellent facilitator on offense. While not looking for his own shot, Rudolph’s on-ball defense helped spark the Saints fourth-quarter comeback.
Patrick O’Leary, 6-7 2023 PF, St. Augustine
O’Leary’s development and improvement was on display in his first varsity start, as he gave the Saints a solid post presence and was played a big role in the Saints first half dominance of the Eagles on the boards. Notching a near double-double, O’Leary also showed he’s a willing shooter by stepping out and shooting a baseline three. His footwork, length and skill make him a sophomore to watch moving forward.
Kristian Gonzalez, 6-3 2023 G, Mission Bay
Gonzalez, who transferred from Mater Dei Catholic, has been a revelation over the winter and while the game against Bonita Vista wasn’t the best I’ve seen him, he showed facets of the things that make him one of the higher upside prospects in the 2020 class. He’s got good length, improved athleticism and can strike from deep in a hurry. He needs to tighten his handle and become more of a threat off the bounce, but he’s trending in the right direction.
Jaden Matingou Jaden Matingou 6'3" | CG St. Augustine | 2023 State CA-S , 6-2 2023 G, St. Augustine
Matingou hit the game’s biggest shot, a shot from the right baseline to give the Saints a one-point victory. Matingou’s quickness attacking the basket gave Santa Fe’s guards trouble througout the game, as he shot 7 free throws. Defensively, he’s got the length and tenacity to be a very high-level on-ball defender, and he reads the passing lanes well, getting a big steal to tie the game at 55 in the final quarter, setting up the game’s finish.
Ian de la Rosa, 6-2 2024 W, St. Augustine
De la Rosa had a major impact on the game with his energy and motor. He crashed the glass on both ends, and always seemed to have his hand on a missed shot, even if he didn’t collect the rebound. He scored almost all of his points on put-backs, a testament to his productivity on the glass.
Noah Marte, 6-0 2023 G, San Diego
With standout AJ Burgin AJ Burgin 6'3" | CG San Diego | 2021 State CA-S out for the Cavers, Marte has been asked to shoulder more of the scoring load, and has delivered. A prolific shooter with a quick release and deep range, another area where Marte has impacted the game is his rebounding. He has a nose for the ball on the offensive and defensive glass, and scores around the basket over length. Improving his handle, especially with his off hand, is the next step.
David Soto, 6-1 2024 G, Bonita Vista
Soto came off the bench for Bonita Vista and put his IQ and skill level on display immediately. Operating in the mid-post against Mission Bay’s zone, he made several impressive plays that led to scores for himself and his teammates. His passing, pace and feel are reminiscent of 2021 Mater Dei Catholic G Melo Sanchez Melo Sanchez 6'4" | CG Mater Dei Catholic | 2021 State CA-S at the same stage.
Thomas Metcalf, 6-4 2023 F, Mission Bay
Metcalf is a player who doesn’t stray from his comfort zone and plays to his strengths. He competes for rebounds on both ends, and runs the floor and finishes plays in transition. While undersized, his activity level gives Mission Bay at least some resistance in the paint.
Shakur Jackson, 5-10, 2023 G, Hoover
The speedster isn’t the most polished guard of the class, but his energy and defense are infectious. He picks up full-court and hounds guards into turnovers, and on offense he can get into the paint and knock down the floater. He has to continue to improve his shooting from the perimeter to open up more penetration lanes.