Best of SoCal League: Cream of the Crop Standouts (Pt 2.)
Our first trip to an individual summer exposure event was a successful one as the Pangos Best of SoCal League culminated with 25 of the top players from league games played in the Cream of the Crop all-star game late…
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Continue ReadingOur first trip to an individual summer exposure event was a successful one as the Pangos Best of SoCal League culminated with 25 of the top players from league games played in the Cream of the Crop all-star game late Monday night. Below we take a closer look at some of the top performers from this game.
Sam Ibeh, 2021, Hawthorne – Ibeh is another sleeper who made some noise with his performance throughout this event. The 6-foot-6 forward is best as a slasher and finisher off the ball or when getting second chance points off of offensive rebounds. Ibeh has a long, wiry frame and quick first and second jumps, traits which allow him to defend multiple positions.
Seven Bahati, 2024, Los Altos – Bahati belongs in the conversation of best freshmen in Southern California after a standout campaign at Los Altos. The 6-foot-5 wing is an electric transition finisher whose combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism makes him a tough cover when he gets a full head of steam. Bahati can get to the rim as he pleases and thrives when absorbing and finishing through contact.
JC Anthony JC Anthony 6'11" | C Paraclete | 2020 State CA-S , 2021, Golden State Prep – True big men like Anthony don’t get a whole lot of shine in showcases like this, but the post-grad seven-footer played with great energy on both ends of the floor. Anthony has good hands and footwork on the low block and finished a number of deep touches with power dunks or baby hook shots. Anthony contested, blocked or changed shots on the defensive end consistently.
Jorge Ochoa Jorge Ochoa 6'8" | PF La Mirada | 2022 CA-S , 2022, Ribet Academy – Ochoa is wired to score and that’s what he did in this Cream of the Crop game. The 6-foot-7 swingman has nice touch from the mid-range level, but also extends that range to the three-point line off the catch. The rising senior isn’t the quickest or most explosive player on the court, but he knows how to get to his spots and pull-up off the dribble.
Nathan Medina, 2022, Valley Christian – Medina is a do-it-all type player who is more substance than flash. The 6-foot-3 guard has a smooth and fluid shooting form with deep and consistent range, but can also put the ball on the deck and create shots for himself or teammates off the dribble. What we like most about Medina is his ability to play both on or off the ball due to his basketball IQ, court vision, and willingness to kick the ball ahead to teammates in transition.