Battlezone LA: 2023 sleepers, Part 1
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We discussed the 2023 standouts at the Battlezone Tournament. Now, let’s talk about some rising juniors who are on their way to seeing their recruitment take off at their respective levels. Part 1 of my sleepers report. Battlezone LA: 2023…
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Continue ReadingWe discussed the 2023 standouts at the Battlezone Tournament. Now, let’s talk about some rising juniors who are on their way to seeing their recruitment take off at their respective levels. Part 1 of my sleepers report.
Battlezone LA: 2023 sleepers, Part 1
Christian Brown Christian Brown 6'5" | SF La Costa Canyon | 2023 State CA-S , 6-5 2023 WF, La Costa Canyon/ California Select 16u Gold
Brown had stretches where he was the best player on the floor in several games, including a very strong stretch against the Arizona Firestorm. He can beat you from inside (excellent footwork and touch around the basket) and outside (solid corner three shooter who can attack closeouts). And despite giving up several inches in the paint, Brown is a very good rebounder on both ends. The beauty of his game is its efficiency.
Elijah Newsome, 6-0 2023 G, Otay Ranch/ San Diego All-Stars 16u
The stocky scoring guard is a volume scorer who can heat up in a hurry from deep. His range extends well beyond the NBA three, and he shoots it better with a live dribble than off the catch. Newsome also has the strength to absorb contact and score in traffic, especially going to his right.
Ivan Soto, 6-1 2023 G, El Camino Fundamental/ The Magic Sacramento 16u
The long, lanky Soto was one of the craftiest scorers in the building, filling it up from all three levels all weekend. He is a very high level shooter from three and off the bounce from midrange, but what makes him stand out is his unselfishness. He always looks to advance the ball with the pass, and is a creative passer in traffic.
Jeremy Love, 6-0 2023 G, Santa Fe Christian/ Gamepoint 16u Elite
Love continues to make strides offensively to match his very good on-ball defense. He can get into the lane and finish through traffic, and while his perimeter shooting is still very much a work in-progress, he didn’t hesitate to take open shots, an improvement from previous viewings.
Caedin Hamilton, 6-7 2023 F/C, St. Joseph/ BTI 16u Select
Hamilton is a beast in the paint who has solid footwork and finishes everything around the basket. He uses his big frame to carve out space and holds his post position, and when he gets the ball, he is very good at passing out of the post. Despite his burly frame, Hamilton showed he can finish above the rim with authority.
Ty Hendler Ty Hendler 6'3" | CG La Costa Canyon | 2023 State CA-S , 6-3 2023 G, La Costa Canyon/ California Select 16u Gold
Hendler continues to make steady strides after missing time last season with a foot injury. In the games I watched, he showed off a silky smooth shot off the wing and a nice one-to-two-dribble pull-up. While he’s not a burner, Hendler plays with solid pace and changes speeds well to get past defenders.
Alex Jenkins, 6-4 2023 W, Steele Canyon/ Team Keenan Allen 16u
Jenkins was one of the lone bright spots on the newly formed TKA 16u team. He is a long, lanky lefty who can slash to the basket and showed he could finish through contact, despite his willowy frame.Jenkins has a nice dose of athleticism as well. He’s raw, but he’s got a ton of upside.