Pangos Best of SoCal: 2023 Standouts (Pt. 1)
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LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase featured eight games with some of the top SoCal prospects across various graduating classes participating. In this series we’ll take a look at the top performers in each of the…
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Continue ReadingLONG BEACH, Calif. — The Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase featured eight games with some of the top SoCal prospects across various graduating classes participating. In this series we’ll take a look at the top performers in each of the class games and in this piece we’ll break down the current juniors who participated.
Isaiah Chappell Isaiah Chappell 6'9" | PF South Kent | 2023 State #278 Nation CA-S , 2023, Crossroads – Chappell was one of the surprises of the event as we hadn’t seen him much in a live game setting. The 6-foot-8 forward/center is skilled with soft touch around the basket with either hand. In addition to his back to the basket skill-set, Chappell also flashed a smooth shooting stroke out to the three-point line off the catch.
Cyprian Hyde Cyprian Hyde 6'10" | C Vista | 2023 State CA-S , 2023, Vista – Hyde is an intriguing big man prospect from the North County San Diego area. At 6-feet-9, Hyde flashed a variety of low post moves he has in his arsenal, including a right handed baby hook shot that is tough to guard. The junior can also step out and hit face-up shots out to the three-point line. The most impressive improvement Hyde has made to his game is in his conditioning and rim-running. He changes ends of the floor with purpose and is starting to finish around the basket with authority.
AJ Johnson AJ Johnson 6'5" | PG Taft | 2023 #26 Nation CA-S , 2023, Taft – We’ve been watching Johnson rise through the basketball ranks since his days in middle school camps and he seems to continue to add and improve on the layers of his game. The 6-foot-4 guard is a smooth and crafty ball handler whose deep bag of dribble moves allows him to get to his comfort zones offensively. Johnson showed improved consistency to his three-point shot off the dribble and is still a great finisher around the rim.
Christian Jones, 2023, Bishop Montgomery – Jones is still raw as an overall prospect but some of the things he does on the court make him an intriguing prospect. The 6-foot-3 wing has a long, wiry frame with great open court speed and bouncy athleticism. Jones uses those traits when defending multiple positions, rebounding the offensive and defensive glass and finishing around the basket in transition and half-court settings.
Keyon Kensie Keyon Kensie 6'7" | SF Taft | 2023 State CA-S , 2023, Taft – Kensie has always been an intriguing talent due to his combination of size, length and athleticism, and it was nice to see him start to put it all together with efficient production. Kensie is a bouncy left hander with a smooth shooting stroke and ability to take his defender off the dribble and get into the paint where he can finish above the rim.