Ryse Up Fall Classic: Top Standouts Pt. 1
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After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Ryse Up Fall Classic was back this past weekend on Sept. 25 and 26. The event took place at two different locations: St John Bosco High School and St…
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Continue ReadingAfter a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Ryse Up Fall Classic was back this past weekend on Sept. 25 and 26. The event took place at two different locations: St John Bosco High School and St Monica High School. The event featured some of the top HS teams in the SoCal area. I was able to attend both days, and here’s a quick look at some of the top standouts.
1. Deuce Walker – Washington Prep 2022
Walker was one of the top floor leaders I saw. An incoming senior, he’s a little small but he’s tough. He’s a vocal leader, he’s constantly talking to his teammates on the floor. Very good in pick and roll situations using the screen to get a matchup advantage. Good catch and shoot player and can finish strong at the rim. He sneaks in for rebounds. Defensively, he’s strong on ball and he often picks up both fullcourt and at midcourt.
2. Rockwell Reynolds Rockwell Reynolds 6'8" | PF Santa Margarita | 2023 State CA-S – Santa Margarita 2023
Reynolds is a great off ball player. Whether he’s on the break or in halfcourt sets, he consistently does a good job getting himself open. He makes strong cuts to the rim and finishes well on the break. He does a solid job passing out of doubles in the post. When he does have the ball in his hands, he’s decisive and has a solid post game. Does a good job operating the mid-post area and backing down his defender to get closer to the rim.
3. Jaden Hubbard – Fairfax 2024
What stood out to me the most about Hubbard was his off-ball defense. He does a good job sticking with his man and denying ball. Offensively, he’s very comfortable with the ball in his hands and he likes that little elbow jumper. He’s a good shooter off the dribble. Hubbard is a young player but he looked very good with some high upside. He looked solid being able to get his own shot off the dribble.
4. Xavier Edmonds Xavier Edmonds 6'8" | PF Bishop Montgomery | 2023 State #245 Nation CA-S – Bishop Montgomery 2023
Edmonds is a player I’ve watched multiple times now and he’s got the tools to be one of the best big men in SoCal. He can still look a little raw at times but the talent is clearly there. He can operate in the post and has a size advantage over most defenders. Good footwork and a good finisher. There are times he could be a little more patient when making a move in the paint, but that true low post game is a strength. He sprints out on the break. He has tools to be a good shot blocker.