Battlezone Showcase: 2023 Standouts (Pt. 1)
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CORONA — The annual Battlezone event hosted by Corona Centennial changed its format from tournament style to showcase style, but still featured high level match-ups and individual talent as we’ve come to expect from Coach Josh Giles and his Huskies’…
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Continue ReadingCORONA — The annual Battlezone event hosted by Corona Centennial changed its format from tournament style to showcase style, but still featured high level match-ups and individual talent as we’ve come to expect from Coach Josh Giles and his Huskies’ staff. In this piece we take our first look at the standout performers from the 2023 class.
Aaron McBride Aaron McBride 6'7" | PF Corona Centennial | 2023 State CA-S , Corona Centennial – McBride isn’t the flashiest of players on the court, but his energy, effort and production are traits of his game that cannot be overlooked. The 6-foot-6 forward finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Huskies win over Notre Dame and his defensive versatility was impactful throughout that game. McBride can guard nearly every position on the floor thanks to his combination of size, strength, lateral speed and length. The junior can switch ball screens and contain a guard or hard hedge and recover. McBride is a great transition rim-runner and finisher and is always lurking on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities.
Angelo Gil Angelo Gil 6'1" | PG Mission Bay | 2023 State CA-S , Mission Bay – Gil is the engine that runs the Buccaneers at the point guard position. The junior point guard does a nice job of pushing the pace in transition and making good decisions with the ball in the open court. Gil has great speed on the break, but remains under control with his head on a swivel looking for an open teammate or open driving lane he can shoot for a strong take to the basket. Gil has upped his consistency as a three-point shooter through his first couple of seasons under coach Marshawn Cherry at Mission Bay.
Denzel Hines Denzel Hines 6'5" | PF Colony | 2023 State CA , Colony – We really like the strides that Hines has made on the offensive end. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward has advanced from an interior bruiser to a guy who can step out to 15 feet and hit a face-up shot or face, rip, and drive left or right to the paint for a power finish. Hines is still a big time rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass and his added offensive skill has made him an even bigger piece of a good Titans’ team. Hines scored 14 points in Colony’s win over Mission Bay.
Devin Williams Devin Williams 6'10" | PF Corona Centennial | 2023 State #86 Nation CA-S , Corona Centennial – Williams is one of those prospects who is just scratching the surface of how good he could be. The 6-foot-9 forward is most well-known for his offensive fluidity at his size and ability to stretch the floor consistently to the three-point line, but he doesn’t get enough credit for how he impacts the defensive end. Williams, despite being relatively slight of frame, has great instincts and timing as a shot blocker and rim protector, and, with the way Centennial defends, his ability to alter shots at the rim is of the utmost importance. Williams finished with 14 points and a handful of rejections in the win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
Dusty Stromer Dusty Stromer 6'5" | SG Notre Dame | 2023 State #47 Nation CA-S , Sherman Oaks Notre Dame – Stromer got off to a slow start in the loss to Centennial, but picked things up in the second half and showed why he’s being recruited at such a high level. The 6-foot-6 combo guard has the ball skills and basketball IQ to run the point guard spot and possesses the shooting ability and athleticism to play the two-guard position. Stromer is a long, rangy athlete who surprises defenders with the pop in his legs and his creativity off the dribble.