Classic at Damien: Day 1 Surprises
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Classic at Damien: Day 1 Surprises LA VERNE, CA—Despite a surge of Covid over the Southland, the Classic at Damien persevered with some outstanding games and talent galore—especially the underclassmen. There were some senior standouts like Colorado State-bound Jack Payne…
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Continue ReadingClassic at Damien: Day 1 Surprises
LA VERNE, CA—Despite a surge of Covid over the Southland, the Classic at Damien persevered with some outstanding games and talent galore—especially the underclassmen. There were some senior standouts like Colorado State-bound Jack Payne Jack Payne 6'5" | SF Boise | 2022 State ID (Owyhee/ID) and Fresno State-bound Joseph Hunter Joseph Hunter 6'3" | PG San Joaquin Memorial | 2022 #80 Nation CA-S (Damien) as well as some scintillating underclassmen like 2024 Vyctorius Miller (Crean Lutheran) and 2025 Jovani Ruff (LB Poly).
Jeremiah Whitmore Jeremiah Whitmore 6'6" | PF Fountain Valley | 2023 CA-S (Fountain Valley)
2023, WF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Whitmore is a chiseled 4/3 with a solid-looking 3-point stroke. He has the strength to bang inside—did a nice job defending 2023 Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7'0" | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation CA-S in the 2nd half. In addition, he exhibited improved ball skills and his first step and ability to finish through contact were on display.
Isaiah Sherrard (Oak Park)
2023, WF, 6-foot-6, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Sherrard, who is the son of former NFL WR Mike Sherrard, is evolving into quite the college prospect himself. The willowy wing type has a feathery touch that stretches to 20-feet. He needs to get stronger—a bit gawky right now—but that will come in time. One of the better-looking juniors coming up in Southern California and beyond.
Mike Davis Jr (San Joaquin Memorial)
2023, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: The no-nonsense 4-man keeps the game simple. Davis knows how to carve out space, has good hands, and he pursues rebounds in and out of his area. He can finish through contact and exhibits a nice soft touch from the stripe.
Liam Campbell (Owyhee/ID)
2024, SG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Campbell, who was showing off his evolving skills at Harvard-Westlake a season ago, has now taken his game to Idaho. He has a solid frame with good length and impressive ball skills. He can create off the dribble and shows a nice quick release on his jump shot—that extends out to 22-feet.
Andrew Meadow (West Ranch)
2023, PF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Meadow is quite the physical specimen for a junior. He has a college frame right now and isn’t afraid to throw his body around. Mix in the physicality with some good ball skills and a knack to score—and you have yourself quite the player. He is potent off the bounce, can finish through contact, and he has some bounce to.