Classic at Damien: Senior Standouts
In this article:
Classic at Damien: Senior Standouts 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 (Owyhee/ID)…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingClassic at Damien: Senior Standouts
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 (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).
Donovan Dent Donovan Dent 6'1" | PG Corona Centennial | 2022 State CA-S (Corona Centennial)
2022, PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dent is not only one of the best point guards in the West, he is also one of the most improved. New Mexico got a stud game manager who can also create his own offense. His handle is tight, he changes pace really well, and he can get into the teeth of the defense to either finish in the lane or drop off a nifty assist. Overall, he just has winner written all over him.
RJ Smith RJ Smith 6'4" | CG Damien | 2022 State CA-S (Damien)
2022, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Colorado signee continues to improve each and every season. Early on in his career he showed his savvy around the basket with his instincts and nose for the ball. Now he has taken his game to the perimeter where he has become a reliable shooter. He’ll need to come down pin-downs and move well without the ball because he doesn’t show a great burst to beat opponents off the dribble.
Chance Stephens Chance Stephens 6'2" | SG Riverside Poly | 2022 State CA-S (Riverside Poly)
2022, SG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: There were some excellent shooters in this event and Stephens was one of the best. He is deadly in a catch-and-shoot situation and he gets his shot off quick. His release is tight and smooth and he has range out to 23-feet. Due to his shooting prowess it opens up his ability to get to the basket. He can finish with either hand and he can finish through contact.
Quinton Webb Quinton Webb 6'7" | PF Etiwanda | 2022 State CA-S (Etiwanda)
2022, PF, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: New Mexico picked up a nice future one-two punch in Webb and Donovon Dent. Webb is reminiscent of those forwards that New Mexico State had in the late eighties and early nineties. He is a versatile 4-man with a smooth shooting touch, can face-up skills, and he loves hovering around the rim for some rim-rattling finishes.