BYG Hoops OC Showdown: D1 Bound Wings
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Mission Viejo, CA – On an autumn weekend in Southern California, many teams made the trek down to Mission Viejo to play in the BYG Hoops OC Showdown. Players of all calibers displayed their skills on the floor and Prep…
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Continue ReadingMission Viejo, CA – On an autumn weekend in Southern California, many teams made the trek down to Mission Viejo to play in the BYG Hoops OC Showdown. Players of all calibers displayed their skills on the floor and Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the top D1 bound wings to play in the event.
Not only does Hammer have one of the best names of all time, he was one of the best players of the whole event. The 6’7″ wing showcased multiple facets of his all around game first against smaller defenders in St. Joseph Academy and later against length and high level competition in SCA National. In both games Hammer displayed the ability to shoot off the dribble. Against the taller and longer Drew Fielder and Juslin Bodo, he was able to take them off the dribble and finish with a mix of both mid range and long range shots. Against the smaller St. Joseph roster, the former Utah prospect was able to showcase his strength and athleticism combined with his footwork as he constantly went down hill and finished at the rim or stepped back with a turnaround from 10. He is very active, finishes through contact, and loves to get to the rim. Hammer is a 3 level scorer and currently fields offers from SUU and UC Davis.
Highlights
The progression in Kandji has been insane. From when we first saw him til now, the increased ball handling and decision making have gone through the roof. Kandji has added counters to his dribbling arsenal and is doing a great job of finding ways to slither through traffic en route to the rim. Against Orangewood, we saw the alpha dog in him come out as he carried the team in the clutch. He hit a go ahead bucket to put St. Monica up 2 with a min left, then hit the eventual game winner running right handed bank with 2 seconds left to seal the deal. Every week it seems like he improves in another facet in his game. He already has a high motor and is very active in playing the passing lanes and grabbing boards. When he adds a more consistent long ball to his game, we should see his stock soar upward even faster than before.
One of the most athletic slashers in high school basketball. Evans is a powerful downhill wing who loves playing through contact and getting to the rim. He is great at finding ways to the rim and either finishing or getting fouled and getting to the line. Evans also has the potential to put you on a poster every other play. His shooting is progressing as he does a good job of getting to his spots and getting off a midrange jumper. He displayed good hustle as he went for rebounds and we saw a huge volleyball style block off the fastbreak as Evans chased his man down from behind.
A point forward and a fearless competitor. Brandon Benjamin Brandon Benjamin 6’4″ | PF Anaheim Canyon | 2025 State CA-S is a high IQ, versatile offense initiator who loves to get to the rim and isn’t shy of contact. Against West Ranch and the 7 ft. Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7’0″ | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation CA-S , Benjamin repeatedly found ways to get inside the paint and use the rim against his taller defender. He initiates and absorbs contact and is very smart and patient around the rim. Inside the paint he utilized up and under moves, pump fakes, and head fakes to create for himself. Brandon also did a great job of attacking and kicking and finding his open teammates. His toughness and leadership was evident and with another 2 years under his belt we should see a future D1 player.
The 6’7″ wing keeps making strides in his game. Belnap is a good shooter, very accurate especially from the corners. Displays good athleticism, improved ball handling which is helping him get to the rim easier. He loves to get out in transition and dunk the ball. He has a high motor, runs the floor well and hustles. Good wide arrange of skills along with fundamentals and development under Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight make him a certified D1 prospect. Currently holding an offer from UC Santa Barbara.