Battle of the West Coast – Event standouts
SAN DIEGO – Municipal Gym, a venue rich in hoops history, played host to the first annual Battle of the West Coast. The event, hosted by Indihoops, included a number of local programs, but a handful of top regional clubs, including Gamepoint, Team Eleate and Coastal Elite.
The event’s marquee matchup, Team Eleate 17u versus Gamepoint 17u Elite, turned into a doubleheader, with the teams squaring off Saturday and Sunday. Team Eleate scored two overtime victories against the shorthanded Gamepoint squad, with Cajon G Jarred Hyder dominating both games.
Event standouts
Hyder is one of the better sleeper types in the Class of 2019Jarred Hyder, 6-2 2019 G, Cajon/ Team Eleate
The smooth shooting combo guard scored at will all weekend off the catch and off the dribble. He gets excellent lift on his pull-up and spot-up jumpers, and his release mechanics are picturesque. Hyder was also able to score off the dribble, including several crafty drives in Sunday’s matchup against Gamepoint. Hyder handles the ball a lot for his club team, and shows potential at the point guard position at the next level. He will need to continue improving his court vision in the half court to make that leap from undersized shooting guard to point guard. As it stands, Hyder is poised for a big spring and should be well on West Coast mid major radars.
Frank Staine, 6-5 2019 W, St. Anthony’s/ Gamepoint OC
Staine’s frame immediately catches your attention. He has a prototypical build and length for a wing, and a budding perimeter skill set. Staine finished well through contact and his pull-up jump shot is a potent weapon. Defensively, he can guard 1-5 at the high school level, and has the makings of a lock-down perimeter defender at the next level. He looks to attack off the dribble, but sometimes has a penchant for over dribbling in traffic, which can lead to turnovers. As he continues to expand his range and improve his handle, Staine has a chance to be a solid D1 recruit.
Shamar Wright, 6-7 2019 W, Murrieta Mesa/ Team Eleate
Wright, a wiry slashing forward, impacts the game with his motor and his nose for the basket. The lefty scores it well off the bounce, and has expanded his range to the college three, which he can knock down off the catch. His length and great lateral quickness make him a very versatile defender, capable of guarding post and perimeter players. He needs to develop his off hand, as he struggles to finish and attack with his right hand. Both he and his brother, who are reclassifying to the Class of 2019, have tremendous upside.
Bryce Pope, 6-3 2019 G, Torrey Pines/ Gamepoint Elite
Coming into this season, Pope had a reputation of being a great spot-up shooter, but he has worked hard to expand his offensive arsenal. The improved repertoire was on display throughout the weekend, as Pope on straight line drives, pull-up jump shots from midrange, and threes off the catch. Pope has a strong upper body, which allows him to absorb contact at the rim and finish consistently. Defensively, he has much improved foot speed and lateral quickness, and his IQ allows him to be a great help side defender. Ivy League and similar profile conferences would be wise to start recruiting.
Ryan Langborg, 6-4 2019 G, La Jolla Country Day/ Gamepoint Elite
Langborg showed off his three-level scoring ability throughout the weekend, scoring off the dribble and off the catch, and even threw down a dunk in the halfcourt versus Team Eleate. While his three-point shot was streaky this weekend, we’ve seen enough of him over the years to know this is more of an anomaly than a trend. Langborg has also improved defensively, giving maximum effort in his matchup with Jarred Hyder, fighting through ball screens and sitting down in a stance and providing more than token resistance.