Magic Memorial Day Festival: (2018/19 Standouts-Part 1)
Magic Memorial Day Festival: (2018/19 Standouts-Part 1)
ORANGE, CA—The Magic Memorial Day Festival, hosted by Compton Magic, was the place to be in Southern California as there was a bevy of quality teams and players—most of which were from the So-Cal region. However, there were a few quality programs out of the region—most notably Nor Cal based Team Lillard as well as the Las Vegas Knicks.
After four grueling days Compton Magic (17u), Dream Vision (16u), and Team Lillard (15u) took home the hardware in their respective divisions.
Francisco’s Finest
Isaiah Mobley (Rancho Christian) Club: Compton Magic Elite
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: Mobley set the tone early and often this weekend due to his skill and mindset. He has a knack of scoring in the paint exhibiting up and under moves and the ability to convert buckets out to 20-feet. He has face-up skills and can deliver the nifty dime as well, but it was his aggressive nature at both ends of the floor that was the difference.
Brian Washington (Las Vegas/Cimarron-Memorial) Club: Dream Vision 17U
2018, C, 6-foot-8, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: This broad-shouldered 5-man was a menace in the paint area. His nose for the ball on the offensive glass was impressive and he converted a number of plays in the paint on pure grit and instincts. He needs to improve his footwork (travels a bit much in traffic) and hands, but overall he is productive.
Jarod Lucas (Los Altos) Club: Compton Magic Elite
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Lucas’ shot was streaky this weekend, but his mechanics were solid and he was always on balance. He is a scorer first and foremost, but he can run the offense and his moxie is 2nd to none at both ends of the floor. Defensively, he picks up full court and has improved his lateral quickness. Continuing to improve his burst and finishing ability in the paint will be key in his development.
Jake Kyman (Santa Margarita) Club: Dream Vision 17U
2019, WF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Kyman demonstrated on why playing on balance and allowing the game to come to you is so important. On Friday, he didn’t get many opportunities due to poor decision making by his teammates. As a result he forced the issue and was inefficient. The next day was a different story as he nailed a number of deep jump shots (his forte) and delivered some timely assists.
Jonathan Salazar (St. John Bosco) Club: Dream Vision 17U
2019, PF, 6-foot-6, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Salazar’s No. 1 skill is playing hard. Offensively, he is relentless attacking defenders in transition and he snatches rebounds at a consistent rate despite his size. He finishes through contact, can knock in the 19-foot jump shot and he’s a physical specimen. Playing with more poise and savvy will be the next steps.