USD Team Camp – Biggest surprises
It wasn’t the prettiest weekend in San Diego, with “June Gloom” dominating the weather. But it didn’t dampen the energy at the University of San Diego campus, where teams from across the West Coast – and one from Australia – converged for the Toreros Team Camp.
Coach Sam Scholl and crew were on hand evaluating some of their top recruiting targets in the 2019 and 2020 classes, while also stealing a glimpse of the future crop of players in 2021, 2022 and beyond.
As far as teams go, no team sent a stronger message than Torrey Pines, which defeated a strong Lewis Palmer team from Colorado, Palmdale Highland, La Jolla Country Day, Rancho Cucamonga and Foothills Christian en route to a 7-1 weekend.
USD Team Camp – Biggest surprises
Kevyn Scott Jr., 6-4 2019 W, The Basketball Factory
Playing with his club team this weekend, the Compton Centennial wing scored at will from all three levels. He has a solid build and length and moves well without the ball. Once he catches on the wing (always in triple threat), he uses his quick first step to attack the defense and set up his pull-up jumper or continue to the basket and finish through contact. His shooting from three can be streaky, but his mechanics are sound. Attacking and finishing more consistency with his off hand will only expand his offensive repertoire, but Scott is a definite “sleeper” 2019 prospect in So-Cal.
Elija Mays, 6-0 2020 PG, Temecula Chaparral
The wiry scoring point guard was one of the revelations this weekend, scoring seemingly at will for the Pumas. He has a quick first step and can score in the paint, and shoots it with deep range. His decision making with the pass is streaky at times, though he delivered several highlight assists over the weekend. Mays and Chaparral served notice this weekend they can move from the Southwestern League cellar, and he will be the catalyst.
Justin Hill, 6-3 2019 SG, Palmdale Highland
You couldn’t find three better shooters in the gym on opening day than Hill, who was automatic off the catch. Hill has a nice frame with sneaky length, and does a good job moving without the ball to different spots on the perimeter. When he catches, he is always in triple threat with his shoulders square to the basket, and his release is crisp and quick. Hill scored it a few times off the bounce (right hand dominant) but adding more assertiveness off the dribble will only make him a more potent scoring threat.
Philix Kilbourne, 6-0 2020 PG, San Ysidro
Foot injuries limited Kilbourne’s effectiveness during his sophomore year, but he appears to be back to form this summer. Kilbourne is a savvy lefty point guard who can create for his teammates once he gets into the paint. He can score it off the dribble, too, and is finishing better with his right hand. Defensively, he plays with a ton of effort and can get into the passing lanes and trigger San Ysidro’s potent fast break.
Cade Raley, 6-2 2020 G, Foothills Christian
An afterthought at times at West Hills, Raley is playing with newfound confidence for his new team. Raley has a smooth shot off the catch, but what surprised me was his craftiness off the dribble, where he showed flashes of playmaking and scoring ability. He can be a step slow defensively (needs to sit in a stance), but if Raley continues to be assertive he has a chance to be a sleeper in San Diego’s 2020 class.