Francisco’s Finest: Maranatha Block Party (Part 1)
Francisco’s Finest: Maranatha Block Party (Part 1)
PASADENA, CA— Devin Ugland, Frank Burlison, and I made our way up to the Maranatha Block Party—and we did not leave disappointed. Mix in the best hospitality room via event director and Head Coach Tim Tucker and some hoops, and you have quite the sweet combination. After stuffing our faces with some Italian cuisine here is my lates edition of Francisco’s Finest.
Christian Johnson (View Park)
2021, 5-foot-11, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Johnson is a physical point guard who pushes the ball well, can get into the lane, and is astute passer. He has the strength to ward off defenders and finish at the rim and he plays both ends of the floor. For his game to go to another level, he needs to improve his pull-up game in the paint area (jump stop/runners/pull-up/etc.)
Jabari Steward (Compton)
2020, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: The length (long arms), feet (nimble), and soft hands are evident. He also shows a smooth touch in the paint—a touch that extends to the elbow. However, his motor fluctuates at both ends and his team needs to improve their efficiency in finding ways to get him the ball.
Barry Wilds (Fairfax)
2022, PG, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: There are not too many quicker and/or faster guards in So-Cal. The fearless sophomore-to-be sprints by defenders and can finish with consistency over length. He shows dexterity around the basket and can knock in the jump shot as well. Defensively, he gets into his defender and slides his feet well.
Jadon Jones (Cantwell Sacred Heart)
2020, WF, 6-foot-4, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy Jones plays with assertiveness and confidence. He pushes the ball well in the open court and attacks the rim with a vengeance. He has the ability to knock in deep jump shots, but his shot selection is questionable at times.
Hercy Miller (Calabasas)
2021, CG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Miller has shown growth since his freshman campaign. He plays at a better pace, changes speeds with the dribble, and he finished well trough contact. His burst off the dribble is solid, has a knack of getting in the lane, and he can deliver the assist or finish. In the half court he can play either guard spot due to his ability to manage the offense.
Chris Koon (Rolling Hills Prep)
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Koon is the glue to Rolling Hills Prep’s success. The burly lefty gets in the lane at will and can finish through contact. He’s a terrific rebounder in and out of his area and he can lead the break as well. Not too mention he can knock in the jump shot off the catch. A winner.
Benny Gealer (Rolling Hills Prep)
2022, PG, 6-0, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the biggest revelations this summer has been the play of incoming freshman Gealer. The Compton Magic product plays with moxie and skill. He’s a true point guard who can snap passes to open shooters or knock in the deep 3-ball. He can run the high screen and roll or slip by his defender with the crossover. One of the more impressive 2022s in So-Cal.
Jahveon Medearis (Cantwell Sacred Heart)
2020, PG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Medearis has excellent size for the position and the quickness and bounce are on display as well. He excels in transition as a floor general and defensively he can lock down his opponent. Going forward he needs to continue to work on changing speeds and smoothing out his jump shot.