Francisco’s Finest: Maranatha Block Party (Part 2)
Francisco’s Finest: Maranatha Block Party (Part 2)
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.
Gordon Boykins (Long Beach/St. Anthony)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Boykins is reminiscent of former Etiwanda standout Elijah Harkless. The chiseled lefty creates plays both in transition as well as off the dribble. He has the strength to finish through contact and his vision is impressive. His jump shot needs polishing, but he’s intriguing.
Austin Cook (Damien)
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cook was primarily a go-to shooter last season for the Spartans. However, this season he has added to his game. The well-built wing is still knocking in jump shots, but now he is attacking the rim and his passing demonstrates his feel for the game
Andre Henry (St. Francis)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Henry will not wow you with explosiveness or flash, but most importantly he is evolving into a complete basketball player. He shows good speed and quickness and he can score at the rim or knock in the jump shot. He anticipates well in the passing lanes and is an astute passer.
Jason Gallett (St. Francis)
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gallet, who is a transfer from Chaminade, is intriguing guard for the next level. The well-rounded shooting guard and stroke it from deep, but it’s his impact in the areas of rebounding, passing, and making the right basketball play that caught our eye.
Ryan Grande (La Canada)
2021, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ryan is the son of former Glendale and USC standout Rich Grande. The crafty point guard can play off the ball as well due to his shooting touch. In addition, he utilizes the up-fake and hesitation dribble to get by defenders so he can unleash his tight floater game.
Zach Feehan (La Canada)
2019, PF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Feehan needs work in the skill department, but he plays hard at both ends of the floor impact such areas as rebounding. He runs hard, has long arms, and he can finish on the break with a bang out. On the block he can turn over his left shoulder to convert baskets off of drop-off passes, but overall he is a high motor 4-man who affects the game with energy plays.
Jarrod Hyder (Damien)
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hyder, who recently transferred from Cajon, has been a stalwart for Damien early on during the summer. He has ideal size for the point guard position, although he is more shooter than facilitator at this stage. His pull-up jump shot is a thing of beauty and he zips passes to open teammates in transition