Fairfax Summer Classic: Biggest Sleepers
Fairfax Summer Classic: Biggest Sleepers
LOS ANGELES, CA—It was a bit of a tease, but for a small portion of time there was air conditioning in the Fairfax High School gymnasium. Those of us that have made that trek north to Fairfax, have endured the suffocating sauna-like conditions because the hoops were so worthy of our attention.
Despite some air conditioning malfunctions, the “hoops” action rivaled that of the heat in the gym as Ziaire Williams and Sierra Canyon backed up their reputations as the Best Prospect (Williams) and Best Team (Sierra Canyon) in the event. The first installment of “Francisco’s Finest” will feature those “Biggest Sleepers”.
Francisco’s Finest
Sam Clareman (Brentwood)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Clareman has been on a terror this early summer evaluation period. He has good length, broad shoulders, and a high basketball IQ. He can nail deep 3-point shots off the catch or off the bounce. Continuing to add strength to his frame will help him finish through contact.
Bryce Zephyr (Santa Monica)
2019, PG, 5-foot-10, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: The left-handed point guard has been on the radar since middle school. Since then he has become taller, stronger, and as a result—more consistent. He pushes the ball well in the open court, snaps passes to open shooters, and his finishing int he paint has improved as well.
Andre Henry (St. Francis)
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Heading into his junior campaign, it’s time for Henry to hit his stride as a consistent playmaker. He has the length, budding ball skills, and savvy to be a college player. He plays with a good pace, utilizes the jump stop while finishing in the paint, and can finish with either hand. The skills are on the come and the feel is evident—now it’s time for him to take the reigns.
Christian Koloko (Sierra Canyon)
2019, C, 6-foot-10, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Koloko, how transferred into Sierra Canyon from Birmingham, is a rangy 5-man with excellent length and good feet. He runs well in transition and fits that prototypical rim-running and shot blocking “Big.” His hands are improving, but his offensive fundamentals (brings the ball down) and skill set (jump hook) need work.
JR Olofson (Brentwood)
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: If Olofson can become a more consistent shooter, that would elevate his stock because he does so many other things on the court that translate to winning. High IQ passer, innate rebounder, and leadership describe this ultimate glue-type.