WCE Spring Classic: Saturday Recap
It has been a momentous weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada for several teams and elite players competing, trying to garner attention from college coaches and media gathered at seven different high school gyms in the West Coast Elite’s Spring Classic. Prep…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt has been a momentous weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada for several teams and elite players competing, trying to garner attention from college coaches and media gathered at seven different high school gyms in the West Coast Elite’s Spring Classic. Prep Hoops Arizona affiliate Matt Harris was on hand to take in some of the action on Friday and Saturday. Here’s his take:
Top Performer
Saben Lee 6’2 G 2017 Corona Del Sol (Powerhouse Black) – The quick and talented guard continues to improve his overall game and everyone seems to be noticing. Saben, mostly playing the PG position this weekend plays with confidence and poise. He attacked the basket scoring relentlessly in transition and in the half-court including a several highlight reel dunks and “and-one” finishes with contact. Scoring is only one of Lee’s attributes as he is physical and tough defensively, a willing passer and playmaker and a solid rebounder for his position. Making the most of his spring, Saben is becoming a high major prospect.
Stock Risers
Noah Baumann 6’5 G 2017 Desert Vista HS (Powerhouse Black) – The versatile guard continues to improve showcasing his ability to be a knock-down 3pt shooter while also demonstrating ability to drive and finish strongly with either hand. Noah is also a very capable ball-handler at 6’5 with versatility to run some point. Noah could land anywhere from low major to D2/NAIA D1.
Tyson Berringer 6’8 F 2017 Poston Butte (AZ Power Select) – Long and active on both sides of the floor, Tyson showed great improvement in his ability to score with his back to the basket, and showed jumping ability with a nice alley-oop dunk finish versus Elite 24 Black. Berringer runs the floor well and also is a good rim protector and solid rebounder. Currently a D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
Trey Checkett 6’5 G 2017 Chaparral HS (AZ Power North Platinum) – A very good perimeter shooter with a quick and high release point. Trey was lights out in a semifinal game verses Fastbreak Unsigned Seniors. In addition to long range touch, Trey aggressively attacked the basket in transition and in the halfcourt.
Matt Kempton 6’6 F 2017 Brophy Prep (AZ Power Elite) – Tough, physical player with ability to play wing or forward positions. Matt is beginning to show more confidence with offensive skill set. He’s a capable ball-handler, finishes well, and ability to hit open perimeter shots. His greatest attribute is a good motor and toughness. He also rebounds well on both ends of the floor. Low major to D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
Jake Lieppert 6’3 G 2017 Saguaro High School (HSI) – Tough and talented combo guard. A good ball-handler and decision maker who also is a good 3pt shooter. Jakes showed ability and strength to attack the basket and finish with either hand vs. contact. Currently a D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
DeShawn Wilson 6’6 F 2017 Saint Mary’s (Powerhouse Black) – Tough, Physical player with ability to score inside and hit a midrange jumper. Deshawn was most impressive defensively especially his performance limiting Earl Watson Elite Silver team’s bigs from getting comfortable in the paint. Deshawn is a strong rebounder and he plays with intensity and toughness on both sides of the floor. Currently a low major to D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
New Names
Demond Hart 6’7 F 2017 Cesar Chavez (AZ Power Select) – Only playing in his third season of organized basketball. He has improved tremendously and showed ability to finish with a dunk and block shots on the defensive end. Good rim protector and rebounder.
Shaun Walhstrom 6’6 F 2019 Verrado HS (Alvin Gentry Elite 16U) – A long, and mobile young player that is active on the glass and showed shot-blocking ability. Hardworking and coachable young player.
Other Notable Performers
2016
Tarik Cool 6’1 G Desert Vista (AZ Power Elite) – A good weekend for Tarik as he shot the ball well from the perimeter and showed ability to finish at the rim in transition. Played with good intensity on the defensive end with good closeouts bothering perimeter shooters. NCAA D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
Jay Green 6’5 G Mountain Ridge (HSI) – Strong and explosive lefty guard with good athleticism. Green displayed his passing and a respectable perimeter jumper along with strength and an ability to defend multiple positions. Has the physical attributes to be talented scoring wing at a low major to mid major.
2017
Sean Dunn 6’10 C Brophy Prep (AZ Power Elite) – Sean low post player that continues to improve offensive skill set and footwork. He showed the ability to hit the mid-range jump shot. Dunn is also a basket protector and rebounder. Low major prospect.
Colten Kresl 6’0 PG Chaparral (Powerhouse Black) – Very good ball-handler, passer and decision-maker. Colten is a knock down shooter who also has a good midrange pull-up game; consistently hits big shots. He continues to improve finishing at the basket. Cresol has great instincts on defense and anticipates well. Currently a low major to D2/NAIA D1 prospect.
Gabe McGlothan 6’6 F Basha (AZ Power Elite) – Physical and athletic player that finishes with authority. Gabe runs the floor well and displayed power and athleticism with thunderous dunks versus Boise Flite 17s. McGlothan also has a consistent mid-range jumper and defends and rebounds extremely well. Currently a low to mid-major prospect.
Garrett Sullivan 6’3 G Hillcrest Academy (HSI) – A knock down shooter with quick release from perimeter. Garrett made multiple 3FGs to help his team defeat Las Vegas Olympians. Small College prospect.
JT Thoman 6’0 G Chaparral (AZ Power North Platinum) – Confident and strong player. Thoman scored in a variety of ways to lead his team in a semifinal victory over Fastbreak Unsigned Seniors. He’s a good three point shooter shooter but also uses his strength ball-handling ablity to get by defenders and hit midrange pull-ups or finish at the basket. JT also proved to be a good on the ball defender and rebounder for his position. D2/NAIA D1 prospect.