Pangos Sweet Sixteen: Francisco’s Finest

Pangos Sweet Sixteen  NORWALK, Ca.- The last day of the first NCAA viewing period was spent at the Pangos Sweet 16 at Cerritos Community College. The Invitational Division Championship would see a well-coached BTI Select team defeat Compton Magic Select 55-52 in front of plethora of college coaches. The back-and-forth affair saw impressive performances for both teams, but it would be the BTI Select backcourt of 6-foot-1 senior-to-be Mike Meadows, 6-foot-5 graduate Adam Hess, and 6-3 junior-to-be Dexter Akanno, who sank two free throws with 6 seconds to go to secure the victory. Although this blog is primarily for the So-Cal audience there were a bevy other players—outside the So-Cal area code—that deserve mention including 6-foot-2 Tyler Johnson (St. Francis), 6-foot-4 Max Watson (Box Elder,UT), 6-foot-7 Emmanuel Taban (Apollo, AZ.), 6-foot-3 Jacob Heese (Desert Oasis, NV), and 6-foot-2 Alexander Braken-Guelke (Los Gatos, CA.) Francisco's Finest (listed alphabetically) Dexter Akanno (Valencia/BTI Select)

• The 6-foot-3 multi-positional performer impacts the game with his length, athleticism, and improved scoring ability. Continued improvement in the areas ball handling and consistent jump shooting will be the key for his college potential.

Bryce Hamilton (Pasadena/Belmont Shore)

• Arguably the best scorer in the class of 2018 in Southern California. The slick lefty can score from all three levels. He has a tendency to over handle it and his shot selection can be called into question at times, but he's a talent.

Jamal Hartwell (Fairfax/Compton Magic Select)

• The ever-improving point guard led his Compton Magic Select team to the championship. He needs to get stronger, but his pull-up game is tight as well as his ability to create for teammates.

Michael Meadows (Campbell Hall/BTI Select)

• The wiry Meadows is a knock down shooter with improved ball skills. He possesses a sneaky crossover that is low and tight and he has the vision to find open teammates. Physical defenders can cause him issues, but he had a nice weekend overall.

  Boe Nguidjol (Central City/Compton Magic Select)

• Wasn't nearly effective as he was during the week, but he is definitely one of the emerging sleepers in the So-Cal class. The athletic 4-man fills the lane, rebounds in and out of his area, and can contest shots. His jump shot is solid out to 19-feet, but his ball skills and savvy (forces the issue) need to improve.

Boe Nuguidjol has seen his stock rise in the last few weeks. Josh Phillips (Edison/Belmont Shore)

• Phillips is a high-flying 5-man who is one of the elite rim protectors/rebounders in the west. His motor should attract Division 1 schools even though his offensive game is still in its rudimentary stages.

Nicholas Schrader (Bishop Montgomery/LA Rockfish Grey)

• One of the biggest surprises of the day would have to be the 6-foot-5 Schrader. He has a knack for always being around the ball at both ends. Toss in the fact that he can nail the 3-point shot and you have a nice “sleeper” for at least the Division II or NAIA level.