Francisco’s Takes: WCE Basketball End of Summer
Francisco’s Takes: WCE Basketball End of Summer
West Coast Elite Basketball, directed by Ryan Silver, delivered a nice preview of some of the better prospects that we’ll be seeing when the regular season is unveiled in late November. Some elite 2019 prospects were in attendance like 6-foot-7 Jake Kyman (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA/ Santa Margarita) as well as some solid sleepers like 6-foot-6 Clay Donohue (Santa Ana, CA/ Mater Dei)
Best of the 2019s
Jonathan Daniels (Palmdale, CA/ Paraclete)
PG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Throughout Sunday it was clear that Daniels was one of the better point guards in attendance. He was affecting the game at both ends with his solid speed and anticipation. He is a player that exhibits assertiveness while defending and he is always looking to make plays for either a teammate (savvy passer) or himself (can score from all three levels).
Cade Potter (Orange, CA/ Orange Lutheran)
PF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more improved players in Southern California has to be Mr. Potter. He is a 4-man with an ideal frame (broad shoulders) and his athleticism has elevated as well-no pun intended. He had some explosive finishes in transition and his textbook jump shot was flowing as well. Look for Potter to continue to attract Division 1 programs this up-and-coming season, especially if his assertiveness continues to improve in the paint area.
Jake Kyman (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA/ Santa Margarita)
WF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better marksmen in Southern California belongs to the smooth-shooting Kyman. He has great size and is equally effective either off the catch or off the dribble. He displays a high IQ for the game in the half court set due to his savvy passing as well. He needs to improve his ability to finish through contact in transition, but that should come with maturity.
Elijah Scranton (Palmdale, CA/ Paraclete)
SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: While talking about the best finishers in Southern California, Scranton must be part of the discussion. He is the type of prospect that excels in a “Camp Ball” atmosphere where he can utilize his explosiveness. He has a knack to score while attacking the basket, but his skills in the half court set need polishing. Knowing when to cut to the basket, using a jump stop to free himself for the pull-up, and not forcing the issue off the dribble are areas he needs to clean up if he wants to garner some Division 1 offers.
Josh Vasquez (Torrance, CA/ Bishop Montgomery)
SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Vasquez will be an important cog in helping Bishop Montgomery defend it’s Open Division State Championship. He is a skilled 2-guard who gets great lift on his jump shot and he plays at a great pace. He’ll snap passes in the open court and his decision-making shows he has a solid feel for the game. He’s a D-I sleeper, but heading into the spring and summer of next year he’ll be on many Division 1 recruiting charts.