Francisco’s Finest: Creme of the County (Best 2019s)
Creme of the County (Best 2019s)
La Jolla, CA
Aaron Burgin, the guru of San Diego prep hoops, unveiled an impressive group of cagers that ranged from the Class of 2022 to the Class of 2018. Despite suffocating conditions that made me reminisce about the good old days at Nike All-American Camp at Princeton University, kids still played with terrific energy.
Francisco’s Finest: Best of the 2019s
Rejean “Boogie” Ellis (San Diego, CA/ Mission Bay)
PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ellis, who holds offers from San Diego, San Diego State, Eastern Washington, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and UC Davis, has all the physical tools to be a high-level point guard. His quickness and speed were on display at this event as well as his ever-improving jump shot. However, for his game to go to the next level, his deciton-making (hunts shots) and game management need to improve. Defensive intensity needs attention as well.
Noah Tumblin (San Diego, CA/ Mira Mesa)
PG, 5-foot-11 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Tumblin has a solid frame with ideal length and his burst is impressive. He can breakdown defenders and get to the lane at will. He showed off some middle game scoring skills (pull-ups in the paint and a runner) and he snapped some passes as well to open teammates.
Sedrick Altman (Ontario, CA/ Colony)
CG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Altman was named MVP of the Creme of the County “Cream” game due to his all-around impact at both ends. He has a Division 1 frame with long arms and has an impressive burst off the dribble. He dominates his foes by attacking the rim and finishing and he impacts the game with his scoring, defense, and leadership. He knocked in a couple of jump shots, but it’s a work in progress.
Graham Cook (Carlsbad, CA/ La Costa Canyon)
2G, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cook, along with Altman, took the challenge of defending “Boogie” and faired well more than a few times. He has good length, improved lateral quickness, and the mindset to shut opponents down. He had his usual slashing drives and his jump shot looked solid.
Christian Rose (La Jolla, CA/ The Bishop’s School)
WF/PF, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Rose is a jack-of-all-trades type of prospect who impacts the game in the areas of rebounding and passing. He has a high IQ for the game and he’s extremely unselfish. The lanky lefty needs to improve his jump shot and ball handling, but he definitely looks like a “glue-type” for the next level.
Deshaun Cooper (Poway, CA/ Poway)
WF/PF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cooper was one of the more explosive players in the game. He displayed some serious bounce on his finishes and to defend the rim. His offensive skills are evolving, but at this stage he is essentially position-less. As his shooting touch improves as well as his ball handling, his stock will continue to elevate.