Crème of the County: Best of the Bigs
LA JOLLA, Ca. – The third Crème of the County Camp, fronted by Prep Hoop So-Cal’s Aaron Burgin, had a lot of quality players scattered across five classes (including eighth graders) and all positions last Saturday (Sept. 2) at La Jolla Country Day.
Here’s the lowdown on eight of the posts (centers or power forwards) that impressed me most during their respective games:
Chibuzo Agbo (2020/6-6/Saint Augustine)
More than anyone else at the event, he had a terrific combination of power and skill – especially for a player who is yet to play a game as a sophomore for the Saints. He and Taeshon Cherry give Coach Mike Haupt one of the best set of posts in the west.
Obinna Anyanwu (2021/6-8/Cathedral Catholic)
Although he’s just a freshman, he played in the 2020 Crème (as opposed to Select) game and showed off why he’s going to have an immediate impact at Cathedral Catholic as Brandon McCoy’s replacement in the middle. He was outstanding the second half
Matt Bender (2019/6-7/Francis Parker)
Bender, who attended La Jolla Country Day as a freshman and sophomore before transferring, should have a breakout season for Coach Jim Tomey (who was Lakers’ Coach Luke Walton’s coach at S.D. University) as one of the county’s top power forwards. His low-post footwork impressed not only here but six days before on the West Coast Elite End of Summer event at El Camino College in Torrance.
DeShaun Cooper (2019/6-7/Poway)
Cooper (a member of the California Bearcats travel program) played for the Poway Junior Varsity as a sophomore. But he showed Saturday that is going to have a significant impact on his program’s varsity this season.
Nakial Cross (2020/6-7/La Jolla Bishop’s School)
Cross (pictured), a member of the West Coast Elite program, was among the most impressive of players are the event, regardless of class standing. He seems to have grown a couple of inches since the spring. And his aggressiveness – and skill level – have made nice strides, as well. He was the best shot blocker and “quickest” jumper on hand.
Adrian Lee (2018/6-6/Chula Vista Castle Park)
Selected the Most Outstanding Player in the 2018 Crème Game, Lee had some cool dunks and short jump shots, while jumping over folks for rebounds.
Christian Rose (2019/La Jolla Bishop’s School)
The left hander became much stronger and aggressive since the end of his sophomore season. He’s got a nice variety of shots in and around the lane, especially “floaters” from 10-feet and in.
Mykale Williams (2018/6-8/Redlands East Valley)
Williams, a standout in the Inland Empire Basketball Program club program, was the strongest post player at the event. He needs more aggression and to get a bit better conditioned. But he’s on tap for a sensational senior season as both a scorer and rebounder.