Creme of the County: Top sleepers
Despite sweltering conditions, more than 200 basketball players largely from the San Diego region converged on La Jolla Country Day for the third installment of the 3P Creme of the County.
The event gives the top players in San Diego an opportunity to have the stage to themselves. But the showcase also provides some players who have hovered under the radar an opportunity to emerge as legit prospects.
Here are a few players who fit this bill:
Clay Ali Brooks, 6-4 2019 WF, University City – Brooks was impressive in the 2019 Select Game, knocking down jump shots from three-point range and filling lanes and scoring in transition. He has prototypical length (6-9 wingspan) and passes the eye test, but needs to continue to hone his handle and ability to finish through contact to take his game to the next level.
Chase Webb, 6-5 2019 F, Tri-City Christian – Webb, the MVP of the 2019 Select Game, shot the cover off of the ball in his game, hitting six 3-pointers in his team’s win. The face-up four man is an assertive scorer and a capable passer who moves well without the ball.
Rickey Stewart, 6-3 2019 WF, Crawford – Stewart was a late addition to the showcase, but a good one. The athletic forward controlled the boards in the 2019 Select game and had several highlight blocks. He finishes plays through contact around the rim as well. If he can improve his ball skills, he’ll be a late bloomer to monitor.
Kibru Sugebo, 5-11 2019 PG, The Preuss School – The small-school point guard is a blur with the ball on offense, but his on-ball defense was his most impressive attribute. Sugebo sits in a stance and slides his feet and uses his quick hands to force opposing ball handlers into turnovers. He needs to improve his decision making off the dribble in order to maximize his top-end speed.
Makiah Morris, 6-0 2019 PG, Vista – Often overshadowed by the exploits of his older brother, Vista standout Isaiah Morris, Makiah is becoming a quality prospect in his own right. He has a sinewy, long frame (6-4 wingspan), and plays with great pace and feel. He’s a capable scorer from all three levels, but needs be more consistent with his perimeter shooting.
Jayden Holloway, 6-0 2018 G, Patrick Henry – Holloway’s greatest attribute is his motor. He plays very hard on both ends, and makes plays on both ends as a result. He’s improved his scoring ability and is a much improved finisher around the rim. He’s positionless, but his ability to defend both guard positions makes him an intriguing prospect who could use a JUCO stint to hone his point guard play.
Hassan Hunt, 6-1 2018 G, High Tech High Chula Vista – The crafty lefty can score it from all three levels. He has picturesque, repeatable shot mechanics and is smooth with the ball. He’s gotten stronger year over year, but will continue to need to add strength to play at the next level. If he does, he’s definitely a player that Division 3 schools should monitor.
Brady Williams, 5-8 2020 PG, San Marcos – Williams is a fundamentally sound point guard who can score and distribute with equal aplomb. He shot the ball impressively on Saturday en route to an MVP performance in the 2020 Select game. At 5-8, he is also one of the toughest competitors in the gym.