Francisco’s Finest: Ron Massey Memorial (2019 Sleepers)
In the last installment of the Ron Massey Memorial, the focus will on those “Sleeper” types. These are the kids that represent the saying (It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.) In the case of Nick Schrader (Bishop Montgomery) it’s about “production”. Where as in the case of Clay Donohue (Mater Dei), it’s about “potential.”
Top 2019 Sleepers
Clay Donohue (Santa Ana/MaterDei)
WF, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anybody that follows high school basketball in Southern California knows that Mater Dei is loaded with size and depth. However, each season there is always a player on the roster that may not be a starter, but they exhibit Division 1 potential. That being said, meet Mr. Donohue. The willowy wing-type has a smooth shooting stroke and he displays savvy for this game as exhibited by his nose for the ball.
Tory San Antonio (Moreno Valley/Rancho Verde)
2G, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the biggest surprises of this event was Tory San Antonio. The wiry scorer is an explosive athlete in transition and as a result he ended up being one of the better finishers. He shows signs of being able to score at all three levels, but his jump shot needs to be more consistent and his ball skills need to tighten up versus pressure.
Nick Schrader (Torrance, CA/Bishop Montgomery)
WF, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Schrader is the ultimate “glue-guy.” He is always around the ball, has terrific hands, and he can play inside and out. He showed a soft shooting touch out to the stripe, but it was his production in transition and on the glass that was impressive.
DJ Rodman is using the 3-point shot to emerge from his father’s shadow.DJ Rodman (Corona Del Mar HS)
WF, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Rodman is well know around these parts because of his father. However, DJ is starting to carve out his own identity. He is an athletic wing-type that has solid ball skills and his jump shot has improved immensely in the past couple of seasons. He needs to improve his decision-making and mid-range skills in the half court set, but overall his progress has been solid.
Lazer Nekic (Torrance/Bishop Montgomery)
C, 6-foot-10, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nekic is all about potential at this stage. The lanky 5-man is still quite gawky and he lacks strength, but he did convert a couple of jump shots along the baseline and had a few nice finishes around the rim, utilizing both hands.