Ron Massey Fall Hoops Classic: Best 2020/2021 Finishers
The Ron Massey Memorial Fall Hoops Classic was a strong kick-off to the high school basketball fall league circuit.
With CIF Southern Section Open Division playoff contenders like Bishop Montgomery, Mater Dei, Alemany, Damien, Santa Margarita and Rancho Christian among the field, it gave scouts, fans and media the opportunity to see many of Southern California’s top players and its future stars.
This piece takes a deep dive into the top finishers of the classes of 2020 and 2021.
Top Finishers
Wilhelm Breidenbach, 2021, Mater Dei
Breidenbach has the early beat as best all-around freshman in Southern California and a lot of it has to do with how well he operates around the basket. The 6-foot-8 forward understands how to establish post position, has great hands, and can finish around the basket with either his left or right. Breidenbach has the ability to finish strong off the glass, but also has a jump hook with either hand in his arsenal.
Keith Dinwiddie, 2020, Culver City
Dinwiddie is one of the more physical guards in his class and that really helps him when getting to the rim in transition or half-court. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound point guard uses his broad shoulders and strong base to get defenders on his hip and then absorb contact in the paint to stay on balance when finishing.
Evan Mobley, 2020, Rancho Christian
Mobley is another skilled young big man in a class where versatile big men will be at a premium. Mobley can score both inside and out, with his preference being the spot-up 3-pointer. But the 6-foot-10 sophomore did show more aggressiveness in the painted area on the weekend and used his length and feathery soft touch to score with either hand around the basket.
JT Tan, 2020, Rolling Hills Prep
Tan is perhaps the most polished back-to-the-basket player in his class. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has a wide array of post moves in his repertoire and is another guy who can finish as well with his off hand (left) as he can with his strong hand. Tan has a wide and strong base and knows how to use it to establish deep post position.
Malik Thomas, 2021, Damien
At 6-feet-3 and 175 pounds, Thomas is one of the more physically imposing freshmen in all of Southern California. Thomas combines that strong frame with good speed and athleticism which makes him a tough cover in the half-court or transition setting. The Damien high school wing is difficult to stop when he has a full head of steam.