Ron Massey Fall Hoops Classic: Top 2020/2021 Shooters
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 shooters of the classes of 2020 and 2021.
Top Shooters
Austin Cook, 2020, Damien
Cook is a dead-eye shooter from 3-point range with his feet set. At 6-feet-4 and a strong 190 pounds, he has the shooting mechanics of a coach’s son (because he is one) and is especially consistent from either corner. Cook is the perfect player to spread the floor in head coach Mike LeDuc’s system.
Ryan Evans, 2020, Santa Margarita
Evans is another well-known shooter in the 2020 class. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard has very nice size and strength for the position and his strong base helps him stay on balance when shooting off of the move. Evans has an effective shot fake which he uses to get into a solid mid-range pull-up.
Joseph Johnson, 2021, Damien
Johnson is a super crafty left-hander with a smooth stroke from 3-point range both off the catch and off the bounce. The 5-foot-10 freshman has a lower release on his shot, but the quickness of his release, combined with the ideal arc he gets on his shot, makes up for any negative effects of the release point.
Aidan Prukop, 2020, Mater Dei
Prukop played spot minutes on a loaded Mater Dei team as a freshman and did so respectably. This season, however, the shooting touch of the rangy 6-foot-4 wing is going to be called upon much more. Prukop can hit the triple from multiple spots from behind-the-arc and has a consistent mid-range game, as well.
TJ Wainwright, 2021, Culver City
Out of all the guys on this list, Wainwright has the deepest range. The 5-foot-11 left hander is a threat from anywhere as soon as he crosses half court and he’s not bashful about launching. Wainwright gets great lift on his shot, and while the rotation on his basketball has a bit of a sidewinder effect, it doesn’t hurt the consistency of how much he hits them.