Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic: Best of Available Seniors
The Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic was one of the best fall basketball events in recent memory.
Huskies coach Harvey Kitani, who also runs his annual top-notch State Preview Classic events in January, brought together many of the Southland’s top teams for a one-day, eight-game event with matchups that made each game competitive.
The event provided a good look at some of the top available SoCal seniors.
Top Available Seniors
Darius Brown, Pasadena
Brown is a physical point guard with an explosive first step and an improving 3-point shot. The 6-footer connected on six 3-pointers and scored 22 points in the Bulldogs loss to Farifax, which is a very good sign for his ability to keep defenses honest on the Division I level. Brown’s driving, finishing and ability to run a team does translate to that level.
Pasadena point guard Darius Brown is one of the more talented 2018s left on the board.Harrison Butler, Mater Dei
Butler is down to Hofstra and Southern Utah and his game does translate to the CAA or Big Sky Conferences, specifically on the defensive end. The 6-foot-4 wing is one of the better perimeter and team defenders in SoCal and also provides versatility on that end of the floor. Offensively, Butler moves well off the ball and uses his strength and athleticism to finish around the basket.
Alex Garcia, Rolling Hills Prep
Garcia has one of the more consistent perimeter jump shots in the area, from both the 3-point and mid-range levels. He scored 15 points in the Huskies win over St. Francis and was a key cog in Rolling Hills Prep’s Division 5 state championship run last season.
Jamal Hartwell, Fairfax
Hartwell embodies what it means to play the point guard position. He’s always under control, dictates tempo and pace, and rarely makes mistakes, especially with the game on the line. The biggest leap Hartwell has made is in his scoring. The 5-foot-10 guard is a knockdown mid-range shooter and his 3-point shot has come a long way, as well.
Zekiah Lovett, Redondo Union
Lovett exemplifies what it means to be a “high motor” player. Before scoring 13 points against Long Beach Poly Saturday, the 6-foot-2 combo guard ran in a cross country meet at Mt. SAC. Lovett has a complete all-around game, thrives offensively in transition settings and showed an improved touch from 3-point range.
Darryl Polk, Jr., Long Beach Poly
Polk has always been one of the quickest, most crafty players around, but now as the senior leader for the Jackrabbits, the 5-foot-8 point guard has the opportunity to take his game to another level. The Poly roster doesn’t feature one player over 6-feet-3, which means the 3-point shot will be at a premium. That part of Polk’s game has always been his biggest weakness, but the uptick in shooting work in practice and in games should bode well for his development.