Taft/Dorsey Fall Showcase: 2019’s on the rise
Dorsey high school played host to a strong fall showcase Saturday, which featured top teams the likes of Bishop Montgomery, Long Beach Poly and Taft, along with on the rise squads in Riverside Notre Dame, Culver City and Dominguez, among many others.
There were plenty of outstanding performers from all classes and these 2019 prospects were ones who are on the rise in their class.
Juniors on the Rise
Dondre Bausley, Riverside Notre Dame
Bausley is a high motor and physical wing who is difficult to stop when he gets downhill in transition. The 6-foot-3, 185 pounder uses his strong frame to his advantage when absorbing and finishing through contact in the paint. Bausley can keep defenses honest by knocking down the perimeter shot, as well. Bausley has good lateral speed, which combined with his strength, allows him to defend multiple positions.
Will Crawford, Bishop Montgomery
Crawford is that offensive and defensive intangibles guy that every team needs. The 6-foot-6, 220 pound forward is a fundamental rebounder, complete with finding a man and boxing out when a shot goes up. Crawford has the ability to guard three through five on the high school level due to his combination of strength and defensive fundamentals. Offensively, Crawford is an effective pick-and-pop baseline mid-range shooter who is extending his range to the corner three-ball.
At 6-6 and 220 pounds, Bishop Montgomery forward Will Crawford had his improved skill set on display.Malik Salahuddin, Long Beach Poly
Salahuddin arrived at Poly by way of transfer from Mountain Pointe in Arizona and he’s the perfect addition to the Jackrabbits. The 6-foot, 165-pound guard is a high energy and versatile player who makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s capable of guarding multiple positions, has quick and active hands and pursues rebounds in and out of his space. Offensively, he puts pressure on the rim with his blow-by speed and crafty finishing around the rim.
Nick Schrader, Bishop Montgomery
Schrader comes off the bench for the always-loaded Knights’ squad and always seems to have his hands in something positive. The 6-foot-4 guard is an adept shooter from 3-point range, but perhaps the most fascinating part of his game is how he moves off the ball. Schrader knows how to set up and come off of down screens, reads defenses and executes back screens when necessary, and slashes in to a defensive soft spot for a timely offensive rebound.
Pierce Sterling, Riverside Notre Dame
Sterling put up big numbers last season at La Quinta high school in the Palm Desert area, and now his sweet left-handed 3-point stroke will be on a bit of a bigger stage with the Titans. Sterling’s shot is as pure as it gets. He gets great lift, stays on balance with his feet set and releases the basketball at an ideal point. The 6-foot-2 two-guard is also a proficient mid-range shooter.