Ryse Williams Pac Shores Tournament: 2019 sleepers/breakout performer
Francisco’s Finest: 2019 sleepers/breakout performers
Chimeze Josh Maduno (Redondo Union)
PF, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: This kid is built like a truck and he plays with a hot motor. He’s undersized for the 4-spot, but he can take defenders off the dribble, finish through contact, and he has outstanding hands. The ultimate “team guy.”
Kendall Collins (Inglewood)
PG, 5-foot-8, 145 pounds
Joel’s Take: Collins is a quick point guard who can attack his defender off the dribble. His vision is solid and he knows how to finish through contact. However, against Lynwood he had his left-handed stroke flowing as he drained seven 3s.
Joshua Jones (Rancho Dominguez)
WF, 6-foot-7, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: His game is still in it’s rudimentary stages, but there is potential here. He has that prototypical D1 frame, explosive athleticism, and he can be an astute passer. His ball skills are intriguing in the open court, but his jump shot and decision making need to improve immensely.
Michael Ofoegbu (Mayfair)
PF, 6-foot-6, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Broad shoulders, long arms, and a bouncy athlete describes Ofoegbu. He’s a smooth runner in transition and he possesses soft hands. His offensive skill is limited at this stage, but he rebounds in and out of his area and he shows nice timing.
Sean Harlston (Dominguez)
CG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: If we were putting together an “All-Motor Team” at this event, Harlston would have been on it. He attacks the rim with a vengeance, but needs to improve his left hand. At this stage he’s neither a 1 or a 2—he’s just a guard. If his jump shot comes around, he could play somewhere at the next level.
Jeremiah Turley (Westchester)
PG, 5-foot-10, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: The left-handed Turley runs the show for the Comets. He is a quick and strong point guard who attacks well off the dribble (rips his crossovers), pushes the ball well in transition, and snaps passes in the half court set. He’s at his best though as a nasty on-ball defender with active hands.
Makalani Kafele (St. Anthony)
WF, 6-foot-4, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy Kafele doesn’t get the attention of his fellow classmates as Frank Staine, Marquise Nelloms, and Joshua Belvin, but he may have more upside. Fluid finisher in transition, aggressive on the defensive end, and he can pop in the 3-ball.