Taft/Dorsey Fall Showcase: Top Sleepers (Classes of 2020 and 2021)
Taft/Dorsey Fall Showcase: Top Sleepers (Classes of 2020 and 2021)
Demetrius Calip II (Woodland Hills/Taft)
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: The slender lefty can really shoot. He gets great lift on his shot. He does a nice job pushing the ball in transition and his decision making is quite good. He’ll advance the ball on occasion and he appears to have his head up at all times. He needs to get stronger to attack more off the dribble and improve his mid-range scoring skills, but his upside is impressive.
Damion McDowell (Los Angeles/Dorsey)
2021, WF/PF, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: McDowell takes no prisoners while operating in the paint. He has an excellent motor, long arms, active hands, and he has a nose for the ball. He gets most of his points attacking the paint off the dribble as well as the offensive glass. As his ball skills and feel for the game improve, he will definitely be on recruiting radar.
Brayden Thomas (Los Angeles/Brentwood HS)
2020, PF, 6-foot-8, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Thomas, who is also an outstanding pitcher, has the talent to play college basketball someday as well. He has broad shoulders, good length, soft hands, and his motor is excellent. He can pop in the elbow jump shot as well as operate on the block and convert jump hooks. Once his strength/maturity kick in, he will touch to deal with as a inside-out 4-man.
Christian Butler (Compton/Dominguez)
2021, PG, 5-foot-10, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Butler has a strong frame with fairly broad shoulders and he possesses good quickness and speed with the ball in his hands. He shows a nice burst off the dribble and he has moxie as well while attacking the opponent. The physical tools are there and the skill is evolving. He will definitely be a player to monitor in the next 4 years.