Chula Vista Spartan Classic – Dynamic duos
Stop #2 in the San Diego post-holiday tournament road show was the Chula Vista Spartan Classic. Coach Dean Curry had a number of solid local teams on hand, but it was Lincoln prevailing in a 44-41 win in the championship game over Bonita Vista.
In the first of three reports, we identify some of the best one-two punches in the tournament.
Dynamic duos:
Anthony Mendoza and Skyler Nelson, Bonita Vista – Mendoza (6-2 2018 G), one of the best unsigned seniors in San Diego, is a very complete scorer. He can beat you off the catch, with his mid-range pull-up and scoring off the dribble in the paint, where he’s strong enough to absorb contact. He doesn’t possess ideal quickness, but his footwork, scoring IQ and assertiveness more than compensate. Nelson, a 5-9 junior, doesn’t pass the “eye test,” but is a prolific, high-arching shooter capable of getting hot in a hurry.
Diego Baez and Diego Navarro, Central – Baez (6-5 2018 PF) and Navarro (6-2 2018 SG) comprise the two-headed attack that kept Central in the game against San Diego in what amounted to the tournament’s third-place game. Baez has good size, crafty handle and scoring touch off the dribble, while Navarro is a knockdown set shooter. Baez needs to be more assertive on the offensive end and improve his off hand, while Baez needs to become more assertive attacking the basket and improve his handle. Both have a chance to prove themselves as players in the junior college ranks.
DeAndre Andrews and Brenton Bell, Kearny – Andrews (featured image), a 6-3 200-pound senior, is an anomaly. He is built like a football player, and you would expect a player his size would punish defenders off the dribble. Rather, Andrews is one of the most prolific shooters in the section, knocking down three pointers off the catch and off the pull-up. He needs to improve his left and and his conditioning, but he’s a very good prospect. Bell, a standout running back, is the emotional and vocal leader for the Komets. He’s a cat-quick point guard who creates scoring opportunities for others and does well in the pick and roll. He needs to learn how to change speeds better (sometimes plays too fast) and improve his shooting from the perimeter.
Torrance Farr and Rayquan Everett, Lincoln – Both 6-5, seniors and blessed with college-ready frames, Farr and Everett beat you in different ways. Farr is a long utility forward who scores predominantly around the basket, on short drives and offensive rebounds. Everett, who missed last year with a knee injury, shoots it from three and can score from midrange. For Farr, the next step in his development will be to improve his handle and his shooting. For Everett, it’s all about regaining the confidence he had before his knee injury, as he drifts on pull-ups and sometimes shies away from scoring at the rim. As he regains the swagger, watch out.
Chris Stanek and Tarik Deadmon, Otay Ranch – Stanek, a 6-2 senior shooting guard, finished his tournament off with a huge 39-point effort in a win over Steele Canyon. Deadmon was impressive in his own right, registering 27 points and 13 rebounds. Stanek, a stocky scorer known for his knockdown jumper, scored an array of layups and scoring drives off of one or two dribbles. Deadmon is a right-hand dominant slasher who thrives in the post, where he possesses solid footwork and a nice repertoire of finishes. Both players need to continue to improve their ball handling, but their performances were impressive.
Gage Sanders and Grant Childs, Steele Canyon – Steele Canyon has an undersized squad but very potent guard play. Sanders, a 6-1 senior point guard, has a slender frame but possesses solid quickness off the dribble and is a prolific shooter off the catch. He has improved his frame and finishing ability through contact, but needs to continue to improve in those areas. Childs, a 6-0 junior, is an undersized scoring guard who is a solid slasher and a streaky shooter. He needs to improve his court vision and decision making (pass/score), which will elevate others around him. Sanders has received interest from several D3 and NAIA schools, which would be ideal given his strengths.