Prospect Spotlight: Dylan Gaines (2018)
Etiwanda has used its defense and toughness mindset to rise toward the top of the Southern California and state rankings.
The Eagles are destined for a trip to the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs this season, boasting a 23-1 overall record and unscathed mark in Baseline League play.
Among the big names like Kessler Edwards and Elijah Harkless is senior guard Dylan Gaines, the heart of the Etiwanda defense who is still yet to get Division I or even Division II level looks.
“I think I’m just a little underrated because I shine on the defensive end more than the offensive end,” Gaines told Prep Hoops So-Cal. “It doesn’t really matter to me, I’m going to keep playing hard.”
Dylan Gaines is one of the better perimeter defenders in SoCal.At 6-feet-3, 175 pounds with good length and lateral speed, Gaines is a versatile on-ball defender who sits down in a stance and can guard multiple positions.
There’s no questioning his ability to guard on the perimeter, but he does think there’s an aspect of his game that people don’t give him enough credit for.
“I think I pass and defend very well,” Gaines said. “Everyone thinks I can’t shoot, but my shot is going to fall.”
Gaines knows that his biggest weakness is his perimeter shooting and he’s doing plenty at practice and in his spare time to become a more consistent shooter.
“I’m working on my jump shooting the most right now,” he said. “One-dribble pull-ups in the gym and I try and make 500 shots on the gun every day.
“I need to see myself hit the open jump shot to get to the next level,” Gaines added. “When I start doing that, I think colleges will look at me more. “I have a little bit of interest, but that’s about it.”
If colleges knew that he holds a 3.8 grade point average and scored an 1180 on his SAT, perhaps more would pick up the phone and call Dave Kleckner to inquire about his senior.