Take Flight Challenge: Top Standouts
Take Flight Challenge: Top Standouts
NORWALK, CA— The Take Flight Challenge is always a must-stop on the So-Cal winter scouting tour. It’s always chock-full of elite players, teams, as well as a tasty hospitality room. Bishop Montgomery, despite missing David Singleton, Gianni Hunt, and Will Crawford, hung on for a thrilling 65-62 victory over highly touted Sierra Canyon squad.
Amound Anderson(Leuzinger)
2020, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anderson is one of the fastest rising players in the West. Last season he was a spot-up shooter, but now he is beginning to unveil his evolving arsenal. His jump shot is solid out to 23-feet and he can slither to the basket with the best of them. However, it’s his improved facilitating skills that are catching our eye.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Camarillo)
2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Jaquez Jr. started out a bit cold from the field, but the last 3 quarters he displayed the skill set that have cemented him among the West’s best, regardless of class. The physical wing-type is a natural scorer who uses his mid-range game to light up the score board. He has bounce and strength to finish through and over the defense and his 3-point shot has improved.
Jake Kyman (Santa Margarita)
2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Kyman tossed in a career High 31-points versus Crossroads and he continues to do it with extreme efficiency. His feathery jump shot was on full display and he showed an improved mid-range pull-up. He is an astute passer and always plays under control.
Romelle Mansel (St. Bernard)
2019, C, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: There might not be a more improved big man in the Class of 2019 in Southern California. He is blessed with a terrific frame with broad shoulders and long arms. He passes very well both as an outlet passer as well as out of the post. He needs to play with more assertiveness in the paint (finishing through contact), but overall his progress has been excellent.
Taurus Samuels (Vista)
2018, 6-foot, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: It never gets old watching Samuels and his teammates run Anthony Bolton’s motion offense. Samuels is the catalyst as he is an astute passer and he can drain open jump shots. His leadership abilities are impressive and he isn’t afraid to take the big shot or deliver the timely assist due to his poise and IQ.
Jarod Lucas (Los Altos)
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: There might not be a guard in Southern California who is consistently in attack mode like Lucas. He has improved his facilitating skills in the past year and is quite good skipping passes around to open teammates in the half court set. However, his go-to move is draining jump shots from anywhere on the court.
Terren Frank (Sierra Canyon)
2020, PF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Sierra Canyon is blessed with an abundance of talent, but Frank was the catalyst in leading his team to a victory over a talented Mayfair squad. His inside-out ability is a sight to see as he has the ability to nail jump shots from the 3-point line to the elbow. His touch his smooth and he has a mechanically sound shot. He can play on the block as well and utilize his length and sound pivot work to convert buckets in the post.