Battle of the West Coast – Top Freshman performances
SAN DIEGO – The class of 2021 was well represented at The Indihoops Battle of the West Coast. From a team perspective, Gamepoint 15u Elite served notice it will be one of the top freshman teams on the West Coast, winning its contests by an average of 35 points. There were a number of impressive individual efforts as well, which we detail below.
Chris Howell has the potential to be San Marcos’ best basketball prospect – everChris Howell, 6-5 2021 PG, San Marcos/ Coastal Elite 16u Elite
Howell is an elite prospect at this stage due to his impressive court vision and pace. He rarely gets sped up and delivers on-point passes that put his teammates in the best position to score. Howell carved up teams that tried to play zone by operating out of the high-post, where he almost always made the right read. If Howell can develop a consistent jump shot outside of 15 feet, he will be one of the hardest covers in Southern California.
Damien Adame, 6-3 2021 G, Great Oak/ Valley Grapes 16u
Adame, a wiry combo-guard type, is a potent scorer who can attack off the dribble and finish at (or above) the rim. He showed he can knock down the open three, though he is a bit streaky. He has a long, lanky frame and looks like he could grow a few more inches. As he continues to add a midrange game, he has a chance to be one of the better combo guard prospects in the class.
CJ McMillan, 6-5 2021 F, Sweetwater/ Gamepoint 15u Elite
McMillan stood out on a loaded 15u team with a number of standouts. There might not be a tougher cover in the San Diego freshman class than McMillan, a big-bodied forward whose nimble feet, explosive first step and agility around the rim allow him to get to any spot on the court. He is a load in transition, as he gets downhill and finishes with force. In the half court, he has an advanced scoring repertoire, and draws fouls on opposing defenses at a high rate. For McMillan, the next step in his development will be his vision in the half court. If that improves, McMillan has – dare we say – Draymond Green-like upside.
Marcos Thomas, 5-10 2021 G, Hilltop/ So-Cal Aztecs 15u
Thomas caught our attention earlier this year with a 16-point effort in a win over Crawford. While a sprained ankle cut his weekend short, Thomas was very impressive leading an unheralded 15u group. Thomas displayed some solid shiftiness off the dribble, attacking the defense and scoring off the bounce. With Hilltop graduating its leading scorers, Thomas could emerge as one of the top scoring sophomores next season.
Raheem Nowlin, 6-3 2021 W, San Ysidro/ Cougars
Nowlin is rapidly becoming more comfortable on the wing. Blessed with a quick first step, Nowlin steadily attacked the basket and scored at will at times going to his right. Unlocking his off hand and a consistent jumper off the catch is the next step for Nowlin, but his progress was definitely eye opening.
Other freshman names:
Trevan Martin, 2021 G, Santa Fe Christian/ Gamepoint – Ultra athletic swingman scores it off the bounce and is improving from three.
Eric Watson, 2021 F Indian Springs/ Team Eleate – 6-5, 14-year-old prospect has eye-popping metrics, emerging perimeter game.
Blake Davis, 2021 G, Diamond Bar/ Gamepoint OC – Lightning quick lefty is tough off the bounce.
Jelani Williams, 2021 G, Temecula Valley/ Gamepoint Inland – Explosive and long guard with a streaky jumper and good court vision.
Jalen Punsalan, 2021 PG, Great Oak/ Valley Grapes 16u – One of the fastest guards in So-Cal and an excellent motor to boot.