West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Stockraisers)
West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Stockraisers)
CLAREMONT, CA—The 2nd NCAA allotted evaluation period is over and it’s off to Las Vegas. But before we get into that conversation, Ryan Silver launched his West Coast Elite Summer Classic and there was a bevy of “West Coast” talent from California, Utah, Washington, and Oregon to feast our eyes upon.
Cole Bajema (Lynden Christian/WA) Club: FOH Seattle 17U
2019, SG, 6-foot-6, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the bigger surprises of the event was the play of Bajema. The multi-skilled guard has slick ballhandling, an innate passing ability, and he can nail shots from deep. He plays at a relentless pace and his head is always up while navigating the defense. Once his strength kicks in he’ll be a lights out college player at the high-major level.
Iverson Molinar (Covenant Christian Academy) Club: Team Why Not 17U
2019, SG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Molinar is a chiseled 2-guard who is as consistent as it gets in the areas of shooting and playmaking. He is an exceptional athlete who explodes in transition and can finish through contact due to his strength and moxie. The native from Panama was the catalyst for Reggie Morris’ squad during the Peach Jam in early July.
Tory San Antonio (Rancho Verde) Club: WCE 17U UAA
2019, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: San Antonio showed signs of his talent during the Battle Zone in early December. However, during the summer evaluations periods, he has shown the necessary skill set to be a Division 1 player. He has good size, excellent speed and quickness, and his offensive game is evolving. Consistency of his jump shot will be the catalyst in his growth as a player.
Oscar Lopez (Bishop Montgomery) Club: WCE 17U UAA
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: While in the North it’s Cole Bajema sky-rocketing up the recruiting charts, down south it’s Lopez. The jack-of-all-trades wing can play inside and out and has the frame, athleticism to finish with equal aplomb. He understands mismatches and his ball skills and jump shot have improved in the past year.
Ken West (Bellevue Christian/WA) Club: FOH Seattle 17U
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the bigger sleepers in the Pacific Northwest has to be West. The face-up 4-man has an impeccable shooting touch from deep and some wiggle while attacking in transition. Low D1 could be on his radar.