Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam: 2021 Standouts (Part II)
Costa Mesa, Ca. — The Hoops By Ugland Beach Jam Showcase at Vanguard University featured 70 high school basketball players in a class-by-class game setting.
The combined freshman and sophomore game proved to be the most exciting of the day, a sudden death overtime game that was decided, anticlimactically, by a foul and free throw by Santa Margarita sophomore guard Selah Robins.
The junior class game was another close one, with the team coached by Santa Margarita assistant Wolfgang Wood defeating Fountain Valley assistant AJ Gasporra’s team, 74-69. The senior class contest was the most lopsided of the three, as team Wood dominated its way to a 83-63 victory.
Here is the second set of sophomore standouts from the 2021/2022 game:
AJ Burgin, San Diego
There was one moment when Burgin pulled one in transition from about 25 feet and turned and walked the other way before it hit nothing but net. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard continues to make positive strides in his all-around game and is a fundamental on-ball and team defender.
6-foot-8 forward Nick Davidson continues to develop his inside-out scoring abilities.Nathan Clark, Pacifica Christian (Santa Monica)
Clark has a lot more in his game than I originally thought. The rangy 6-foot guard is a smooth and elusive ball handler who loses defenders with an effective crossover dribble, opening up a step-back 3-point shot or mid-range jumper.
Nick Davidson, Mater Dei
Davidson continues to add something to his game each time he takes the floor. The 6-foot-8 forward can hit trail 3-pointers in transition, score on the block with his back to the basket, and is a good passer out of the post. But Davidson showed a little more fluidity and explosiveness in transition, catching advance passes in stride and slamming home a couple dunks.
Jaden Byers, Rancho Christian
Byers is a hyper-athletic point guard who finishes much bigger than his 5-foot-9, 150-pound frame would lead one to believe. Rancho Christian’s new addition showed some dynamic playmaking ability in transition with his passing, all set up by his quick reaction time defensively allowing him to gather a handful of steals.
Noah Hernandez, Ridgeview
Hernandez was another under-the-radar type of player who made a name for himself at the event. The 5-foot-11, 160 pounds guard brings a hard-nosed mentality to both ends of the floor and has impressive vision in transition. Hernandez made a number of nice reads on the break and completed assists through tight passing windows. He’s also a strong driver and finisher in the half-court setting with good shooting mechanics and touch.