Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic: Under-the-radar Five
Wilmington, Ca. — The Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic was an eight-game event featuring many of the top programs that Southern California has to offer.
The marquee matchup was a showdown of two teams, Rancho Christian and Bishop Montgomery, which are sure to be competing for CIF Southern Section and State championships come February and March.
Rancho Christian came away with a hard-fought 55-52 victory behind Isaiah Mobley, Evan Mobley and Dominick Harris. One of the bigger upsets of the day came by way of a Riverside Notre Dame victory over perennial power Santa Ana Mater Dei. Anton Mozga paced the Titans with balanced contributions from Pierce Sterling, Dondre Bausley and Anthony Holland.
Here are the “Under-the-radar Five” performers from Saturday’s action:
Dominique Winbush, G, Taft
Winbush is of the “hard-nosed” variety of player on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot senior is a ball-hawking perimeter defender with quick hands and good lateral speed. Offensively, Winbush looks to push the pace and get into the paint on the break where he draws defenders and delivers timely passes to teammates.
Neil Owens, PG, Loyola
Owens is the straw that stirs the drink for the Cubs offense. The 6-foot point guard is as heady as they come with the ball in his hands and is always making the basketball decision that is in the best interest of his team. Owens is a capable and consistent 3-point shooter off the catch, which is a small point guard’s best friend.
Ethan Berks, F, Santa Monica
Berks spent much of the spring and summer battling injury, but the 6-foot-6 junior forward is back healthy for Santa Monica and had his interior skill and touch on display. Berks is mobile and active in transition, finishing off rim-runs with layups with either hand.
Holden McRae, F, Harvard-Westlake
The best way to describe McRae’s game is grimy. He dives on the floor for loose balls, will guard the opponents best perimeter player with no fear and will take and make an open jumper if it’s there. The 6-foot-3 wing plays with a high motor and a ton of energy on both sides of the ball.
Patrick Bowman, F, Camarillo
Bowman, a junior who played junior varsity last season, will be an important piece for Camarillo come the regular season because of how physical he is. The well-built 6-foot-3 forward is a big time rebounder in traffic on both ends of the floor, whips the ball out quickly to a guard, and runs the middle of the floor with purpose.
