Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Day 1 Surprises
Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Day 1 Surprises
REDONDO UNION, CA—The Ryse Williams Pac Shores Tournament was the place to be as the 2018-19 high school season tipped off in stellar fashion. Ziaire Williams, who sits comfortably at No. 2 out west behind Evan Mobley, exhibited the type of skill set that has him in a tug-of-war recruiting battle from East to West. UCLA-bound Jake Kyman put on a scintillating shooting display while fellow teammate and USC-bound Max Agbonkpolo slashed his way for a number of impressive finishes.
Dominic Woods (Gardena/Serra)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better looking sleepers in So-Cal is Mr. Woods. He has a solid frame with good length and he has a specific skill that college coaches covet—shooting. He knocked down a number of 3s off the catch and his shot looked tight. He showed some ball skills as well, but that will be the area of his game that will improve his stock.
Jake Blazona (Santa Margarita)
2021, PG, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: A throwback to when basketball was pure—at least in my my opinion. He is the quintessential true point guard who sets the table for his team. His moxie and savvy are well beyond his youth as he dazzled the crowds with his pinpoint passing. He can knock in the 3 as well, but his forte is game managment.
Ben Shtolzberg (Sherman Oaks/Notre Dame)
2022, PG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: In the most compellng game of the day, it would be a freshman that would make the clutch plays down the stretch for Notre Dame. Shtolzberg, who has been a household name in the middle school ranks, showed his moxie and skill set during his high school debut against Rolling Hills Prep. He knocked in jump shots, grabbed rebounds in traffic, and made good decisions—not bad for a freshman in his first varsity game.
Jaren Johnson (Lynwood)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Johnson, who transferred from Gahr high school, made an immediate impact due to his budding skill set and assertiveness. During the off season kids build their confidence by adding to their respective games—and that is exactly the case with Johnson. The wiry 2-guard can affect the game with his length (long arms) and slashing ability. He attacks well in transition and shows dexterity while finishing in the paint. His jump shot is on the come as well which should attract college attention moving forward.
Chase Bowsher (Redondo Union)
2019, PF, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest surprise of the night was the production and bouncy nature of Bowsher. The rangy 4-man can fill the lane and finish over the rim. In the paint he shows good footwork and uses the rim well to finish over length. His motor runs hot as well as he helped Redondo take down a feisty Birmingham squad in the 1st Round of the tournament.