BSN Sports Showcase – Freshman standouts

<p>The inaugural BSN Showcase at Carlsbad High provided scouts and hoops fans in San Diego a nice opportunity to see some of the very best San Diego teams square off against some of the best that Southern California has to offer. Kudos to Carlsbad High coach Sam Eshelman for putting together such an excellent one-day affair. </p> <p>While the focus is on the teams, there were individual standouts at every grade level throughout the day. In this report, we will discuss some of the freshmen who impressed us, including a couple that should become household names on the recruiting trail in coming years.</p> <h2>BSN Sports Showcase - Freshman standouts</h2> <h3> </h3> <h3>RJ Smith, 6-3 G, Damien</h3> <p>He might not have the reputation outside of the region yet, but Smith is on his way to being one of the top 2022 prospects on the West Coast. Athletic and relentless, Smith grabbed an astonishing 17 rebounds in Damien's win over La Jolla Country Day. He also showed flashes of solid vision making passes out of the high-post and transition. Well on his way to a double double, Smith stalled offensively, missing his last 13 shots, per my colleague Devin Ugland. More than anything, this was product of playing too fast. As he develops, he'll need to change speeds and finish through contact better, but that should come through his natural progression.</p> <h3>John Hapgood, 6-1 G, La Jolla Country Day</h3> <p>On the other side of the Damien vs. Country Day matchup, Hapgood made a number of plays as well. Like Smith, he's got a motor that runs hot, always a threat on the offensive boards. Hapgood does a great job slashing off the wing, and is a clever finisher around the rim. While shooting isn't his forte, he knocked down one three off the catch. But his mechanics need to improve from the perimeter. He had five turnovers, which, like Smith, I think is a product of playing too fast at times. His twin brother, James, sprained his ankle early in the game, but between the two of them, they are near the top of San Diego's 2022 prospects.</p> <h3>Jalen Vasquez, 6-1 G, Bishop Montgomery</h3> <p>Watching Vasquez, a smooth, confident lead guard, is like watching a carbon copy of his big brother - Montana-bound Josh Vasquez. When they're on the court at the same time, as was the case in Bishop Montgomery's win over Torrey Pines, the similarities become even more defined. Vasquez is a heady, crafty lead guard who makes the right play and doesn't force the issue. He rebounds the ball at a nice clip for a young, smaller guard, and always has his head up looking to make the outlet pass. And, like his brother, he's a nice shooter when his feet are set. His stat line bears this out - 5 points (2/4 shooting), 7 rebounds, 4 assists and one turnover. And, as with any Doug Mitchell guard, Vasquez is a more than capable on-ball defender. He is further ahead than Josh at the same stage, so this could be the start of something special. </p> <h3>Jayden Barnett, 5-10 G, El Camino</h3> <p>El Camino is a young, guard-heavy team, and Barnett is one of the team's better long-term prospects. Blessed with a lightning quickness, active hands and a nose for attacking the basket, Barnett played his part in terrorizing Brea Olinda's team into 35 turnovers. Yes, 35. Barnett finished with three steals, and hounded opposing guards into other unforced errors. He didn't shoot it great on the day (2-8 FG), but his perimeter shot doesn't look broken, and he did make some nice finishes around the rim. Learning to play with better pace, changing speeds and smoothing out his jump shot should vault Barnett into the conversation of top point guard in SD's 2022 class. </p> <h3>Vinny Signorelli, 5-9 G, Christian</h3> <p>Signorelli has the "green light" from Coach Davion Famber, and wasn't bashful about using it in Christian's close loss to Temecula Valley. He scored 8 quick points upon entering the game, displaying excellent mechanics, footwork and a quick release from three. Once he knocked down a pair, Signorelli used a nice shot fake to set up a two-dribble floater. He finished with 14 points (6-14 shooting), second only to Jackson Larsen on the day. He also does a good job of moving the ball in the halfcourt set and not letting the ball "stick" when he doesn't have an open look. Moving forward, ball handling against pressure and improved shot selection will only make him a more efficient playmaker. </p> <h3>Lewis Singleterry IV, 5-9 PG, Murrieta Mesa</h3> <p>Built like a running back, Singleterry has a solid floor game. He's quick with the ball, strong enough to absorb contact off the drive and has a playable shot off the catch. Singleterry's passing ability in transition and off the drive in the halfcourt also stood out. He'll be one to monitor out of Southwest Riverside. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>