Francisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Best of the Best)
Francisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Best of the Best) LA HABRA, CA.—The drive to Sonora High School in La Habra can be aggravating as you have to navigate (via WAZE) through a plethora of side streets. However, it was…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: North Orange County Championships (Best of the Best)
LA HABRA, CA.—The drive to Sonora High School in La Habra can be aggravating as you have to navigate (via WAZE) through a plethora of side streets. However, it was well worth the trek because the action was as tantalizing as all those holiday treats—thanks to the epic show put on by national 2020 recruits Ian Martinez and Josh Christopher. At the end of this epic championship game, it would be a game winner put in by DJ Rodman—who by the way had a stellar game himself.
Ian Martinez (JSerra)
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: This kid doesn’t need an elevator to get to the 2nd floor. Throwing down a Dominique Wilkins-esque windmill at the end of the game, but opening the game up with one is outer-worldly. His explosiveness (finishing ability) is uncanny, but he also dropped in some deep 3-point shots. At this stage he is still a “diamond in the rough” type that with improvement in the areas of ballhandling and mid-range scoring skills—his future is limitless.
Josh Christopher (Mayfair)
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Christopher had a Kobe Bryant-like scoring performance and his shot making was one of the ages. Deep 3-point shots off the dribble while being blanketed by the defense. Not too mention his explosiveness was awe-inspiring to say the least. Although his scoring prowess is noted, when playing under control, Christopher can really be an outstanding passer. Due to his competitive nature, physical tools, evolving game, he is one of the elite players in the class.
DJ Rodman (JSerra)
2019, WF, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: After an up-and-down summer, Rodman had his best game that I’ve seen him ever play. His first half scoring output was electrifying and efficient to say the least. He scored at will from all three levels and when you cap it off with the game winner with no time left—that is quite a night.
AJ Perry (Canyon/Anaheim)
2019, PG, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Perry is like a high school version of Charlotte Hornet standout Kemba Walker. The lightening quick point guard has a fast score-first mindset. He blitzes in transition, blows by defenders to the cup, or lets go a deep jump shot (quick release) off the dribble. He’ll drop off f the occasional pass in the lane and his motor never stops at both ends of the floor.
Trevor Seesemann (Troy/Fullerton)
2019, WF, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The ultimate glue-type for the JUCO ranks is what Mr. Seesmann is all about at this stage of his young career. He has a good frame, potent ball skills, and a high basketball IQ. His jump shot needs to get more consistent, but he affects the game in other areas as passing, rebounding, and leadership. He cuts well off screens and has a knack to always being around the ball.