Saturday Afternoon Standouts: Magic Memorial Tournament
The Magic Memorial tournament was a four-day tournament that took place at several sites. On Saturday, I was at Orange Lutheran High School and took in all the action with games ranging from 15u-17u. The following players caught my attention…
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Continue ReadingThe Magic Memorial tournament was a four-day tournament that took place at several sites. On Saturday, I was at Orange Lutheran High School and took in all the action with games ranging from 15u-17u. The following players caught my attention in the morning session (3 pm- 10 pm).
Malik Thomas (Compton Magic Premiere 17U) Malik has always been known as a scorer to us in So-Cal and on Saturday night vs. Oklahoma Magic he showed the basketball community why. He led his team to a 98-65 victory, while displaying the ability to score from all three levels. Malik had his three-point shot going for him while pairing that up with some nice touch around the hoop. Malik was also very efficient in the open court to showcase his athletic ability.
Benny Gealer (Compton Magic Elite 16u) There are some players who every time they step on the court they feel they are the best player on the court. This can be both a good and bad thing. Benny is someone who does not shy away from the competition. On Saturday afternoon, Benny’s three-point shot was falling, but I liked how he used his defense to get back into the game. His Compton Magic team used a half-court trap defense to get back into the game; Benny was all over the court deflecting balls and getting steals. With Benny just finishing his freshman campaign he will be a fun one to track and watch how his game expands.
Javille Collins (BTI Select 2019) I am not quite sure why Collins is still playing travel this late into the spring. I know a handful of colleges who can use a Javille Collins on their team. What can’t this guy do on the court? He showed great ability to finish at the rim, moved well without the ball, and also hit plenty of catch and shoot jumpers. On Saturday night when I saw him, he was playing point guard but when I saw him two months ago for his high school team El Camino Real, he was playing post. This kid does everything on the court and gets the job done.
Isael Silva (Compton Magic Premiere 17U) If you need a guard to penetrate into the teeth of the defense, Silva is one who does it very well. Silva showed me his willingness to pass, but also showed great ability to finish at the rim. Silva does not force much and takes what the defense gives him. Once the defense started to close the hole for penetration Silva was able to show his ability of hitting deep 3’s at the Magic Memorial.
Demetrius Calip II (Cal Supreme 17u) Once this southpaw sets his feet from three-point line, it is very likely the ball is going through the net. On Saturday night I saw some things I have not seen from Demetrius in his matchup vs. EBO. I liked how Demetrius was attacking the defense using the pick and roll. If the defense went under the screen, he would shoot it but if not he would go to the hole and make some good drop off passes to teammates. Demetrius was really patient on Saturday night. He also used his length to rack up rebounds for his team.
Anthony Irvin (AZ Prime 17u) Irvin was one of the better shooters I saw on Saturday. On Saturday night his three-point shot was really falling. In the second half, I enjoyed watching the way he used good fundamental pump fakes to hit a couple pull up jumpers near the elbow area. Irvin was also one of the bigger guys on his team, so he was really a force on the glass. Irvin hit the game-winning three as time expired to give his team the 68-65 victory.