WCE Summer Tip-Off: Top Seniors

This weekend I attended the West Coast Elite Summer Tip-Off located at the Phhacility in Phoenix. I focused primarily on 17U and a little of the 16's. Everyone was just trying to get better heading into the only summer live period of AAU next week.   Here were some of the senior standouts from CA and AZ: Maurice “Mo” Holmes PF 6'7 195 Helix (WCE SD Keenan) -Skilled face-up 4-man who is very skilled shooter from deep. He doesn’t have too much wiggle with his handle but has a good build and can get downhill but is mostly a catch shooter. He rebounds well in area and is sneaky bouncy. Fights hard for loose balls/rebounds. Once he is grooving from deep, he is a tough cover. (Pictured) Tay Boothman PG 6’0 165 Buckeye (PHH 17 Rise) -He will never be mistaken as a pure PG but he keeps improving his approach to the game. He sets the table way better than a year ago and his court vision just keeps getting better. He is a big time competitor and shooter. He is a the heart and soul of the Rise team. Makalani Kafale SF 6’5 190 Prepping at Golden State (WCE LA Marx) -Long athletic wing can shoot it with range. Has great length and defends in space. Plays unselfishly and is a good passer. Gets downhill with long strides and is active. Communicates with his team as their leader. Logan Phillips SF 6’7 155 Valley Christian (PHH 17 Rise) -A unique prospect where he plays essentially a guard game but at 6’7. He handles the ball well and has a smooth shooting stroke from mid to the 3pt line. He is a good passer and has nice bounce to throw it down on the break. He also is growing so fast that his body hasn’t had time to fill in yet. The scary thing is his growth plates are still open. Brycen Long CG 6’2 175 Gilbert (PHH 17 Rise) -Makes the game easy for himself. He has a consistent stroke from deep off the catch and a nice floater game. He always seems to be in the correct position on defense and has good passing ability. His ability to shoot the ball at a high level sets him apart with some players. Anthony Garza PF 6’7 185 Shadow Ridge/PHH Prep (PHH 17 Rise) -Motor is really high to grab any rebound in his area but what stood out was his improved skill level. He made 75% of his perimeter jumpers including multiple 3’s. He gets above the rim to dunk the ball and runs the court swiftly. He has a small hook shot and is facing up better but he can make more strides offensively. He does a lot of the dirty work and plays hard. If he can continue to be more consistent with his shooting, he will go to another level. Terrence Green PF 6’6 185 Carl Hayden (Powerhouse Hoops 17 Black) -Uber athletic quick twitch forward. Stud on the break and is active every game. He gets downhill and can euro his way to the basket. He rebounds at a good rate in and out of area and defends well in space. He is developing a more consistent mid-range jumper. But it's his defensive versatility and high wire act in transition that makes him so appealing. Ricky Lujan PG 6’1 170 Onate (NM D1 Ambassadors 17U) -Great feel for the game. Consistently makes others better. Plays at own pace and knows when to make the pass in traffic off of a double team/pick and roll or blow-by and dump it off. Elevates high on his jumpers from mid to the 3pt line. Jordan Montgomery PG 6’0 165 Rancho Christian (WCE LA Marx) -Can make open 3’s and pull-up from mid-range. Strong build and stocky. Tough on the ball defensively and plays a little conservative. He lets the game come to him. Very rarely he will take a contested shot. Advance passes smartly and just does his job. Elijah Randall SF 6’4 185 J Serra (WCE SD Keenan) -Face-up forward who can shoot, handle and pass it. Thicker body rebounds well and is active on the glass. A little undersized but plays hard on defense and has a nice 3pt stroke and can hit from mid-range. His shot and motor make him a player to watch. He’s not explosive but does everything else. Abraham Eagle C 6’8 210 Chaminade (WCE LA Marx) -Skilled 5-man out to the 3pt line. He has a nice looking jump hook shot. He has a good length to rebound the ball. He doesn't get much explosion off the floor but can block shots and rebounds well in area with big hands. Khalid Whitaker PG 6’0 175 Flowing Wells (AZ Dynasty) -Quick ball handler and good open court speed. Sees the court well to make his teammates better. Ball-hawk on defense and can turn the corner on his defender with a nice burst. Can shoot it from deep off the dribble or off the catch. Cesar Saenz SF 6’3 200 Sabino (AZ Dynasty) -Powerful wing can get into the lane with his strength. Handles it well and can set up his teammates. Has an unorthodox jumper that is effective from deep. He plays hard on defense using his thick body. Charles Erving PG 6’0 Sagerstrom (WCE SD Keenan) -Athletic PG who makes others better. Good body and length. Gets downhill quickly and has many D1 tools to like. Moved in from Chicago and still trying to get 100% healthy from his sprained MCL He can get more consistent with his perimeter shooting. Ryan Berry W 6’4 175 Notre Dame Prep (TABB Academy) -Strong wing shooter who is active on the glass. He is a good catch 3pt shooter and passes the ball well. Very rarely see him take bad shots. Tough kid in the paint and not afraid to put his body on the line for a rebound/loose ball. Brijon Warren SG 5’10 165 Imagine Prep (Blue Chip Nation 17U) -Strong undersized guard who can shoot it from deep plus drive the lame with his stronger upper body/frame and can make tough contested layups. Good teammate and the heart and soul of the team.