California Preps Showcase 2023 Standouts
With the summer winding down, high school basketball is slowing down as well. AAU season is over and we still have some time until fall ball starts. But there are a couple of events happening here and there. This past…
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Continue ReadingWith the summer winding down, high school basketball is slowing down as well. AAU season is over and we still have some time until fall ball starts. But there are a couple of events happening here and there.
This past weekend, John Burroughs High School in Burbank, CA played host to the California Preps Showcase. The event featured some of the top players in the area from the Class of 2022 and 2023.
I attended the event and here’s some of the top players from the Class of 2023 that I saw.
Isaiah Matallana – Granada Hills
Matallana is an incoming freshman, and has all the tools to be a great outside shooter. He spots up well and is usually ready to catch a teammate’s pass. He’s confident in his shot and when he has an open look on the perimeter, he’s not shy about letting it fly. He has unlimited range on the court, he’s a threat to shoot from nearly everywhere.
Blake Yamada – Rolling Hills Prep
Yamada displayed a couple of nice skills on the court. He’s a playmaker, he looks to get his teammates involved in the offense. He’s also a very talented shooter from distance. He’s also not afraid to take perimeter shots when the opportunity presents itself. As he prepares to enter high school, he’s got the makings of being a really solid facilitator as well as a knock down shooter.
Kory Blunt – Birmingham
Blunt showed off a nice ability to score. He’s got all the makings of developing into a solid wing scorer. He clearly has some more room to grow height-wise. He’s adept at putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim. When he gets himself to the rim, he’s a good finisher. He also sees the floor well in transition whether it’s finding a teammate on the break, or recognizing that he can get all the way to the rim. Runs well without the ball in transition too.
LaCorey Johnson – Heritage Christian.
Another incoming freshman who clearly has room to grow in terms of size. He’s got the potential to be a really good shooter. As of now, Johnson can shoot all the way out to the three-point line. If he’s open, he’s going to take the shot. He’s got a very quick release and he can shoot with defenders rushing at him. He’s also a very good midrange shooter. Can use fakes to get a closer shot.