Tarrian’s Take: Coronado’s Standouts

Transfers are tough for any school. Especially when you lose two highly touted players in the span of a summer. That is the exact reality Coronado High School faces with the departures of Richard Issacs and Jhalon Martinez. I for one was looking forward to the idea of a backcourt featuring Jaden Hardy, a top recruit nationally for 2021, and Isaacs. If you were to add big man Jhalon Martinez to that equation it would have been hard to imagine a scenario where Cornado wasn’t an overall favorite for a great season. If you follow prep hoops in Las Vegas you would know not all hope is lost for Cornado while you don’t simply replace two sought after talents. They still have a roster full of young guys who are ready to step up.

Jaden Hardy 6’4 G (2021)- Arguably the best PG in the class of 2021. His leadership and overall knowledge of the game leaves Cornado in a solid spot. He displays a great understanding of keeping his team playing at a pace. It’s Hardy’s show and if you're guarding him you’re welcomed to it. Hardy has a great ability to take control of a game. He can get in the lane and dish to open teammates.He has the size to see over smaller guards, and the athleticism to blow by and finish over larger ones. He’s the straw that stirs the drink for this team.

Felix Reeves Jr 6’5 G (2020)- Reeves is one of the better finishers around the rim that I have seen. When your game is made up of slashing being able to finish is critical. He can finish with either hand. He can finish with contact. Also Reeves has a silky smooth stroke. He can knock down open looks. Which is an important attribute when you play in such an uptempo style of offense. Reeves is another willing passer. His highlight reel is comprised of several alley oops not only the ones he threw to teammates but once he finishes himself.

Calvin Schmeling 6’4 G (2021)- Transfer season did bring a gift for Cornado as they got Schemling. The combo guard from Milwaukee is an excellent scorer with unlimited range. He has a Youtube compilation called “He can score when he wants to” I wouldn’t deny that claim at all. He has a great crossover that will lure you to sleep than an instant jump shot. He is a superb two-way player he will block your shot. This young man is a natural scorer. I predict him as an instant riser. I’m not one for comparisons but with the right growth spurt and enough work his game to me is Klay Thompson esque.

Tyrelle Hunt 6’5 G(2020)- Hunt has an old man game I mean that as a compliment. He is a pick-and-pop or face-up 3-point shooter. He knows how to find his comfort zone on the floor. When he is around the basket he knows how to finish. He has great court vision to find the open man in transition. He’s the ultimate magnet player the ball just knows where he is. He can turn a bad situation into a great one. Double doubles just come natural to him. He has a pretty cool nickname “Fat Daddy” is it?

Max Howard 6’4 G (2020)- If heart was a stat this young man would be a MVP candidate. Howard suffered a gruesome injury a season ago and has rehabbed himself back to get on the court for his senior year. Before his injury Howard was a true baller. Was a big effort player who could score in big moments. Another guy who can spread out and shoot and does great things with the basketball in transition. I am looking forward to seeing him back on the court

Nick Walter 6’0 G (2020)- Walter is a spark plug. Every team needs a player like him. Think how important Fred Vanvleet was for Raptors this season. That is Walter for Coronado. He has the ability to shoot the ball than turn right around and play relentless defense a true pitbull on the court.

Andrew Marshall (2021)- Can spread out and shoot. Smooth stroke a solid rebounder. He can score under the basket. Always has his eyes up court to make the smart outlet pass in transition. His development will be a big part of this team going forward.