5 Takeaways: Harvard-Westlake vs. Lynwood

<p>The high school basketball season is officially underway. Thanksgiving week is always a great time for some big matchups through various tournaments and non-league games. One such matchup this week was between Harvard-Westlake and Lynwood.</p> <p>While close in the first quarter, Harvard-Westlake used a strong second quarter to build a double-digit lead that they would never relinquish. Although it ended up being a blowout, there were some positives about both teams moving forward.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some of the key takeaways from the game.</p> <p><strong>1. Harvard-Westlake’s Spencer Hubbard</strong></p> <p>Hubbard has to be one of the most underrated players in the Los Angeles area as he doesn’t seem to be generating all that much buzz. He is everything you would want in a starting point guard. He’s a smart player who is always looking to make the right play. He can score if you need him to. He can rebound if you need him to. He is always looking to be a facilitator and find his teammates for easy buckets. He’s a good defensive player too and he isn’t afraid to take a charge here and there.</p> <p><strong>2. Lynwood’s wing play</strong></p> <p>Although it was a game that the Knights probably want to forget, they’ll have some solid play on the wings as the season progresses. Senior Jaren Johnson is an improving wing who should have a strong season. He showed off his ability to create his own shot on the perimeter and his off the dribble game in attacking the rim. Lynwood also has LJ McClain and Keyon Kensie. Both are athletic players who can shoot from the outside.</p> <p><strong>3. Harvard-Westlake’s can play different styles</strong></p> <p>The Wolverines have weapons on the perimeter and they can play in the paint. They can matchup with any style of play of their opponent. On the inside, Princeton commit Mason Hooks showed off his soft touch around the rim and ability to get good position in the post. When they needed something on the wings, they turned to Brase Dottin and Holden McRae. Both are strong wings who can shoot and can get to the rim. They all give Hubbard multiple options to pass to.</p> <p><strong>4. Christian “Bam” Johnson at point for Lynwood</strong></p> <p>Johnson is in the mold of a scoring guard. He’s someone who can take some of the pressure off of Jaren Johnson. He showed his ability to post up on smaller guards and try and create easy shots for himself. He was also able to draw contact at times and get himself to the free-throw line. It will be interesting to watch how he fits in with this team as the season goes on.</p> <p><strong>5. Harvard-Westlake strong guard play off the bench.</strong></p> <p>When Spencer Hubbard goes to the bench, it’s almost as if the Wolverines don’t miss a beat. Coming off the bench at backup point guard is sophomore Dahnte Russell who had all the poise of an older player. He is a great three-point shooter who knocked down a few when Harvard-Westlake was extending their lead. He also runs the offense well and is very quick on the court.  </p>