Five Takeaways From Salesian Prep vs Bishop O’Dowd Scrimmage

<p>Oakland, CA. The Nor Cal basketball season has begun, I traveled to Oakland Saturday morning to see a scrimmage game between top ten programs Salesian Prep vs Bishop O'Dowd. Below are five takeaways from both teams first scrimmage of the season.</p> <p><em><strong>Bishop O'Dowd Dragons</strong></em></p> <p>Dragons defense was on display. At the beginning of the scrimmage the Dragons picked up full court, with <em><strong>5'9 2021 Taj Phillips</strong> </em>hounding the ball handler,<em><strong> Bowser and Roberson</strong></em> both long armed wing players were denying long passes can move and guard out on the wings, both deflected quite of few passes that lead to baskets off turnovers. The willingness to extend on defense might have something to do with <em><strong>6'8 Jalen Lewis 2023</strong></em> in the back to help defend the rim.  Overall O'Dowds defensive commitment was noticeable in the first scrimmage. </p> <p><em><strong>Monty Bowser 6'6, 2020 Wing (Cal Bears commit)</strong> </em>By no means did<em><strong> Bowser</strong> </em>have a dominating performance, but he did show glimpses of what he's capable of this season. The bouncy wing was involved on both ends of the floor finishing with nice moves around the basket, and knocking down a few 3's in the corner. On defense the long extended arms of <em><strong>Bowser</strong></em> made it tough for shooters on his side to get good looks. He might lead this team in scoring and rebounds.</p> <p><em><strong>Marsalis Roberson 6'5 2021 Wing</strong></em>. I'm thinking <em><strong>Roberson</strong></em> going to have a breakout season. He has a couple of D1 offers. With him and <em><strong>Bowser</strong></em> similar in what they're capable of. He makes O'Dowd a tough team to deal with. I watched him Sacramento at the Elite 50 a week ago. I saw a dominant performance that week. Today I see confidence in the way he plays with his Dragon teammates. He hit 3's, and  rebounded and like <em><strong>Bowser</strong> </em>he can defend on the perimeter. He's going to be a key player for the Dragons.</p> <p><strong><em>Jalen Lewis 6'8 2023</em>.</strong> The top ranked Nor Cal prospect in the class of 2023 made his debut as the starting center position for the Dragons. The potential is there, he's going to help this team it might take a few games for him establish himself, which is good because they don't have to rush him.<em><strong> Bowser and Roberson</strong></em> will handle things at the beginning.<em><strong> Lewis</strong> </em>showed his presence in the paint rebounding, and a willingness to mix it up with the other teams bigs, although he did pick up a few cheap fouls. As stated earlier he allows the Dragons to extend the defense with his rim protection. His skill set is good he'll score.</p> <p><em><strong>Salesian College Prep</strong></em></p> <p>This team has depth.<em><strong> This teams top 2023 Courtney Anderson Jr 6'3 (MJNT Invitee USA)</strong> </em>and a few other key contributors didn't play. Salesians two headed post players<em><strong> 6'8 2020 Te'jon Sawyer</strong></em> has slimmed down and he moves a lot better now. His footwork and soft touch around the basket makes him the go to guy inside. He's an improved defender and will rebound for this team. <em><strong>Demarshay Johnson Jr, 6'9</strong> <strong>2021.</strong></em> The other post area player is a rim protector and he will run the floor. I noticed some improvement in his finishing around the basket. If <em><strong>Demarshay and Te'Jon</strong></em> can produce in the middle. <em><strong>Salesians 6'3 2020 athletic wing Shane Bell</strong></em> will have more space to use his quickness and slashing to score. He is also the teams top defender. </p> <p><em><strong>Jaden Lazo 5'10 2020</strong> </em>was the best shooter from the 3point line. He hit back to back 3's and knocked down several more throughout the scrimmage. He's got a good shooting form and looks to fire away when open.</p> <p><em><strong>Tyler Brinkman 6'6 2020</strong></em> Forward has bulked up a bit will help with guarding bigs, rebounding, and scoring around the basket. If he can hit the outside shot with some consistency he will help this team in a big way.</p> <p><em><strong>Austin Johnson 6'2 2022</strong> </em>combo guard used this scrimmage to get some time at the point guard position, he's another player this team will rely on to knock down jump shots. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>