Five takeaways: Mater Dei Catholic vs Torrey Pines

<p>On a rainy evening the day before Thanksgiving, Mater Dei Catholic sent a clear message in its home gym: They are an Open Division contender. </p> <p>The No. 6 Crusaders used a big night from 2021 W Melo Sanchez to defeat No. 4 Torrey Pines 72-64 in pool play of the Armstrong Horsman Automotive Memorial tournament. </p> <p>Here are some of the key takeaways:</p> <h3>Melo Sanchez is a big-time prospect</h3> <p>The 6-4, 200-point "basketball player" isn't blessed with great vertical athleticism or foot speed, but his scoring IQ, ability to use his body to create space and a vastly improved perimeter stroke make him an intriguing prospect to say the very least. </p> <p>He finished with 31 points and 7 rebounds, scoring from every level and getting key buckets or plays to repel any Falcons runs. He's had a lot of schools show interest, but performances like that will get some of the programs off the fence and convert interest into offers.</p> <h3>Brandon Angel is unselfish - at times, too unselfish</h3> <p>During the first half, I was impressed with Brandon Angel's decision making and passing off the drive, as he had several assists and hockey assists after attracting secondary defenders in the Crusaders zone. But Angel passed up a lot of good scoring opportunities and waited too late to look for his own number. The Stanford signee finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds. </p> <h3>Crusaders role players &gt; Falcons</h3> <p>Mater Dei got contributions from each player who played. Senior G AJ Calderon hit 3 threes to get the team going in the first half. Dexter Stratton battled against Brandon Angel and had several positive plays down the stretch. Clarence Martin opened up the second half with consecutive threes. Jessie Campbell, who is rounding back into shape after football season, had a big steal and bucket late in the game. Junior Kailon King provided poise and hit timely baskets and free throws, and fellow junior Mauricio Reyes Esquer was active on the boards.  </p> <p>Conversely, Torrey Pines relied heavily on its "Big 3" of Angel and 2021s Chris Howell (12 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Nick Herrmann (16 points). They got contributions early on from juniors Diego Campisano, Nate Witte and Cameron Klein, but the trio faded down the stretch against their more experienced opponents. </p> <h3>Landrum is a sophomore to watch</h3> <p>Torrey Pines has a sophomore to monitor in 6-9 C Otto Landrum, a transfer from Colorado. He doesn't possess great bounce, but has solid hands, soft touch around the basket and has great vision and passes well out of double teams in the post, and defensively does a solid job protecting the rim. </p> <h3>Crusaders await Ubochi </h3> <p>Mater Dei could continue to rise up the rankings in San Diego after Jan. 1 when 6-10 rim protector and rebounder Christian Ubochi becomes eligible after the sit-out period. </p>