Five Key Questions: Corona Centennial vs. Coronado (SoCal-Vegas Showdown)

<p>PASADENA — Gerry Freitas hosted his inaugural SoCal-Vegas Showdown on the campus of Pasadena City College last Saturday. The six-game event featured match-ups of some of the best that Southern California and Las Vegas have to offer. Here are five key questions from the fourth game of the event: Corona Centennial vs. Coronado.</p> <p><strong>Did Centennial earn themselves an Open Division bid?</strong></p> <p>This take is kind of skewed because of the fact that it was posted after the Huskies went to Vegas and upset their way to a Tarkanian Classic title, but the answer to this question would still be the same if it wasn't. Yes, Corona Centennial is clearly an Open Division caliber team, and barring some unexpected losses in league play, the Huskies will be in the eight team field. Coach Josh Giles and has staff have done a masterful job of coaching a roster with both experience and youth and the Huskies are playing at as high of a level as anyone.</p> <p><strong>Did Big West, WCC and some Pac 12 teams miss on Paris Dawson?</strong></p> <p>Yup. The senior point guard who is heading to Portland State is having a huge season so far. Dawson is draining perimeter jumpers at a high rate and playing with his normal toughness and high motor on both ends of the floor. The biggest thing about Dawson's game that goes unappreciated is his leadership and ability to raise the game of his teammates during practice and games. The Centennial coaching staff continues to rave about Dawson's locker room presence and the example he's setting for younger players in the program.</p> <p><strong>Is freshman Jared McCain already one of the best shooters in SoCal?</strong></p> <p>Without a doubt. The 6-footer stepped into the starting lineup after DJ Davis transferred back to Riverside Poly and didn't miss a beat making up for Davis' sharpshooting. McCain plays with no fear, and when he's open, he has the green light to let it fly. But what else is good about the 2023 prospect is the fact that he takes good shots, doesn't force the issue offensively and is willing to make the extra pass.</p> <p><strong>Who are the under-appreciated players on Centennial's roster?</strong></p> <p>There are quite a few, actually, and three of them are sophomores. Donovan Dent is the first and he does a lot of the little things that don't show up in the box score. The 6-foot-1 guard is a high level on-ball defender and strong finisher through contact on the break. Payden White is another. The 6-foot-4 sophomore is a big time rebounder for his size and position, is a versatile defender and has an efficient mid-range game. Ramsey Huff might be the most unknown of the bunch and he just gets after it on both ends of the floor. The 6-footer is a ball-hawking defender who gets out and runs the floor in transition and finishes well through contact. The final one is senior guard Freddie Dybala. The 6-foot-3 senior guard can play both on or off the ball, guard multiple positions and he knocks down the open catch-and-shoot 3-point shot.</p> <p><strong>Another name to watch over the next four years?</strong></p> <p>Freshman Aaron McBride. The 6-foot-5 forward is still a raw overall prospect, but he has natural size and athletic ability that make him an intriguing long-term prospect. McBride is an active rebounder on both ends of the floor and has all the makings of a versatile defensive player. On the offensive end, McBride is best in transition or when facing up against a slower defender and driving by for strong takes to the cup.</p>