Francisco’s Finest: St. John Bosco Winter Classic (On the Rise)

<p><b>Francisco's Finest: St. John Bosco Winter Classic (On the Rise)</b></p> <p>BELLFLOWER, CA—The St. John Bosco Winter Classic was a terrific stop during the holiday tournament fest that is currently covering all corners of the Southern California regioin. By the time the tournament concluded,<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>St. Anthony proved yet again that they're one of the better teams in the state as they took down the tournament host as well as captured their second championship before the Christmas break. Not too mention, fast-rising senior <b>Jadon Jones </b>bagged his second MVP trophy as well as an offer from Long Beach State.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Alexander Archer (Cerritos)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2021, CG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds</i></b></span></p> [caption id="attachment_900721" align="alignleft" width="300"] <em><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Archer has skill and upside, but he needs to take his moxie and assertiveness to another level.</span></strong></em>[/caption] <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> Archer is blessed with a terrific looking frame with good length and he's a quality athlete. The ball skills, vision, and shooting touch are evident while evaluating Archer. His pull-up in transition is solid and he can explode to the rim as well. However, he needs to play with more assertiveness at both ends of the floor. He floats on defense and he doesn't like playing through contact. If his mindset evolves in these aforementioned areas, his game will elevate exponentially.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Jeremiah Nyarko (St. John Bosco)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2022, PF, 6-foot-8, 190 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: One of the more intriguing prospects in the Class of 22 is Nyarko. He has the length, bounce, and instincts to be a High-Major player. In the paint area his timing is on display as he gets numerous tip-ins and dunks. Defensively, due to that timing his rim protection skills are potent. He shows touch from the elbow and his face-up game is evolving. Overall, he is still a raw, but his upside is evident.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Christian Watson (Long Beach Poly)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2022, PG, 6-foot, 150 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take: </b>Confidence is a catalyst for a player's improvement and that element is in full display as it relates to Watson's production. The wiry point guard prospect is just beginning to come into his own. He lacks strength right now, but he has very long arms, changes speeds with aplomb, and his feel for the game is outstanding. He gets in the passing lanes for steals and he has a knack getting into the lane to drop off a nifty assist. It would not surprise me that from a year from now, Watson will be on of the Top 5 point guards in So-Cal for his class.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Jalen Reyes (La Mirada)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2020, PG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> Reyes is the definition of a true point guard. He gets where he needs to go with the ball, has a ton of moxie, and a nice feel for the game. He snaps passes to open teammates in the half court set after drawing the defense and he is clever in transition while navigating to the rim. He can toss in a runner, pull-up, and an occasional 3-pointer. He can play somewhere at the next level.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>Mikey Price (Crespi)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b><i>2023, SG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> Fellow classmate Mikey Williams (San Ysidro) gets most of the notoriety in the class, but Price is right there in terms of production and he could turn out to be a better prospect. Price is always on balance which is rare for a high school player, let alone a freshman. He can score from all three levels with efficiency, and his frame bodes well for the future. With his IQ, athleticism, and savvy for the game he should be considered a Top 25 National Prospect for his class—at least.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>