Francisco’s Finest: The Battlezone (On the Rise)

Francisco's Finest: The Battlezone (On the Rise) CORONA, Ca—The 4th Annual Battlezone, sponsored by Adidas, got off to a terrific start with a number of fine performances as well as some intriguing surprises. The usual suspects—Evan Mobley, Marcus Bagley, and Mikey Williams to name a few—exhibited the kind of skill and overall talent to warrant the attention they have received from college coaches and scouts alike. However, there a number of sleeper-types like high-flying junior Ty Harper and Mr. Fundamental 2021 Daniel Rouzan. Ty Harper (Santa Clarita Christian) 2021, CG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds Joel's Take: Arguably the most explosive guard in the event was Harper—although Mikey Williams may have an argument. In terms of quickness and spurtability, Harper was right at the top. His burst off the dribble is impressive and he finished a number of shots over length due to hang time and dexterity. His jump shot is a bit choppy, but his pull-up is dependable. He is a dominant lefty, but he did make some nice drives going right Xavion Brown (Sacramento/Sheldon) 2020, CG, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds Joel's Take: The skill package isn't where it needs to be for the next level, but in terms of pure athleticism there are few prospects that can match up with Brown. His explosiveness to the rim is uncanny and he can finish through or over length. His jump shot is inconsistent (flat shot) and his overall game warrants a “no position” tag, but he is a talent. Defensively, he has the physical tools to be a lock-down defender and his overall motor is solid. Jayce Catchings (Rancho Christian) 2020, WF, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds [caption id="attachment_886359" align="alignleft" width="150"] Catchings is a prototypical glue-guy for the D1 level[/caption] Joel's Take: The transfer from St. Louis is just what the doctor ordered for Rancho Christian. Every team needs a glue-type and Catchings is just that—and then some. Snatching rebounds, lock down perimeter defense with a grip of moxie, and finishing in transition are elements of his impact. His ball skills are solid as is his decision making, but the key to improved recruiting will be a more consistent jump shot. Kailen Rains (San Ysidro) 2020, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds Joel's Take: The Cal State Northridge signee is a natural scorer. He has a solid frame with good length and he has room for growth. Rains can “rain” jumpers from deep or explode to the basket in transition. He can score in the paint area, but his mid-range pull-up needs to tighten up. Overall, the key with Rains will be consistency in both decision-making and motor (defensively). Daniel Rouzan (Eisenhower) 2021, C, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds [caption id="attachment_886342" align="alignleft" width="150"] Rouzan is a fundamentally sound 4-man[/caption] Joel's Take: The owner of the most fundamentally sound post game would definitely belong to Mr. Rouzan. He is a rim-level player, but he has excellent foot work and more often than not got defenders off balance for the finish. His hands are soft as well as his touch out to 17-feet and he never changes expression while playing. Definite Division 1 sleeper to keep an eye on. Josh Ogaro (Santa Clarita Christian) 2021, SG, 6-foot-4, 165 pounds Joel's Take: Ogaro is yet another sleeper in the Class of 2021. This lefty is an explosive scorer with quite an initial burst. He can explode to the rim and elevate over the “bigs” and his skills in the mid-range area are evolving. His overall touch needs to improve, especially at the 3-point line. He need to work on his balance while elevating for his shot and his off hand (right) needs to tighten up while attacking defenders.

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Francisco’s Finest: The Battlezone (On the Rise)

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