Manual Arts vs Diego Rivera: Toilers Senior Night
The regular season is finally over and CIF playoffs are here. I was at Manuel Arts senior night just as the season was ending for their season home game of the year. Manual Arts was once a powerhouse in Los…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe regular season is finally over and CIF playoffs are here. I was at Manuel Arts senior night just as the season was ending for their season home game of the year. Manual Arts was once a powerhouse in Los Angeles City Section, and in the region overall.
Behind the leadership of head coach Randolph Simpson, the program has begun to see a little bit of a resurrection. Simpson was an assistant coach under Reggie Morris Sr. back when the Toilers won the CA state championship in 1988. They finished 19-9 this season, and 11-1 in Exposition League play.
On senior night, the Toilers defeated visiting Diego Rivera, 108-54. Here’s a look at some of the top standouts from that game.
1. Jaylen Carter – Manual Arts 2021
A junior wing, Carter has to be one of the more underrated scorers/players in all of Los Angeles County. He’s capable of playing either wing spots and he has some playmaking instincts to his game as well. He’s a very good three-point shooter, near automatic when he’s open. He steps into his shot well and he can score from anywhere on the court. Good defensive player too on the perimeter.
2. Johnson Kilgore – Diego Rivera 2022
Kilgore is a very active player around the rim. He isn’t built like a typical big man, but he plays in the paint and plays like a big. He moves very well defensively, he is incredibly mobile and he can cover ground quickly. Although he appears undersized as a big, he is capable of playing center, especially on the defensive end. He acts an anchor and shot blocker. Good rebounder.
3. Rashaad Laws – Manual Arts 2021
Laws does a lot of little things that helps a team win. Where he stood out most was on the defensive end. He’s a strong perimeter defender. He reads the passing lanes well; he can pick off passes and start the fast break. He’s also a solid rebounder. He’s active on the glass, especially the offensive end where he secures put-backs and second shot opportunities. Has good length. Good elevation on his jump-shot.
4. Alan Rocha – Diego Rivera 2020
Rocha is a lights-out shooter from the three-point line. He moves very well without the ball in getting to his spots on the arc and getting ready for a pass. Catch and shoot type player with a very quick release. He steps into his shot well and squares up with the basket. He’s near automatic when he gets open. He can also shoot from three with defenders closing out on him.
5. Kenny Henderson – Manual Arts 2020
Henderson is a tough overall player and a solid point guard. As a senior, what he brings on the court will be missed next season. He pushes the pace well in transition. He looks for his teammates on the break and in a half court set. A very solid on ball defender on the perimeter. He’s a scrappy player, he’s not afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls and make hustle plays that other players don’t.