Unsigned Senior Standouts PT II: Playoffs

<p>Los Angeles, CA – As the the first couple rounds of pool play and bracket play in the playoffs begin, Southern California seniors fight to keep their high school careers going.  While some players have received offers, others still only have interest and remain.  Of these unsigned seniors, several stood out this week with their play.</p> <p><strong>Jordan Shelley (Providence, 2020, Guard)</strong> Jordan was huge in showing off his scoring punch with 25 points vs La Serna, as Providence will move on to the next round in Division 3AA.  The 6'4" Shelley scores in a variety of ways; he can slash to rim, pull up off the dribble from 15, and also catch and shoot from 3.  His ability to get the ball in the bucket has been huge for the Pioneers as they go deeper into the playoffs.  Jordan is capable of creating shots for himself, and also for others when defenses collapse on him.  Not only does he ball on the court, Shelley gets it done in the classroom as well as he is a D1 qualifier and currently has a 3.8 GPA.  Shelley would be an excellent talented addition to any college at the next level.</p> <p><strong>Chase Courtney (GSP Prep, 2020, Big)</strong> The ever improving stretch big man from Nor Cal keeps raising his game.  Courtney started out the season mostly playing inside the paint but over the course of the last two months, his ability to stretch defenses has really shined.  Having the NBA pedigree definitely helps as his dad Joe was a 6'9" power forward who also stretched the floor.  Chase is developing into a legitimate pick and pop threat and that looks to be his niche moving forward at the next level.  Coaches who need a 6'10" athletic big who can stretch the floor should take a chance on Courtney.</p> <p><strong>Bryce Whitaker (Providence, 2020, Guard)</strong> Another integral part of Providence's run in 3AA this season is the play and leadership of Bryce Whitaker.  The underrated guard has had quite a career for the Pioneers with over 1000 points scored, over 500 assists, over 400 rebounds, and over 200 steals.  His 4 year run on varsity will continue as with the win, Providence clinches a state title berth.  Whitaker is a consummate floor general.  He is a point guard with a high IQ that runs the offense and looks to set up his teammates.  Whitaker makes the plays to help his team win and knows when to shoot the 3 or when to attack the rim.  His leadership is something that cannot be taught.  Coaches who need a high IQ floor general should take a look at Whitaker.</p> <p><strong>Fidelis Okereke (King Drew, 2020, Big)</strong> The big man from Nigeria keeps raising his stock week after week as King Drew makes a deep run in LA City Open Division playoffs.  The 6'7" 240 pound specimen owned the paint as he put up a 22 point 12 rebound 7 block performance against Taft.  Okereke emphatically blocked shot after shot and made life hard for Taft players in the paint.  The King Drew big knows how to use his wide muscular frame to box out and crash the boards, and has a high motor which keeps on going.  Okereke has the potential to play at the D1 level.</p> <p><strong>Justin Gladney (Fairfax, 2020, Guard)</strong>  In their first round playoff win, Gladney came up huge.  He didn't miss a single shot from the floor shooting 11 of 11 en route to 24, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists.  Justin is a jack of all trades.  He does a bit of everything every single game to help his team win.  He can put the ball on the floor and finish with a creative drive, or he can rise up and pop a jumper as well.  Gladney also plays excellent man defense and has a good understanding of the game.  He's played for Harvey Kitani, Steve Baik, and now Reggie Morris who are all among the cream of the crop coaches in high school basketball.</p>