Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2021/Most Improved)

Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2021/Most Improved) LONG BEACH, CA—I felt the next time I’d be in a gym would be a surreal-like feeling—and that is exactly the case. Dinos Trigonis, who had been running events in Arizona, Utah, and Iowa—unveiled his first event in So-Cal—and it was quite good to say the least. The playmaking abilities of sleeper Keshawn Hall as well as the improved all around play of Jalen Pietre were notable evaluations. Toss in the lights out shooting of [player_tooltip player_id="747084" first="Scotty" last="Washington"] and it’s safe to say the talent in the Class of 2021 tilt was deep and talented. Most Improved [player_tooltip player_id="680234" first="Brendan" last="Terry"] (Crossroads) 2021, PF, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds Joel’s Take: Mr. Bluecollar “did work” in the areas of finishing and rebounding at this event. He is a high motor 4-man who can guard multiple positions as well. In this day and age having a motor is a skill and Terry fits that label to a tee. He has a solid triple threat game with a good 1st step and he can finish through contact. His game has expanded to the 3-point line, although his shot is a bit of a set shot. Looks like a solid Big West, WCC, Mountain West 4-man. [player_tooltip player_id="680250" first="Jaden" last="Byers"] (Rancho Christian) 2021, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds [caption id="attachment_1026335" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Jaden-Byers.jpeg?1596216318820"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1026335" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Jaden-Byers-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Byers is an explosive PG prospect who has improved his pace.[/caption] Joel’s Take: The slick lefty has matured as a prospect each and every season. He is learning to play more on balance and not just one speed—fast. Byers is an explosive point guard prospect who is more about scoring than passing, but he can deliver the nifty asisst—both in transition as well as in the half court set. He gets great lift on his jump shot and his shot has become more consistent. Continuing to learn how to play the positon while operating under multiple speeds will elevate his game. [player_tooltip player_id="747085" first="Lamaj" last="Lewis"] (St. John Bosco) 2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds Joel’s Take: One of the more intriguing prospects in this class is Lewis. He is a multi-positional player with impressive ball skills, a potent mid-range scoring package, and he posseses excellent length. At times he was the primary ball-handler for his high school team and he can create offense as well. Do I see him as future point guard? Not sure. But he does have the ball skills and feel to be one. However, he needs to improve the range and consistency on his jump shot. [player_tooltip player_id="839205" first="Christian" last="Johnson"] (Lynwood) 2021, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds [caption id="attachment_1026337" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Christian-Johnson.jpeg?1596216431096"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1026337" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Christian-Johnson-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Johnson is a bully-ball PG who can score and facilitate[/caption] Joel’s Take: Johnson is a physical point guard who plays with a strong mindset at all times. He can “bully-ball” with the best of them—utilizing his tight handle and strength to get to the rim. He stays low while attacking and is equally effective going left or right and his pull-up game is potent. His jump shot is tight out to the stripe and his release is solid. [player_tooltip player_id="951271" first="Blake" last="Lander"] (Beverly Hills) 2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds Joel’s Take: Lander, who has a twin (Blane) who has some skills as well, had a nice outing at this event. The blue collar 3/4 can knock in the 3-pointer and he gets nice lift on his shot. He showed good ball skills in the open court and he made good decisions as well. He can face up his defender and attack and he finished with dexterity around the rim.