Best of the West Shootout: 17u Standouts (Pt. 3)
The Pangos Best of the West Shootout was one of very few club basketball events to take place in Southern California due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The event featured some solid SoCal-based programs and individual talents at Ladera Sports Center…
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Continue ReadingThe Pangos Best of the West Shootout was one of very few club basketball events to take place in Southern California due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The event featured some solid SoCal-based programs and individual talents at Ladera Sports Center in South Orange County. Below is my third set of standouts from the 17u level games I was able to get my eyes on. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
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Caleb Nelson Caleb Nelson 6'7" | SF Carlsbad | 2021 State CA-S , 2021, Coastal Elite Slayers – One of the more important aspects of the game Nelson needed to fine tune was his three-point shooting and he’s shown that he’s working on that. The 6-foot-6 forward displayed a smoother stroke, improved release point and timing and better understanding of how to move without the ball to create the best passing angle for his guards. Nelson still plays with the physicality and high motor that made him an effective high school player.
Tyson Robinson Tyson Robinson 6'0" | CG El Camino | 2021 State CA-S , 2021, Coastal Elite Slayers – Robinson was another Coastal Slayers’ guard who put on a high level display of two-way basketball. The 6-foot senior is one of the better perimeter defenders in the area as his on-ball pressure, quick hands and feet allow him to disrupt ball handlers and passing lanes to create turnovers.
Oziyah Sellers Oziyah Sellers 6'3" | SG Modesto Christian | 2022 #162 Nation CA-S , 2022, Southern California Academy – Sellers was one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in this event. The former Modesto Christian guard is a crafty and high IQ primary ball-handler who plays with good pace and poise under pressure. The 6-foot-3 junior has a consistent one and two-dribble pull-up jumper, but also understands how to operate out of high-ball screen action. Sellers’ change of pace and shiftiness help him probe the lane and find open shooters with his vision.
RJ Smith RJ Smith 6'4" | CG Damien | 2022 State CA-S , 2022, Prodigy Elite – Smith is a guy who just continues to get better in every aspect of the game. The 6-foot-4 guard/forward made an early impact at a high high school level due to his basketball IQ and ability to rebound and defend, so it was good to see he’s improved his offensive game in this event. Smith looked much more confident as a primary ball handler and play-maker, but even more importantly, he was knocking down perimeter jump shots with regularity while still maintaining those intangible qualities.
Malik Thomas Malik Thomas 6'3" | SG Damien | 2021 State #99 Nation CA-S , 2021, Veritas – Thomas will finish his high school career among the top pure scorers I’ve seen in SoCal and he showed plenty of that in this event. The 6-foot-3 USC-bound shooting guard can get you a bucket in every way imaginable from a pull-up three-pointer to a catch-and-shoot triple to a physical downhill drive and finish in transition. The next step for Thomas as he prepares for the Pac-12 Conference is to make those second level reads and tighten up his passing and playmaking for teammates.