Boston City League Standouts: Volume III

Liam Gantrish

February 18, 2021 @ 12:23 PM

Our series on the top players in the BCL continues with a look a four standout guards from four different schools. Here are their evaluations: Juan Salas | New Mission | 6’1” | Combo Guard | 2021 Salas is a knock-down shooter, who can make plays off the dribble for himself and others. His stroke is quick and compact, he needs little space to get it off, and he makes shots from well beyond the 3PT line. He hits catch-and-shoot threes, from a standstill and on the move, and also connects on pull-up threes. While he doesn’t burst into the lane or explode to the rim, he has a tight, crafty handle and knows how to use his body around the rim. He’s also adept at reading the defense and makes quick, smart passes off a live dribble, especially in transition. On the defensive end, his feet move well laterally, his hands are active, and he defends with effort and intensity. In a recent win over East Boston, he dropped 25 points, including four made threes. Mason Lawson | Latin Academy | 6’1” | Point Guard | 2021 Lawson is a primary ball-handler and playmaker, with a college-ready frame and long arms. He’s patient and under control with the ball, has a nice hesitation move, and changes speeds well. He has good court vision, makes accurate passes on the move, and is effective in PnR. He likes to get downhill in transition, finishes with either hand on drives, and can create his own shot. He’s a reliable shooter, off the catch or dribble, from mid-range, and behind the 3PT line. He’s also an aggressive, physical on-ball defender, who gets up into his man and is tough to beat. He doesn’t need to score to impact the game and routinely fills up the stat sheet with assists, rebounds, and steals. He helped lead the Dragons to a 21-5 record and a BCL title game appearance last season and has helped guide them to a 6-0 start to his senior season. Ethan Daleba | Burke | 6’4” | Guard-Forward | 2022 Daleba is a long, athletic wing, who college coaches need to know. He excels in the open floor, finishes off effortless euro steps, and easily dunks off the dribble or a lob. In the half-court, he attacks with force, finishes through contact, and lives at the FT line. His jumper is smooth, with a quick release and good elevation, and he hits off the catch or dribble out to 3PT range. He’s a capable ball-handler and is developing as a playmaker, but needs to slow down at times. On defense, he moves his feet well on the perimeter, blocks shots around the rim, and is great at jumping passing lanes. He was a key member of Burke’s D3 state title team last season and has already had games this season with 38, 36, 25, and 24 points. Roni Andujar Jr. | East Boston | 6’0” | Guard | 2022 Andujar is a long-range shooter, who also shows promise as a playmaker off the dribble. His jumper is smooth, compact, with high arc and soft touch, and has deep 3PT range. He hits jumpers off the catch and dribble and isn’t bothered by a hand in his face. He’s a strong, deceptive ball-handler, who can get into his shot, get to the rim for physical finishes, or whip passes to teammates off the bounce at a moment’s notice. He also doesn’t give up on plays and keeps playing hard no matter the score. If he can take his strength and athleticism to the next level, his game and potential should make a significant jump. As a sophomore, he averaged 20 PPG and had a game with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.