Pulliam’s Perspective: West Coast Kick-off | 8th Grade PGs
Ladera Ranch, Cal. — Prep Hoops Next treated us to an excellent line-up of floor generals in the 8th grade division at the West Coast Kick-off. The Ladera Sports Center was filled with talent over the weekend as many of…
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Continue ReadingLadera Ranch, Cal. — Prep Hoops Next treated us to an excellent line-up of floor generals in the 8th grade division at the West Coast Kick-off. The Ladera Sports Center was filled with talent over the weekend as many of the region’s top talents participated in the event. Although it was difficult to narrow this list of performers to only ten players, here are the guys that moved the needle from my perspective, and placed their stamp on the inaugural event…
Tayshawn Caesar | Las Vegas, NV | Class of 2025
Despite his size, or lack thereof, Caesar was one of the more underappreciated point guards in attendance at the West Coast Kick-off tournament. In a complementary role for his club, Caesar showed impressive end-to-end speed with the ball in his hands, and utilized his quickness to consistently beat opponents off the dribble. The West Coast Select guard did a nice job of finishing breakaway opportunities in transition and flashed proficiency with his perimeter jumper. Although he was not the primary ball-handler for his team, Caesar embraced his role, while also helping his team apply constant defensive pressure to opposing guards.
Isaiah Cunningham | Tacoma, WA | Class of 2025
It was fun to see Cunningham suit up with his hometown squad, Gametime (WA), for the West Coast Kick-off. There is some debate over his long-term “fit” as far as position is concerned, but it’s clear to me that he is most comfortable with the ball in his hands, and I love the passion with which he competes. He forces tempo and his first-step when attacking the rim is fantastic. To become a more effective facilitator, Cunningham will need to dribble less, and take more command of the offense as a whole. That said, the Washington native’s size and strength, along with his quickness form an intriguing combination of tools that bode well for the future.
Treyshawn DeGrate | San Diego, CA | Class of 2025
DeGrate is a compact lead guard who welcomed contact and showcased an absolutely relentless downhill style at the West Coast Kick-off tournament. Holding the keys to what was a fairly potent San Diego Prospects offense at times, DeGrate looked most comfortable in a free-flowing style, capitalizing on opportunities to play in transition, and utilizing his athleticism and strong build to punish defenders in the lane. He impressed throughout the weekend by finishing through contact and consistently making plays with the ball in his hands. As he becomes more comfortable playing at varying tempos his game will become more efficient.
Cameron Dyer | Rio Rancho, NM | Class of 2025
Dyer stepped up for a shorthanded JB White Elite (NM) backcourt at the West Coast Kick-off and delivered for his team in more than a few crucial moments. It’s not difficult to imagine how Dyer has managed to excel as a two-sport athlete (he also stars on the gridiron) based on his frame and approach. An excellent athlete, Dyer outmatched opposing guards physically, and did the majority of his damage offensively from within the lane. The athletic guard is an energy-giver and simply glided across the floor while proving capable of contributing in a combo role. As he tightens up his ball-handling and decision-making skills, his impact will be even greater.
Jordan Lee | Phoenix, AZ | Class of 2025
A tough-nosed floor general, Lee was easily one of the more underrated backcourt prospects in attendance at the West Coast Kick-off, and perhaps the most vocal player to take the court. An intelligent and confident ball-handler, Lee recognized defensive match-ups, and capitalized by getting his teammates the ball in timely situations. He isn’t the most physically gifted player on his squad, but it’s clear that he has earned the respect of the entire A.E.B.C. (AZ) roster and he commands his team with supreme confidence. Once Lee begins to knock down perimeter jumpers with more regularity the balanced nature of his game will be even more apparent.
Justyce Lucero | Moreno Valley, CA | Class of 2025
Lucero was mentioned as one of the top performers on opening day at the West Coast Kick-off, and now reflecting back on the event as a whole, his name still belongs on the list when discussing the better floor generals in attendance. The pressure he applied to opponents on both ends of the court was noteworthy, both as an attacking ball-handler, and pesky on-ball defender. As one of the featured players for a Team All Or Nothing (CA) backcourt loaded with talent, the shifty guard was efficient in making plays for himself and others, and remained a willing-passer for the duration of the tournament where others reverted to selfishness.
Mckel Shedrick | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Class of 2025
Arguably the revelation of the tournament among backcourt performers, Shedrick starred for Team Eleate (CA) at the West Coast Kick-off on Saturday, and closed out his weekend with some impressive flashes on Sunday. Shedrick’s style of play is a bit unorthodox, as he can be a bit rigid with the ball at times, but still manages to slip past opponents and make plays. His blend of scoring and facilitating skills, along with his size and athleticism, easily placed the Southern California native among the event’s most intriguing prospects. I’m curious to monitor Shedrick’s development and track his successes at the high school level in the coming years.
Myles Singleton | Los Angeles, CA | Class of 2025
I’ve had the opportunity to observe Singleton a number of times with Team All or Nothing (CA) during the last twelve months and his game has remained mostly consistent. He’s a competent ball-handler with an edge of toughness and his physical make-up provides him an advantage at this stage. The Northern California prospect is off to an excellent start and continues to be one of the better lead guards on the West Coast to date. However, as the physical gap shrinks, it will be up to Singleton to elevate his game by improving his offensive efficiency with refined shooting touch as well as improved pace and balance in the halfcourt.
Aidan Teasley | Tucson, AZ | Class of 2025
I liked what Teasley brought to the floor on both ends for his Arizona Select (Tucson) squad at the West Coast Kick-off tournament. An additional year prior to high school has allowed Teasley to add strength, but perhaps more importantly, it has immensely benefited his confidence. The 5-foot-10 guard spent the weekend in Southern California causing fits for opposing defenses due to his ability to attack the rim off the bounce while finding creative ways to finish and make plays for others in the lane. His jumper was a bit streaky at this particular event but Teasley still managed to mix his scoring at all three levels.
Dejon Townsend | Henderson, NV | Class of 2025
Townsend’s flashes at the West Coast Kick-off were enough to convince me that he is likely to be a smart choice as a potential “sleeper” pick among the eighth-grade point guard prospects at this particular event. Townsend stands only 5-foot-8 at this juncture, but his physical upside is apparent, as he possesses a long and lean frame; a strong indicator that he should continue to stretch out moving forward. Playing with Progress Feels Best Basketball (NV), Townsend provided only glimpses of production, but it was enough to warrant my hope that he will continue to blossom physically and solidify his confidence and consistency on the court in due time.
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