SFBC at The League of Legends in Arizona

<p>It looks like there’s a chance we’ll play high school basketball in California sometime in May. This was a great opportunity for this team to venture out to the dessert, and play together with what looked like their full squad for the first time. SFBC (Riordan) went 5-0 for the event, and showed us early, they’ll be one of the better teams in NorCal. They had a good group who started the games, and got solid production from it’s bench. When we breakdown this team you have to start with:</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946524" first="Robert" last="Vaihola"] 6’7</strong></em>.  The unsigned senior Forward continues to play at a high level when he’s on the court. In the games we saw, he was the dominant player on the court. His overall improvement has vaulted him into a go to guy on this team. His calm approach, and consistency was notable. He’s an excellent passer from the post, his vision, and those big hands allowed him to whip the ball around the half court with one hand finding spot up shooters, and cutters repeatedly.  He averaged close to a double double. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="947393" first="Mor" last="Seck"].  </strong></em>The<em><strong> 7’0 </strong></em>Center can be a game changer for this team. He’s made noticeable progress overall. His presence on the defensive side of the ball is there, he doesn’t go for the fake as often, and still blocks shots. His footwork in the post area is improved, he’s developed a jump hook, and a jumper in the key. When he start converting those shots in the paint he’ll open things up for the rest of his teammates. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="775775" first="Lee" last="Hubbard"] III, The 6’2 Point guard</strong></em> has upped his game, he’s bulked up a bit, and is showing improvement across the board. He’s become more aggressive looking for his scoring opportunities, while using good shot selection on his new, and improved mid-range jumper that he used quite often at this event, along with his usual point guard duties, as the teams primary handler, and facilitator.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="950742" first="King" last="Wilhite"] 6’0 Guard</strong></em>. There’s no questioning the skills, and ability that <em><strong>Wilhite</strong></em> posses will be an upgrade to this team. He’s one of NorCal’s top prospects in the 2023 class. His ability to get into the paint, scoring from the wings or the top, puts added pressure on the defense, plus he can hit the outside shot. It’s early, the transfer from Saint Ignatius is learning how to play with his new teammates. </p> <p><em><strong>Emilis Butkus 6’6 C/O 2022 Forward</strong></em>. A newcomer I haven’t seen before, he played good basketball throughout this event. He’s what I call the X factor. No flash, no flare just good solid fundamental play on both ends of the court. He’s a solid body with some toughness who’ll rebound, defend, and score in the post area. He’s a willing passer, and will fill the lanes. I’ll have to see more.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1119277" first="Zion" last="Sensley"] 6’8 Wing 2024</strong></em>. The long slender Freshman gives a good indication that he’s ready to be a contributor to this team. He has a good skill set for a Freshman of his size. He has 3pt range, and looks to shoot it from the wings, and corner. He was a bit more active on the boards, and did well in transition. </p> <p><em><strong>Antonio Arenas 5’10 Guard 2023</strong></em> was a solid contributor off the bench. He’s a good ball handler, with a good shot from 3. He played well off the ball, often spotting up for 3’s in the corner and wings, and taking it inside.  His on ball defense was good.</p> <p><em><strong>Brendan Passanisi 6’6 Power Forward 2022</strong></em>. A big body who takes up space in the paint, and will be more effective when he learns how to use his body. He’ll work for rebounds on both ends, make good passes. He had some nice put backs working the boards. He’s an improving prospect. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>