Francisco’s Finest: Etiwanda vs Damien (Part 2)

Joel Francisco

May 11, 2021 @ 08:45 PM

Francisco’s Finest: Etiwanda vs Damien (Part 2) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA-When league rivals Etiwanda and Damien clash, you know it’s going to be a doozy—and that is exactly what transpired as Etiwanda pulled out a stunning victory to 56-53. USC-bound [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"], who dropped in a game-high 34-points, nailed a clutch 3-pointer for the Spartans to knot things up at 53. However, after nice pass from [player_tooltip player_id="680197" first="Jahmai" last="Mashack"], [player_tooltip player_id="951215" first="Darvelle" last="Wyatt"] hit the game-winner for the Eagles. Mr. Motor [player_tooltip player_id="680197" first="Jahmai" last="Mashack"] (Etiwanda) 2021, SF, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds Joel’s Take: Mashack, who is headed to Tennessee, ran into some foul trouble in the 1st half due to some over-zealous play. He needs to utilize the jump stop and play more on balance when attacking the rim. However, his motor is one of the traits that I love about his game. He is a high-level defender who can guard multiple positions and he is one of the better rebounders at his position on the West Coast. Inside-Out [player_tooltip player_id="748777" first="RJ" last="Smith"] (Damien) 2022, SF, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds [caption id="attachment_792137" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/07/RJ-Smith.png"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-792137" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/07/RJ-Smith-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Smith has added a consistent jump shot to his terrific all-around game.[/caption] Joel’s Take: One of the better juniors in Southern California is Smith. The rangy wing-type impacts the game in multiple ways. He has a terrific demeanor who never gets to up or down during the game. He can nail the 3-point shot, deliver the look ahead pas, and finish in the post over length. On the rise Jimmy Oladokun (Damien) 2023, PF, 6-foot-8, 190 pounds Joel’s take: One of the fastest rising sophomores in the Southern California region is Oladokun. The lengthy 3-man has a willowy frame with very good length. He has excellent timing as a rim protector and rebounder and he can get out in transition and finish. He showed an improved touch from the elbow, had a nice post-finish, and showed some ball skills as well. Speed Kills [player_tooltip player_id="996386" first="Jimmy" last="Baker"] (Etiwanda) 2023, PG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds Joel’s Take: Baker looks to be one of the better sophomore point guard prospects in Southern California. His speed is high-level as he blew by multiple defenders in the open court as well as off the dribble. One of his better moves was a slick crossover where he got into the teeth of the defense for the finish. Not to mention he displayed a solid pull-up at the elbow in transition.