Francisco’s Finest: Mater Dei vs Damien (Part 2)

Smith has added a consistent jump shot to his terrific all around game.

Joel Francisco

June 18, 2021 @ 02:36 PM

Francisco’s Finest: Mater Dei vs Damien (Part 2) SANTA ANA, Ca—The Monarchs of Mater Dei started off the game—and most of the 1st half for that matter—on a torrid shooting start, most notably USC signee [player_tooltip player_id="680209" first="Harrison" last="Hornery"]. Hornery, who finished with 24-points, bagged eighteen of those points in the 1st half. However, the Spartans of Damien withstood that onslaught and stayed patient as they cut into that lead slowly, but assuredly behind up-and-coming junior [player_tooltip player_id="748777" first="RJ" last="Smith"] (21-points). Eventually, USC signee [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"] hit some key buckets in the second half while Spivey Word hit the biggest basket of the night as he put Damien up for good as the Spartans upset Mater Dei 63-60 in the 1st round of the CIFSS Open Division Playoffs. Inside-Out [player_tooltip player_id="748777" first="RJ" last="Smith"] (Damien) 2022, SF, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds Joel’s Take: Smith is slowly, but assuredly, becoming one of the elite wings on the West Coast. In this tilt with the Monarchs, he scored from all three levels—including a runner, a pull-up fade away, and some clutch jump shots in the 2nd half to lead his team back into contention. He is one of those players that a coach doesn’t have to worry about him showing up mentally every game. Due to his moxie and developing skillset he should be one of the heavily recruited wings in the 2022 class. [player_tooltip player_id="747083" first="Nick" last="Davidson"] (Mater Dei) 2021, PF, 6-foot-9, 230 pounds Joel’s Take: One of the more steady players in the state is Davidson. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact on the game. He is a force on the boards, is stellar in a pick and roll offensive set, and he has good hands. His ability to finish with both hands and exhibit a nice touch from the perimeter are also parts of his game that are sound. [player_tooltip player_id="748751" first="Harry" last="Han"] (Damien) 2022, CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds Joel’s Take: Han comes off the bench for the Spartans and had some quality moments in a big game. He hit a big 3-pointer and his shot looks solid. He has solid ball skills and a good feel for the game. With Nickelberry moving on, he should play a vital backcourt role with Spivey Word next season. Scotty Belnap (Mater Dei) 2024, 6-foot-4, 165 pounds Joel’s take: With the three studs ([player_tooltip player_id="680195" first="Wilhelm" last="Breidenbach"], [player_tooltip player_id="680209" first="Harrison" last="Hornery"], [player_tooltip player_id="747083" first="Nick" last="Davidson"]) moving on, Belnap will have to step up in a big way next season. The long and skilled wing has solid ball skills and is one of the better-looking shooters in Orange County. He sets up his shot well and his release looks textbook. He can get to the rim and with added strength in transition, he should be a force sooner than later.