Fantastic 40 Top Standouts Pt. 1

<p>With the July live period over and the summer winding down, there’s still a couple of grassroots showcases going on as the transition back to regular high school basketball begins. One of those events is the Fantastic 40 which was held from Aug 5-8 at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, NV.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">I was able to catch a few games the last day on Aug 8 and here’s a quick look at some of the top talent that I saw from CA and from other states.</span></p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="748765" first="Jorge" last="Ochoa"] - Belmont Shore/La Mirada 2022</strong></p> <p>Ochoa is a player I’ve watched for a long time now since he was a freshman. Entering his senior year, he’s become an incredibly versatile player who can play multiple positions. He’s got a knack for scoring; he’s become much more comfortable with the ball in his hands and making plays. Range out to the three-point line. Able to get to the free-throw line consistently. A good rebounder too; double-double threat each game.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="781882" first="Arterio" last="Morris"] - Dallas Showtyme/Ischool Entrepreneurial Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>Morris is a Texas commit, and he was one of the best point guards I saw. He’s got a great feel running point. He’s got great court vision and he’s a solid playmaker in halfcourt sets. He’s always got his head up and he can find the open teammate. He’s a strong guard too, he gets to the rim and has good body control; strong finisher. Shoots well from 3 and he’s got a nice pull-up game. Good rebounder for a guard.</p> <p><strong>3. Hansel Emmanuel Donato - Circuit All-Stars/Life Christian Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>Donato is an explosive athlete who attacks the rim fearlessly. He’s a very good ball-handler; dribbles under control and with purpose. He slash into the paint and finish strong at the rim. Good body control; he’s an athletic finisher. He’s able to draw contact and he can get to the free-throw line. He’s solid in transition; handles the ball and has good decision making. He’s also a high level defensive player. He’s quick and can keep the player he’s guarding in front of him.</p> <p><strong>4. Josh Jefferson - Belmont Shore/Liberty 2022</strong></p> <p>Jefferson played with a very high motor. He’s a nice touch around the rim and he’s active on the glass and in the paint. He’s got some nice footwork in the post. Good offensive rebounder, gaining extra possessions and getting put-backs. He has a nice looking three-point shot. He has some playmaking in his game too; he sees the floor well and makes good reads/finds open teammates. Good ball-handler for his size.</p>