NorCal Clash 2021: 2022 Players

Britt Wright August 30, 2021 @ 01:35 AM

The 12th Annual NorCal Clash hosted by Gerry Freitas, was held at Cornerstone Christian HS, in Antioch California, Sunday afternoon. A game with top players from the class of 2022, and 2023 competing against each other. All the players that participated are in the top 25 of the PH rankings system. Here’s our recap. Class of 2022 defeats the Class of 2023, 102-92 2022 MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="766848" first="Takai" last="Emerson-Hardy"] 6’7 Forward of Vanden HS Emerson-Hardy was a dominant force in the 2nd half. He reminded us that he's hard to guard in the post area. He was dominate down the stretch with his strength in the post area. He combined his post work with good mid-post face-up moves, including a nice step back jumper, then he nailed a big 3 in the corner down the stretch sealing the deal. 11/17 shooting, 5 steals, 3 assists, 4/6 FTA, 27pts. The Producer: [player_tooltip player_id="1266054" first="Derrick" last="Claxton"] 6’7 Guard of Inderkum HS. We hadn’t seen much of Claxton this Summer, he played on the UA Circuit with most of his games out of state, and against quality competition. He showed us why he’s a next level player at this event. Good players usually make the shots they take. He was an efficient 11/13 FG. He has a consistent mid-range jumper, he scores off the dribble, and finishes well in traffic, and transition. 23 points 7 rebounds. Mr. Versatile: [player_tooltip player_id="947816" first="Miles" last="Byrd"] 6’7 Point Forward of Lincoln HS. Byrd reminded us that he doesn’t really have a defined position just yet. Just for position purposes we’ll call him a Point-Forward. He has the handling, vision, and passing skills of a guard, he makes long and strong passes up and across the court. His length defending, and rebounding, makes him a forward. He plays with good tempo, and let’s the game come to him, and his skill set. 8/12 for 16 pts, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and more than 4 blocks. Fun to Watch: Jo Jo Murphy 6’2 Guard of Piedmont HS. Besides having a quality set of guard skills, Murphy is fun to watch. He has plenty of moves with the ball that frees him up for dazzling finishes around the basket, and freezes post defenders. He's got some shiftiness, and a good stop, and go move to throw you off balance. He was 6/14 for 13 pts, his passing, and rebounding can’t be dismissed 9 rebounds 4 assists. Mr. Combo Guard: [player_tooltip player_id="766845" first="Jeremiah" last="Dargan"] 6’5 CG of Clayton Valley HS Dargan fits the combo-guard as well as any player at this event. He showed his all-around guard skills. Showcasing his handles in open court, finishing drives at the rim, and hitting his pull-up jumpers. He’s effective working his way inside. 4/9 for 8 pts. He’s a guard that rebounds, he had 5. Mr. Fundamental: [player_tooltip player_id="1232319" first="Aidan" last="Braccia"] 6’1 PG of Sacrd Heart Prep HS. Braccia just goes out and plays fundamental hoops when he’s on the court. He’s an efficient player who has that hidden killer instinct. He was a solid contributor early in the first half of this game, with his ability to knock down open shots half court or transition, and find open cutters. His mid-range game is consistent. 8 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 stl. Notable 2022 Players in this Game: [player_tooltip player_id="947394" first="Austin" last="Johnson"] 6’4 Shooting Guard of Salesian Prep HS. 3/7 for 7pts, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. [player_tooltip player_id="1118704" first="Demarreya" last="Lewis-Cooper"] 6’0 PG of Enterprise HS.