NorCal Clash : Top 2023 Players

Britt Wright August 30, 2021 @ 01:15 PM

The 12th Annual Nor Cal Clash took place August 29, at Cornerstone Christian HS in Antioch, CA. It’s a game featuring top NorCal players in the classes of 2022, and 2023. In this article we’ll dive into the top players from the 2023 class who had standout performances in this annual event promoted by Gerry Freitas. Class of 2022 defeated the Class of 2023 102 to 92 2023 MVPs: If the 2023 players would have won the game, the choice for MVP would have come down to 6’6 [player_tooltip player_id="1255651" first="Joseph" last="Kennedy"], a forward from University and [player_tooltip player_id="951341" first="Yaqub" last="Mir"] a 6’3 Combo guard of Granite Bay HS. Both players were playing at a high level throughout this contest keeping it close in the first half down by 4 at the half 68-72. Mir put together a consistent floor game showing off his of combo guard skills throughout the game with good shooting and a solid display of passing, and decision making. He shot 7/18 from the floor, 6-8 FTA, and finished with 22pts, while Kennedy was very productive with his inside/out game. He displayed a quality set of finishing moves around the basket, and the ability to venture out and knock down 3’s at the top and corners. Kennedy’s rebounding should be noted he was the games leader on the boards with 10. He finish with a high percentage as well scoring on 10-13 from the field for 23 pts to lead this group.   New comers: The Twins, It was our first look in person at Elijah, and Elliot Mobley of Weston Ranch HS. The 6’0 guards proved to be a duo that’s going to cause problems for any opponents they come up against. To point out the strengths of each would be a disservice at this time, just know, they are a Must See Duo who scrap, and get after it on both ends of the court with their style of play, and compliment each other well, that’s twins for ya. Together they combined for 6/12 for 12pts, 10 rebounds, 5 on the offense, and 4 steals. Disruptive set. We’ll see them again.   The Guards: [player_tooltip player_id="1255841" first="Leroy" last="Bryant"] 6’0 PG of Rodriquez, and [player_tooltip player_id="951935" first="Ahmaree" last="McCullough"] 5’10 guard of Oakland Tech. Both players were very effective in the 5 out sets they ran. During one stretch in the 2nd half McCullouch looked as though he was taking over the game repeatedly attacking the paint, and challenging defenders. He was 5/8 FGA, 3/3 FTA, with 4 rebounds. He finished with 15 pts. [player_tooltip player_id="1255841" first="Leroy" last="Bryant"] is a two sport athlete who loves to just beat his man off the dribble, using his handles, and quickness to give him an edge anywhere on the court. He puts defenders on skates, and can rattle a ball handler with his quick hands. He repeatedly worked his way into the paint, using his pull-up jumper. He finished 5/11 FGA, 13pts, 5 rebounds, 1stl.   Intriguing Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id="950894" first="Jordan" last="Bobo"] 6’7 Forward of Grant HS. A long forward with a skill set to play on the perimeter, and get some work done in the post area. He had good shot attempts 3/14, showing a mid-range jumper, and having decent form spotting up from a distance. More importantly Bobo showed himself to be a rising player in this class, with more strength, and skill work his productivity will rise. He’ll rebound, 7 in this game, he can be a good defender when locked in, and he’ll change some shots.