Classic at Damien: The Next Step

Joel Francisco

January 9, 2022 @ 12:37 PM

Classic at Damien: The Next Step LA VERNE, CA—Despite a surge of Covid over the Southland, the Classic at Damien persevered with some outstanding games and talent galore—especially the underclassmen. There were some senior standouts like Colorado State-bound Jack Payne (Owyhee/ID) and Fresno State-bound [player_tooltip player_id="1176080" first="Joseph" last="Hunter"] (Damien) as well as some scintillating underclassmen like 2024 Vyctorius Miller (Crean Lutheran) and 2025 Jovani Ruff (LB Poly). In this segment, we will focus on an area of the game that can improve the stock of the following prospects. In this segment, we will focus on some talented prospects that have an area of the game that needs to attention to take their game to another level. [player_tooltip player_id="996386" first="Jimmy" last="Baker"] (Etiwanda) 2023, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds Joel’s Take: Baker is slowly, but assuredly, getting better at all aspects of the point guard position. He can break down his defender with a swift crossover and his burst is quick. Once in the lane his drop-off passes are high-level or he can kick it out to an open shooter. He manages the game well, but his 3-point shot needs to improve to take his game to another level. [player_tooltip player_id="748737" first="Roddie" last="Anderson"] (Fountain Valley) 2022, PG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds Joel’s Take: Anderson, who signed with UC San Diego, has the strength and speed to be a solid Division 1 point guard. He pushes the ball well in the open court, can carry guys on his hips while attacking, and can convert in the lane. His jump shot needs to get more consistent, but it’s his decision-making (plays too fast) that can make him turnover prone. However, with his competitive spirit, these areas should improve. [player_tooltip player_id="1013422" first="Tyler" last="Bey"] (Fairfax) 2022, PF, 6-foot-7, 180 pounds Joel’s Take: One of the more intriguing prospects of the event was Bey. He is a willowy 4/3 who has a solid skillset and overall feel for the game. His quickness around the rim is evident with his ability to get numerous put-backs and he shows good hands while operating in the paint. His ability to face up and slash to the rim is impressive and he shows a nice touch from the elbow. With added strength and improved ball skills against pressure, he should be a Division 1 player someday. [player_tooltip player_id="994974" first="Maurice" last="Wright"] (Santa Clarita Christian) 2023, PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Maurice-Wright-Jr.jpeg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1010387 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Maurice-Wright-Jr-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Joel’s Take: Wright has been on the recruiting radar for quite some time due to his speed and his ability to finish in transition. He plays the lead guard position, but he is a scorer first and foremost. The speed and quickness are evident. However, the decision-making needs an overhaul. Improving his pace (plays at one speed) and improving his overall feel for the game (forces the issue) will improve his stock.