Nike Extravaganza: Taft vs Orange Lutheran (A Scout’s Take)
Nike Extravaganza: Taft vs Orange Lutheran (A Scout’s Take) SANTA ANA, Ca—The XXVII annual Nike Extravaganza pit together arguably the most talented team in the LA City Section in Taft against one of the better teams in Orange County. In…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNike Extravaganza: Taft vs Orange Lutheran (A Scout’s Take)
SANTA ANA, Ca—The XXVII annual Nike Extravaganza pit together arguably the most talented team in the LA City Section in Taft against one of the better teams in Orange County. In the end, Orange Lutheran would pull away in the 2nd half 66-54. The Lancers utilized a sound half-court offense to free the terrific shooting tandem of seniors Seth Brown and Blake Brewer, who poured in 21 and 20-points, respectively. A.J. Johnson would pace the Toreadors with 21-points as he scored in a variety of ways.
On the Rise
A.J. Johnson (Taft)
2023, G, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Johnson is a slim point guard prospect who has grown steadily through the years both on and off the court. He has a slick handle, changes speed well, and can get to the basket utilizing his burst. His pull-up game is evolving and he’s a crafty finisher and passer as well. His pull-up jump shot is consistent, but he needs to be more on balance when launching his 3-point shot. He has the length and lateral quickness to be a lockdown defender, but his effort at that end needs consistency.
Sharp Shooters
Seth Brown (Orange Lutheran)
2022, SG, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Although Brown was 3-of-11 from the 3-point stripe, his jump shot mechanics are technically sound. He squares up well for his shot and his release is tight. He dropped in 21-points utilizing his strong frame and showed his consistency of putting up points in the paint area. Not to mention he moves very well without the ball as well.
Blake Brewer (Orange Lutheran)
2022, SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Brewer has a fairly rangy frame with solid length and he’s a good athlete. He impacts the game with his shooting touch (8-of-13 fga) and rebounding (9 rebounds). He moves well without the ball showing solid quickness off the dribble, and his jump shot was smooth (4-of-6 from 3).
The Next Step
Keyon Kensie Keyon Kensie 6'7" | SF Taft | 2023 State CA-S Jr (Taft)
2023, WF, 6-foot-7, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more athletic prospects in Southern California is Kensie. The high-flying wing runs like a deer and can finish well-above the rim. He attacks well off the dribble (quick 1st step) and he excels in transition as well. However, his overall skill set and feel for the game needs to improve if he is to be an impact in college. His handle is needs to tighten up (dribbles too high) and he needs to play with a better pace (change speeds).
Freshman Intrigue
John Gozanniga (Orange Lutheran)
2025, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gozanniga is an all-around athlete who has excelled at many other sports including football, baseball, and water polo. He is a burly power forward type with broad shoulders, good length, and he’s got a hot motor. He likes to bang inside the paint area, shows good hands, and his passing acumen is impressive. While he still quite raw on the offensive end, he can knock down the elbow jump shot and rebound in and out of his area.