Some Sleepers in San Diego County
The SoCal region harbors one of the largest basketball talent pools in the United States and San Diego County is a prime example of this. Home to some of the best teams and talents in California a lot of players…
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Continue ReadingThe SoCal region harbors one of the largest basketball talent pools in the United States and San Diego County is a prime example of this. Home to some of the best teams and talents in California a lot of players get the recognition they deserve and move on to play at the next level but there are always guys who fly under the radar or need to be talked about more, so here are some guys who need more love in the San Diego basketball scene and/or are having some breakout seasons.
Justin Lubisich (2023) | 6-1 G/F | Poway |
Lubisich is a very complete player for the Titians who is able to do a bit of everything for them. Lubisich keeps defenders honest from a distance with his jumper and his ability to finish but Lubisich really stands out with his play without the ball in his hands. Lubisich constantly is moving on offense even when he isn’t the one with the ball flashing to the high post and corners to get himself open looks which he makes efficiently when facing both man and zone defenses. Lubisich exhibits great mental toughness not allowing his game to be affected when games get chippy and looks to continue his steady play for the Titans this season
David Angulo (2022) | 5-11 G | Poway |
Angulo has moved into a big role for the Titans this season. Angulo has always been a great shooter for the Titans with his quick jumper and still is but now he has become the lead-ball handler and floor general for Poway. Angulo has embraced this role and effectively gets the Titans into their offensive sets and creates open looks for his teammates. Outside of his shooting ability Angulo has no issues driving into the lane using floaters over bigger defenders and utilizes a reliable pull-up jumper. On the defensive end, Angulo is a pesky defender who covers the other team’s main ball handler all game and utilizes his quickness to stay in front of the ball. Angulo is having a strong senior year as Poway starts the home stretch going into league play.
Jace Runge (2022) | 6-2 SG/SF | Del Norte |
Runge is a lights-out shooter for an impressive Night Hawks squad. His shooting ability allows him to be a great weapon as a catch and shoot player and after he has hit a few he takes attention off his teammates when the defense can’t help off of him. Runge has also shown the ability to be more than a three-point shooter as he takes and makes tough mid-range jumpers and can finish at the rim when needed. Runge uses his height to his advantage skying in for rebounds and shooting over smaller defenders and shows why he is a perfect complimentary piece to his Del Norte teammates.
Jack Williams (2022) | 6-6 C | Del Norte
On a very flashy Del Norte squad Williams is a steady rock. Williams cleans up misses with his great rebounding using his strength to box out opposing players and it seems like he is always getting a hand on the ball when it is up for grabs rarely giving up an offensive rebound. He may not take very many shots but Williams has touch around the rim with post hooks and is a great operator from the high post being able to hit open jumpers from there and find cutting teammates. On defense, Williams is always in the right place and is an imposing force blocking and affecting shots making the paint a tough place to score for their opponents. Williams is a huge part of a Del Norte team heading into league with momentum looking to make some noise.
Keian Spandonis (2023) | 5-10 G | Otay Ranch
Spandonis is one of the key parts of Otay Ranch’s offense. A good shot-creator Spandonis scores with a variety of moves and his ability to stop on a dime and consistently hit tough pull-up jumpers regardless of a contest make him a tough guy to guard. Spandonis also isn’t afraid to take and make shots from a few feet behind the three-point line showing the confidence he has in his shooting ability. Spandonis is also a major part of the press the Mustangs run as he has a knack for being able to direct ball handlers into traps giving his team ample opportunities to force turnovers. As one of the main ball handlers for Otay Ranch Spandonis is very good at keeping the turnover count low for the Mustangs showing his ability to be the lead-guard and initiate the offense. Spandonis and Otay Ranch head into Mesa league play to compete for a league title as he continues an impressive junior year.
Elijah Newsome (2023) | 6-0 G | Otay Ranch
Newsome is energy personified into a basketball player and the most active player on the court at all times for the Mustangs on both ends. On the defensive end, Newsome plays blanket coverage on his matchup fullcourt and racks up steals. Newsome keeps his same defensive intensity uptempo for the entire game as when teams are on their last legs he is still seemingly at full stamina trapping players in their press and ripping the ball from them. Newsome also brings that same energy to the offensive end as he drives to the paint with ease displaying his athleticism while finishing at the rim and drawing lots of fouls getting to the free-throw line where he is an excellent 86% on the season. Newsome is also capable of knocking down open jumpers when not taking the ball all the way to the rack. Newsome is showing why he should be a name to know after a great performance at the Holiday Classic and will look to keep building on a promising season.
Dylan Walls (2022) | 6-2 G | Sage Creek
Walls joins a strong Sage Creek team coming off a CIF D3 and State 5-AA title last season and brings them an extra punch as they look to find similar success this year. Walls is very crafty on the offensive end being able to effectively score from all three levels and is deadly in the pick-and-roll where he is able to create space and hit pull-up jumpers at a high rate as well as find teammates rolling to the basket. Walls is deceptively strong and will take the ball all the way to the rim and finish through defenders. Wall is also very good at utilizing hesitations to get past defenders as well as using his body to block them off and draw fouls when pulling up for shots. A change of scenery is looking to lead to a breakout senior year for the transfer who looks to give the Bobcats a shot in going back to back.
Vishal Jayanthi (2022) | 6-4 PG/F | Sage Creek
Jayanthi enters his senior season as one of the most intriguing prospects in San Diego who continues to improve and impress. The biggest returner from that championship-winning Bobcat team from last season Jayanthi has the it factor as a basketball player. Standing at a lanky 6-4 Jayanthi’s ball-handling skills for his size are impressive as he has no problem taking the ball coast to coast and up the court, as well as breaking down slower defenders due to him being a constant mismatch. Jayanthi has a smooth jumper and he effectively shoots off the catch, dribble, and off screens from all over the court. Despite his wiry frame Jayanthi is a capable finisher at the rim and is very athletic throwing down dunks and lobs when the opportunity arises. Jayanthi gives the Bobcats the best chance they’ve had to do what has never been done yet in the history of their basketball program, win a league title