A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Sierra Canyon (Part 1)

Odom is a best on the inside, but has a nice touch from the perimeter too.

Joel Francisco

February 17, 2022 @ 10:55 AM

A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Sierra Canyon (Part 1) CHATSWORTH, Ca—Many believed Sierra Canyon would roll over the visiting Mater Dei Monarchs. However, Gary McKnight and his well-coached team had other ideas. It was a back-and-forth affair much of the game with each team trying to claw their way to the lead. But the game’s momentum switched briefly as Mater Dei took a six-point lead (50-44) deep into the 4th quarter. However, UCLA signee [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"] had other ideas as he went on a personal blitz where he willed his team to a come-from-behind victory, 60-53. MVP [player_tooltip player_id="748740" first="Amari" last="Bailey"] (Sierra Canyon) 2022, G, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds Joel’s take: Bailey is a multi-dimensional player who impacts the game in multiple ways. The high-flying guard—who signed with UCLA—took over the game when Mater Dei went up by six points with less than 5 minutes to go. He attacked off the dribble, carried defenders on his hip, and had some spectacular drives and finishes. His mid-range pull-up is tight, but he’ll need to get his 3-point shot clicking for the next level. Man on a mission [player_tooltip player_id="748761" first="Jack" last="McCloskey"] (Mater Dei) 2022, G, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds Joel’s take: The Monarchs needed some players to step up and McCloskey did just that with his 19-point outburst. What stood out the most was his fearless mindset. He attacked off the dribble, nailed some beautiful pull-ups, and he converted some deep 3s as well. Overall, his performance was efficient and much-needed as the Monarchs almost pulled off the monumental upset. Sharp-shooter Kaden Minter (Mater Dei) 2022, G, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds Joel’s Take: While teammate McCloskey was drilling in jump shot after jump shot, the Monarchs needed another catalyst and they received one from senior standout Minter. He tossed in a clutch-worthy 13-points—some of which was of the difficult variety. The slender wing has grown exponentially in the past year and has the skill set to make an impact at the college level. 1st half blitz [player_tooltip player_id="992475" first="Bronny" last="James"] (Sierra Canyon) 2023, G, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds Joel’s take: James was arguably the best player in the game in the 1st half as impacted the game in many ways, especially offensively. The gifted combo-guard converted from all three levels including a textbook pull-up in the key and a slashing drive in transition. His 3-point shot looked smooth and he dropped a “dime” in the paint area that I’m sure made his dad proud. Unfortunately, an apparent hip injury kept him on the sideline in the 2nd half. Inside-and-Out [player_tooltip player_id="954225" first="Shy" last="Odom"] (Sierra Canyon) 2023, F, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds Joel’s take: "Mr. Steady" has garnered that label through the years at Sierra Canyon. The inside-out power forward has been a symbol of consistency for the Trailblazers as they work their way to a possible championship. Odom (pictured) is a burly forward who can punish his defenders on the inside utilizing his chiseled frame, good hands, and length. If he isn’t finishing through contact he can step out to the elbow or even beyond and knock the jump shot. He pretty much did a little bit of everything in this one--and the Trailblazers needed it to get past the feisty Monarchs.