A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Sierra Canyon (Part 2)

Joel Francisco

February 17, 2022 @ 09:59 PM

A Scout’s Take: Mater Dei vs Sierra Canyon (Part 2) 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. Mid-range touch Top Soph Isaiah Elohim (Sierra Canyon) 2024, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds Joel’s take: One of the better sophomores in the country is Elohim. The powerful scoring guard was particularly efficient, but he had his foot on the gas the whole game with no hesitation. His mid-range pull-up is high level and he can explode to the rim for the big flush. He does play a bit too fast at times and can force the issue a bit too much, but he does have some Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets) in him. [player_tooltip player_id="994920" first="Zack" last="Davidson"] (Mater Dei) 2023, F, 6-foot-8, 210 pounds Joel’s Take: Davidson has been fairly inconsistent in the times we have witnessed his act this season—but that was not the case in this one against powerhouse Sierra Canyon. Davidson dropped in 16-points and he accomplished this from all over the court. The skilled 4-man has a strong frame and a soft touch that extends to 20-feet. His footwork has improved in the past year and he is playing with more balance to his game. Overall, he was confident and it showed as he knocked in feathery jump shots and battled the interior for defensive rebounds and offensive put-backs. The future beholds Tee Bartlett (Mater Dei) 2025, C, 6-foot-10, 245 pounds Joel’s take: Bartlett is getting baptized into “big boy” basketball as a freshman. He has shown remarkable poise despite his experience. He showed good instincts around the basket pursuing rebounds and he had a nice put-back finish in traffic. In addition, he showed his versatility by converting a left-handed finish over USC signee [player_tooltip player_id="748680" first="Kijani" last="Wright"]. Crafty PG Dylan Metoyer (Sierra Canyon) 2023, G, 6-foot, 155 pounds Joel’s take: The quick-on-quick point guard doesn’t get many scoring opportunities, but he ran the team with aplomb. He blew by Mater Dei defenders consistently as he got into the thick of the Monarch defense. He can score at the rim utilizing his speed or snap passes to open shooters. Defensively, he caused havoc as he showed excellent lateral quickness and active hands. Beast-mode [player_tooltip player_id="748680" first="Kijani" last="Wright"] (Sierra Canyon) 2022, F, 6-foot-9, 250 pounds Joel’s take: Wright is a physical specimen who did a nice job at both ends of the floor. He carved out space in the paint area to grab rebounds and defend the paint area. A typical sequence is Wright snatching a rebound in traffic, pivoting, and smashing down a thunderous dunk. He has touch out to the elbow and his demeanor never waivers. He has the physical make-up to have an immediate impact at USC.