Battle at the Bay: Underclass Standouts
SAN DIEGO — The Battle at the Bay showcase event organized by Mission Bay head coach Marshawn Cherry is always loaded with matchups among some of the best teams and prospects in all of San Diego. The 4th edition lived…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSAN DIEGO — The Battle at the Bay showcase event organized by Mission Bay head coach Marshawn Cherry is always loaded with matchups among some of the best teams and prospects in all of San Diego. The 4th edition lived up to its billing as one of the top in-season events in SoCal high school basketball. In this piece we take a look at some of the underclass standouts from the event.
Brycen MacKenzie, 2024, Santa Fe Christian – MacKenzie and the SFC team as a whole didn’t put together their best performance, but he flashed his high basketball IQ and playmaking skills off the bounce that make him one of the best sophomore guards in the region. MacKenzie is more than just a game-managing savant, however, as he can pick spots to score with drives to the basket and mid-range jumpers.
Charlie Hutchison, 2024, Mission Bay – Hutchison is an intriguing stretch-four type player who can also slide down to the three spot at the high school level. At 6-feet-6, the sophomore has a smooth shooting stroke from behind the arc and at the mid-range level which fits in well with a Mission Bay team filled with good drivers and kickers.
Jack Jillson, 2024, Mission Hills – Jillson is the perfect prototype for a high school point guard. The 5-foot-11 sophomore is smart, unselfish, takes care of the basketball and plays with a ton of energy on both ends of the floor. Jillson rarely takes a play off, is always looking to drive and set teammates up and, when needed, can knock down the three-point shot with consistency.
Jake Hall, 2025, Carlsbad – Hall has earned a reputation as one of the top underclass prospects in all of San Diego and for good reason. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard has a smoothness and feel to his offensive game that’s well-beyond his years. Hall can knock down three point shots off the catch or off the bounce and is good at attacking driving lanes and using his body and athleticism to shield off and finish over defenders.
Tony Duckett, 2024, Carlsbad – Duckett is a very intriguing guard who is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has a long, wiry frame and fluid athleticism to go along with good open court speed and ability to get into the lane and create for himself and teammates. Duckett impressed us in this event with his defensive capabilities. He moves well laterally and uses his length and quick hands to his advantage when containing opposing guards.