Nike X: Corona Centennial vs Coronado (NV) (A Scout’s Take)

Joel Francisco

February 6, 2022 @ 10:30 PM

Nike X: Corona Centennial vs Coronado (NV) (A Scout’s Take) SANTA ANA, Ca—In arguably the most intense match up of the event, as well as its finale, the Corona Centennial Huskies would claw thier way to the finish line as they beat the Coronado Cougars 80-71 in overtime. The Huskies would receive a scintillating performance from their senior standout point guard [player_tooltip player_id="970280" first="Donovan" last="Dent"] as he dropped in 31-points, grabbed 9-rebounds, and handed out 7-assists. The Cougars were led by Texas Tech-bound point guard Richard “Pop Pop” Isaacs who grinded his way to a workman-like 22-points. On the Rise [player_tooltip player_id="970280" first="Donovan" last="Dent"] (Corona Centennial) 2022, PG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds Joel’s Take: Is there a faster rising prospect out west than Dent. The gifted point guard, who is headed to New Mexico, was the best player in the 2nd half as he elevated his team to victory. He acomplished this feat with combining a lethal combination of scoring and distributing. His ability to get separaton off the dribble is uncanny as he changes speed with the best of the them. Once he gets in the lane he can get you with a runner or finish through contact. If the defense sags, he can drain the jump shot. The Lobos are getting a steal and a legitimate Top 50 player in the country. Relentless competitor Richard “Pop Pop” Isaacs 2022, G, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds Joel’s Take: Isaacs is an attacking point guard type that has an excellent burst and he doesn’t waste time over-handling the ball. He makes one quick move—a crossover per se—and then just goes. His pull-up game is tight and he is quite the nifty finisher as well. He can force it a bit much (6 turnovers), but that is due to his competitiveness. His jump shot is solid (3-of-9 from the 3-point line), and his release is tight. Defensively, he slides his feet well and he has active hands. Blue-Collar Madness [player_tooltip player_id="994950" first="Aaron" last="McBride"] (Corona Centennial) 2023, F, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds Joel’s Take: One of the better glue-types in Southern California is McBride. The no non sense 4-man is a load down low due to his long arms, solid boucne, and soft hands. He fills the lane well in transition and can elevate for the dunk. While operating in the paint he shows good feet and a knack of always being around the ball. Overall, this kid is a winner and its demonstratedf by his 16-points, 10-rebounds, and 4-steals. Shooter w/moxie [player_tooltip player_id="992480" first="Jared" last="McCain"] (Corona Centennial) 2023, G, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds Joel’s Take: McCain is a thick-bodied combo-guard who can play both guard positions. His specialty is releasing his smooth jump shot. He sets up his shot very well, has excellent balance, and his release is lightning-quick. In this game he did a nice job getting in the paint and eventually to the free throw line. He isn’t a burner or overly explosive, but he’s a basketball player. Budding Junior [player_tooltip player_id="989242" first="Osiris" last="Grady"] (Coronado) 2023, F, 6-foot-7, 210 pounds [caption id="attachment_1041745" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Osiris-Grady-2.png"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1041745" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Osiris-Grady-2-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Grady is skilled big with soft hands and good feet[/caption] Joel’s Take: Grady is one of the better junior 4-men in the west. Long arms, excellent feet, and an advanced skill set describe this budding prospect. His game consists of a bevy of versatility. He can step out and nail the 3-point shot, use a variety of moves in the paint, and has a feathery touch. If he isn’t impacting the scoring column, he can show his IQ for the game with his passing.