Wright’s Weekly Standouts

<p>February 7-11 PH was in the gym evaluating the weeks top performers at the games we attended. On Monday we were in Brentwood for the Heritage at Liberty match up. Liberty won 54-48. Wednesday Pinole Valley handled Bethel at home 69-56. Both winning teams will be in the playoffs starting next week. Here’s our top performers in those games.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1380890" first="Miles" last="Lawrence"] 6’4 2023 SF of Liberty.</p> <p><em><strong>Lawrence</strong></em> had a solid game playing inside out. He was effective going up strong off two feet, showing his vertical, and body control when finishing around the rim, and going for rebounds. At 6’4 he’ll get rebounds, use his handles to lead the break, and get to the paint for finishes or kick outs. 13pts, 5rebs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1380872" first="Julian" last="Costa"] 6’1 2023 SG Liberty.</p> <p><em><strong>Costa</strong> </em>is a calm player who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He’s a bit of a combo right now being able to handle, and get his team into it’s offense. He can split defenders with his dribble, he has good vision and passing. He can score with a floater in the paint, a solid mid-range jumper, and range to hit 3’s. 12pts</p> <p><em><strong>Gavin Cook Wisenton 6’2 2024 G of Liberty.</strong></em></p> <p>It was our first look at the Liberty guard who can handle, and create shots for himself and teammates. He did a good job breaking down defenders, using a hesitation move, and passing to open players. He finished plays after getting inside, with reverses, and off two feet. He has good foot speed and lateral movement to defend in the open court. He had 16pts and 4rebs.</p> <p><em><strong>Jordie McKenzie 6’4 2024 G of Pinole Valley.</strong></em></p> <p>He’s a confident big guard who can handle, and facilitate in transition as well as in half court sets. He’s sees the court like a point guard. He scored numerous baskets getting into the paint coming from different angles on the court. He has good length to get his shot off  over defenders inside. His off ball scoring was just as effective as he knocked down 7,  3ptrs throughout the game, some in transition, others on the catch, and using a dribble. He had 32pts.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="951934" first="Kaleb" last="Allison"] 6’2 2023 G of Pinole Valley.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Allison</strong> </em>coming off player of the week honors plays an unselfish game. He has the athleticism, and the skills to be one of the better players on the court. He’s a superb ball handler, and a willing passer. He found several teammates on the drive and kick or dump off for points. He makes long and strong passes up, and across court. He has 3pt range, and a solid pull-up jumper. He finished with 17pts, with multiple steals, and assists.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1253213" first="Zion" last="Wilburn"] 6’6 2024 W/SF of Pinole Valley.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Wilburn</strong> </em>was impressive in his own right. He’s playing with confidence, and he’s bulked up a bit. He has an improving skill set that allows him to play multiple positions including out on the perimeter. He’s using his body and length to score points inside, he was effective playing the high post with good passing and the elbow jumper. He handles the ball in transition and on the perimeter looking for his shot. He goes after rebounds and blocks with good effort.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>