Pangos Best of the West Shootout: On the Rise
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Pangos Best of the West Shootout: On the Rise LONG BEACH, Ca—The spring is in full gear now that the high school playoffs are finished and it was time to take a short drive up to McBride Middle School for…
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Continue ReadingPangos Best of the West Shootout: On the Rise
LONG BEACH, Ca—The spring is in full gear now that the high school playoffs are finished and it was time to take a short drive up to McBride Middle School for the Pangos Best of the West Shootout directed by grassroots guru Dinos Trigonis.
There were a plethora of fine performances that caught my eye including the following: 2022 Isaiah Lewis Isaiah Lewis 6'2" | PG Taft | 2022 State CA-S (Pangos Select), 2024 Styles Phipps (Belmont Shore), 2023 Will Smith (Belmont Shore Blue), 2025 EJ Vernon (21 Elite 16u), and 2024 Malick Diallo (Utah Mountain Stars. In this post, we will look at the prospects that are on the rise, led by Nils Cooper Nils Cooper 6'5" | SF Crossroads | 2023 State CA (pictured).
MJ Coleman (21 Elite / Brentwood)
2024, PG, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Coleman is a rising point guard in the class of 2024. He is a natural leader both with his communication with his teammates and game management. Although he doesn’t have the ideal size, he is strong with the ball and he changes speeds very well. His scoring package consists of floaters in the lane and a nice pull-up game.
Nils Cooper Nils Cooper 6'5" | SF Crossroads | 2023 State CA (21 Elite / Crossroads)
2024, G/F, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cooper, whose father Michael was an integral part of the Lakers’ dynasty in the ’80s, has a nice evolving game of his own. He is a willowy wing who impacts the game in multiple ways. He never forces the issue, advances the ball in transition, and overall his decision-making is excellent. He handles the ball well in transition and can get to the rim and finish with either hand.
Nate Mattera (21 Elite / Los Osos)
2023, G, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the best shooters in the event was Mattera. He is a catch-and-shoot type that gets an excellent lift on his shot and his mechanics are impeccable. He can finish in transition and his runner in the lane is nice. The next step in his game is creating scoring off the bounce. Tight defense can cause him issues, but by improving his triple-threat game will improve his all-around game.
Maurice Wright Maurice Wright 6'2" | CG Santa Clarita Christian | 2023 State CA-S (Belmont Shore / Paraclete)
2023, G, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: In the winter Wright showed off his speed and quickness, but his decision-making was erratic. However, at this event, he played at a better place and didn’t force the issue. He can score from all three levels, but his strength is getting to the rim. Improving the consistency of his jump shot and tightening his facilitating skills will elevate him to the D 1 level.