San Diego County All-Star Game: Intriguing prospects

<p>Mira Mesa High School was buzzing Saturday night as 30 of the top high school seniors across the county played in the San Diego County All-Star Game, the first countywide all-star affair since 2019.</p> <p>In the end, it was Team North, led by Boston University commit, that prevailed in a competitive contest 123-114 over a South team led by Helix guard [player_tooltip player_id="971236" first="Markees" last="Williams"]<br /> and Mission Bay guard [player_tooltip player_id="971234" first="Rami" last="Anglo"].</p> <p>The game featured a number of prospects that have some nice upside and intriguing aspects to their game. Here’s a list:</p> <h3>Garrett Poelman, 6-5 W, Santa Fe Christian</h3> <p>The wiry lefty wing got off to a quick start, attacking off the bounce and finishing tough buckets through contact. He has intriguing ball skills, length and defensive potential. NAIA/D3 schools with available spots should monitor him as a potential late signee. </p> <h3>Fran Valenzuela, 6-8 F, San Ysidro</h3> <p>Valenzuela has had a strong string of games, including in the live period with the San Diego All-Stars. In this game, he competed on both boards, which has been his trademark throughout his senior year. Valenzuela gets good positioning and explodes to the ball in and out of his area. He is usually able to convert his offensive rebounds into short range scores. D2 programs looking for a workhorse forward who plays with a great motor should inquire. </p> <h3>Charlie Stallings, 6-6 W, Fallbrook</h3> <p>Stallings was a surprise to even some of his fellow competitors, as he’s tucked away in Fallbrook, which was in D4 this year. But he showed in both the ASG practice and game that he belongs on the floor, and might have higher upside than some of his better-known classmates. A nice blend of size, shooting, length and athleticism, Stallings still is a bit raw as a ball handler, but I could see him being a big sleeper after a year at a juco. </p> <h3>Caden Flint, 6-5 W, Scripps Ranch</h3> <p>One of the best stretch fours in the county, Flint didn’t get going offensively in the game, but showcased his improved rebounding and handle in transition. He also sprints the floor hard to his spots and he gets shot ready on the wings. Improving athletically and laterally, the willow and long Flint’s best basketball is still ahead of him. I could see him filling a need at the college level as a big shooter, and could see his options increase after juco. </p> <h3>Tre Edmond, 6-1 G, Granite Hills</h3> <p>Edmond is one of the region’s most prolific scorers. A stocky, deceptively athletic combo guard, Edmond didn’t get a lot of chance to showcase his offensive game in this setting, but hit a nice mid-range pull-up and competed defensively. He has a few NAIA schools that are showing interest, a good level for a guard who can get a bucket. </p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="971240" first="Benji" last="Hilstock"], 6-3 G, Vista</h3> <p>Hilstock is one of the younger 2022 prospects in the region, and showed his value on both ends as a slasher and scorer who can shoot the college three and as a spirited and willing defender with great length and foot speed. He’s got some refinement to do in terms of game management and handle against pressure, but the tools are all there. </p> <h3>Arthur "AZ" Simpson, 5-9 G, Steele Canyon</h3> <p>One of the most athletic guards in the class, the area where Simpson has shown the most growth is with his shooting. Earlier in the season, teams would sag or go under screens and dare him to beat them from deep. Now, his jump shot has become a weapon. Junior colleges should be clamoring for Simpson, who’s lateral quickness and explosiveness off the bounce translate to the level well. </p>