Fairfax Summer Classic: Best Glue Guys

<p class="p1">LOS ANGELES — The yearly Harvey Kitani Summer Classic is a go-to event to see some of SoCal’s top high school programs go head-to-head in June hoops action. We were in attendance for the slate of games on Monday and below are the best glue guys who might not always get the praise they deserve for their contributions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1"><strong>Daniel Kirakosyan</strong>, St. Monica - Kirakosyan scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half to help St. Monica to a one-point victory over Oakwood. The 6-foot-1 guard knocked down a couple of catch-and-shoot three’s, was able to get to the rim and finish off the dribble and hit four clutch free throws to help seal the win.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="994958" first="Dante" last="Ogbu"]</strong>, SO Notre Dame - Now that Notre Dame has three stars in its starting five, Ogbu looked to be the player who stepped into the role of defensive stopper and guy makes extra effort plays. The 6-foot-3 slasher has great finishing ability in the lane and the length and lateral speed to keep offensive players in front and make plays on the ball.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1161971" first="Nils" last="Cooper"]</strong>, Crossroads - Cooper rebounds, defends, runs the floor, can initiate offense and take defenders to the basket off the dribble. With his ability to impact multiple aspects of the game, the 6-foot-5 senior-to-be is a “winning plays” type of player who will be a coveted recruit come next high school season.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Jacob Gill</strong>, Beverly Hills - Gill embodies the “high motor” terminology and operates like every play could be his last on the floor. The 6-foot-2 guard is a dynamic downhill driver and finisher through contact who is also a physical and pesky on-ball defender.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Will Smith</strong>, Bishop Montgomery - Smith isn’t the flashiest of players on the floor, but there’s no doubt he’s productive and impactful on multiple aspects of the game. The 6-foot-4 wing is a player who can knock down the catch-and-shoot perimeter jumper, bully his way to the rim and finish through contact or provide his team with second-chance opportunities by grabbing offensive boards.</p>