Auburn Summer League Standouts: Part 2

<p>Every June the Auburn Trojans host teams from South King County and Pierce County. June is always an interesting time of year because it is right in the middle of AAU months. Some players have been competing across the country, others have been playing spring sports. Either way, once a week, players come to AHS Summer League and show the work they have been putting in since the season ended in late Winter. These players used the month of June to show they are worth keeping an eye on next season. </p> <p><strong>Jamaal Elliott - 5’9 PG - Auburn Mountainview (’23)</strong></p> <p>Elliott will be a three-year starter and it seems like he is ready to break out this winter. Behind Elliott’s scoring and leadership, the Lions have strung together some nice wins this month. He is lightning quick and gets paint touches at will. Small and shifty guards are always difficult to stay in front of but Elliott’s shooting ability make defending him a little more difficult. He has shown an improved ability to finish with either hand in traffic but improved strength would make Elliott an ever bigger threat come November and December.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1507120" first="Logan" last="McGough"] - 6’6 PF - Tahoma (’23)</strong></p> <p>There aren’t too many bigs in the Auburn Summer League but McGough is definitely the best. He can score in the post, from the elbow, and from three. After playing behind Talbert and Church, it looks like McGough will be the next big to make a statement for the Bears. McGough is surrounded by shooters so he is rarely doubled in the post, but when he is, he has shown some great passing ability. McGough will be a big piece for Tahoma and if he can continue to play at this level, they will continue to see success in the regular season. </p> <p><strong>Elijah McChristian - 6’1 SG - Lakes (’24)</strong></p> <p>McChristian is a natural bucket getter and has shown to be one of the best at the AHS Summer League. Despite the struggles of his team, McChristian single-handedly keeps his team in games. Whether it be acrobatic finishes in traffic or step-back threes, he finds a way to score. In addition to scoring, McChristian usually picks up 94 feet and hounds opposing guards. He definitely has the mindset and motor to turn the Lakes team around. With an improved handle and mid-range game, McChristian could be one of the best players in the PCL this season. </p> <p><strong>Jerry Petty Jr. - 5’10 PG - Auburn (’23)</strong></p> <p>The Rainier Beach transfer fits right into the state champion’s culture. He defends at a high level, plays unselfish, and has that extra gear when it is time to close out a win. Though undersized, Petty makes a case for having the most grit. His transfer has made an instant impact and his play has been on display. The point guard is electric when it comes to getting buckets. His ability to change speeds helps him get to his spots. He is most comfortable in the lane with his floater or mid-range pull up but he definitely can knock it down from three when given enough space. On top of his scoring ability, he is an absolute pest on defense and creates many opportunities for his team by creating turnovers. </p> <p><strong>Elijah Gillespie - 5’11 PG - Graham Kapowsin (’26)</strong></p> <p>Gillespie was an eighth-grader a few weeks ago but it is clear he has the tools to be one of Washington’s best in a couple of years. The young gun fits right in and showed no struggle adapting to the size and pace of the varsity level. Many players Gillespie’s age play nervous and either do nothing, or try to do too much. Gillespie on the other hand, facilitates the game like he has been in high school for years. He knocks down open threes, attacks gaps, and makes the extra pass. You can tell the skill is there, but the demeanor is what is most impressive.  </p>