San Diego hoops: Early season surprises, Part 1
Two weeks into the season, I’ve had the chance to watch a number of the teams – and players – that are hovering under the radar in San Diego. Here are some that stood out who might not be on…
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Continue ReadingTwo weeks into the season, I’ve had the chance to watch a number of the teams – and players – that are hovering under the radar in San Diego. Here are some that stood out who might not be on your radar, but should be.
Shawne Owens, 6-2 2026 G, West Hills
The best word to describe the Wolfpack’s freshman combo guard is “confident.” His shot selection borders on ill-advised at times, but he has the confidence to take – and make – big shots, including the pair of triples he hit in a second-half run to take down Orange Glen. Owens is a solid ball handler and can run the point in a pinch, but his value is as an off-ball scorer and shooter.
Adam De La Cruz, 6-4 2024 W, Otay Ranch
De La Cruz is a unique and intriguing prospect. A big-bodied wing who handles the ball like a guard, de la Cruz is a mismatch at the high school level because he often is guarded by the opponent’s center and beats them with his deceptive foot speed. De La Cruz is a solid rebounder and screen setter, and can step out and hit threes off the catch from the college three line.
MJ Madore, 6-2 2023 G, Orange Glen
The Patriots rely heavily on Madore to deliver big offensive games, and so far this year he’s responded in a big way. The right hand dominant combo guard has solid burst, a very good pull-up game and has improved his consistency from three off the catch as well as driving ability into the paint. The result: a pair of 30+ point games to start the season.
Baron Noble, 5-11 2023 G, San Diego
After two years of being a productive sixth man, Noble is now a starter on a very good Cavers team, and his craftiness with the ball and scoring ability off the dribble and off the catch pair well with the Cavers two defensive minded guards, Miles Harris Miles Harris 5'11" | PG San Diego | 2023 State CA-S and Trey Degrate. At 5-10+, Noble is an excellent finisher around the rim through contact, despite his wiry frame.
Jack Leininger, 5-10 2023 G, Del Norte
One of the biggest surprises to start the year in San Diego has been the play of Leininger, a true point guard with excellent burst, moxie and feel. At 5-10, he’s small, but he is an excellent playmaker and gets paint touches at will. He prefers to set the table for his teammates, but when he calls his own number, he’s a knockdown shooter from deep and has a very advanced pull-up game. He could play at some level in college.