San Diego hoops: Early Season Surprises, Part 2
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.
Vince Hillman and Zeid Salem, West Hills
Hillman and Zalem are a pair of wings/ four men who have some nice upside for the next level. Hillman, a 6-5 junior, is a lefty sharpshooter who plays the game with an edge. Salem is a 6-6 senior with a willowy frame, but does a good job scoring off the bounce and has a playable jumper from deep.
Jared Pamintuan, 6-1 2023 G, Eastlake
As Eastlake struggles to find consistent offense in the early season, Pamintuan might be the closest thing to an answer. The 6-1 combo guard is a crafty penetrator and can hit corner threes with solid accuracy. He takes advantage of teams playing his shot by attacking closeouts and finishing at the basket with runners and floaters.
Ahmad Jackson, 5-10 2023 G, Canyon Hills
Blessed with great bounce and length, Jackson has been a big reason why the Rattlers have gotten off to their best start in three seasons. He’s not a point guard, but an undersized scoring guard who has a nice pull-up jump shot and can fly in transition above the rim. He’s got a slight frame, but I think his best basketball is ahead of him if he goes the juco route.
Mekhi Sidney, 5-9 2024 G, Mt. Miguel
Sidney has a million moves with the basketball. The super crafty point guard has handles you’d see in a mixtape, but uses them effectively to get into the paint and finish with touch. He’s also a willing passer in transition and a flashy one off the bounce. The biggest area where he has to improve, beyond decision making, is his perimeter shot, which is shaky at best.
Eli Green, 6-1 2023 G, Helix
The lefty combo guard has established himself as a one of the class’ best spot up shooters, but Green does a good job of passing the ball in the half court after attacking closeouts. He does a little bit of everything for his team, and is a solid defender who plays with good energy.
Landon Blaisdell, 6-0 2023 G, Calexico
Blaisdell caught my attention in the second half of a loss against Otay, when he consistently was able to get into the paint and finish, while also knocking down shots. He has deceptive – and effective – burst in the half court, and nice touch on his floater when he gets into the paint.
Michael Contreras, 6-2 2024 SG, La Jolla
Another lefty who can rip it from deep, Contreras has great shot mechanics and a quick release and can hit shots from well beyond the college three. In a season-opening win over Fallbrook, he also showed off some flashy passing chops off the bounce in the half court and some great outlet passes in transition.