CHSAA on Primetime TV
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Everyone in the country was treated to the Sierra Canyon- Christ the King matchup. Billed constantly on ESPN as the Bronny James Bronny James 6'2" | PG Sierra Canyon | 2023 State #43 Nation CA-S vs Kiyan Anthony Kiyan Anthony…
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Continue ReadingEveryone in the country was treated to the Sierra Canyon- Christ the King matchup. Billed constantly on ESPN as the Bronny James Bronny James 6'2" | PG Sierra Canyon | 2023 State #43 Nation CA-S vs Kiyan Anthony Kiyan Anthony 6'1" | PG Long Island Lutheran | 2025 State #39 Nation NY game it was the other players who stole the show. These “other players” all have major offers and some have already committed to high D1 programs. Bronny showed his dunking capability and playmaking skills. Kiyan showed why in two years if not next year he will be considered one of the top 5 players in the state. Justin Pippen Justin Pippen 6'3" | PG Sierra Canyon | 2024 State CA-S was very smooth handling the ball and showed the coolness of his father (Scottie) shooting the ball. But for the California squad Isaiah Elohim Isaiah Elohim 6'4" | SF Sierra Canyon | 2024 State #47 Nation CA-S stood out. Many places have him as the #1 player in California for the class of 24 and throughout the game he showed his talents. Scoring in a variety of ways, rebounding and defending. Besides that game I hope you’ve been watching MSG on friday nights for the CHSAA game of the week the next one is Jan 6th. The first game showcased Stepinac -Cardinal Hayes and the following week St Francis Prep- Mount St Michael. Here are the standouts from these three televised games from the CHSAA.
Luckily Jay Bilas (imo the best analyst along Tony Romo doing games)was on the call of the game so he could point out who else was playing really well and who were talented players. He pointed out many times how impressed he was with Quinfang. He displayed over the summer and early in the high school season a smooth jumper. He moves well without the ball and when he gets it he is decisive without rushing. He goes to the rim hard and can finish in traffic. Showed he can get up with an impressive dunk.
Brandon had a slow start but scored all of his 17 points in the second half. The first half the shots were not falling but it was nothing that the future UCLA Bruin was not doing, they were just not falling. He showed his ability to score at all three levels. He is a bigger player who has guard skills handling the ball. Strong to the hole and finishes inside. As good as he is going to the rim he displayed a nice pull-up jumper in transition showing the maturity that sometimes you just need to pull up and stay away from the charge call.
Dwayne showed his unique talent as well. Dwayne can also score at all three levels. A great basketball body he can push the defense on its heels and then can explode to the rim. He showed a tremendous mid range game. Hitting a couple of jumpers off the bounce. He has a lot of flash and strength to his game but this night he showed just plain basketball shooting talent. Looked real smooth coming out of the hand.
The Stepinac Crusaders opened up the MSG game of the week season. Boogie enjoyed the TV lights shining. He has gotten stronger to go with his amazing talent. It was all on display. Nailing jumpers off the catch or off the bounce. Getting to the rim with a quick first step or a hesitation dribble. He is a three level scorer. A good rebounding guard he is able to get it and lead the break. This night he also got a couple of offensive rebounds leading to buckets. The ability to put the team on his back and lead them not only to a game victory but championships seems to be in his DNA.
Danny showed his unlimited range. Draining threes from NBA range and then some. Changes direction and the speed with the dribble. He is hard to keep in front of. Looked very good at drive and kick. Has excellent vision.
We’ve mentioned Ben a few times already this season as a player coming into his own. Ben does everything really well. Plays tough, rebounds, very smart player. He is now a scorer to go along with everything else he brings to the game, can step out and hit the open three. Drive the ball off the bounce or score inside with determination and skill. College programs need to start following him.
Ian’s whole arsenal was on display. Exceptional crossover in transition or in the half court enables him to get to the rim or get his jumper off. Exceptional driver of the basketball. He uses his length and quickness to blow by defenders and score in tight looking spaces. He showed his jump shot is coming around as he has gained confidence.
Probably this was the first look some city basketball fans got of Adam, well I’m sure they were impressed. I saw him early on in the preseason and came away excited to see him play in this league. Very good position rebounder. Really quick first step. Smooth jumper with really good lift on it. He also showed excellent court vision with the ball in his hands.
Highlights
The sophomore guard showed all the maturity and poise from the point you would want to see. Last season as a freshman he was poised and he is now just so comfortable in his role as one of the top players in the city. He can shoot it or drive it. Has good range from deep. Really nice looking jump shot. Handles the ball and makes the right decisions. Very confident at the end of games with pressure running the offense or icing the game from the free throw line.
You can see the confidence building in Tyler’s game. Sneaky quick and athletic. Tyler is a player who is improving every time I see him. On this night he showed his ability to get into the for pull up jumpers. Has good length. One of those players that at the end of the night he will have 8 points, 4 boards,3 assists and 2 steals.