Thanksgiving Weekend Notable Performers
In this article:
Thanksgiving weekend kicked off high school basketball in NorCal. Prep Hoops was in attendance on Friday for the Bishop O’Dowd Showcase on the hill at Bishop O’Dowd’s new gymnasium in Oakland, CA. Saturday we headed over to the 15th Annual…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThanksgiving weekend kicked off high school basketball in NorCal. Prep Hoops was in attendance on Friday for the Bishop O’Dowd Showcase on the hill at Bishop O’Dowd’s new gymnasium in Oakland, CA. Saturday we headed over to the 15th Annual NorCal Tip Off Classic at Dublin High School. We put together a notable performers list we saw on this Thanksgiving weekend from both events.
He seems to be the teams primary ball handler early on. He did a good running the point guard position. He has size, good handles to bring the ball up court under pressure, he had good passing up court and in the half-court. He had good vision looking for shooters and cutters to the basket. He drew a couple of fouls from drives into the paint.
Isaiah Montue
Isaiah Montue
He’s done a good job of picking up the slack while this team battles thru, sickness and off court issues. He’s more settled and making good decisions knowing he’ll be on the court for long stretches. He’s aggressive on the perimeter, using his handles, and quickness to get into the paint from different angles. He’s sprinting up court both ways for offense, and to defend. His jumper is starting to go in, he knocked down two 3’s, and is defending hard. 12pts
Manasse Itete Manasse Itete 6'6" | PF Central Catholic | 2024 CA-N
Manasse Itete Manasse Itete 6'6" | PF Central Catholic | 2024 CA-N
He’s a football player, who can help this team on the basketball court. As long as he’s focused, and works the post area on both ends. He did that this weekend. He can bump and bang with the other bigs on defense. He’ll get offensive rebounds for put backs. He has a decent touch around the rim to generate points in the paint when balanced, and going up strong off two feet. 9pts.
He struggled in the first half, but it was clear the long slender prospect was one of the better prospects on the court. He’ll slice his way into the paint with the ball. He runs, and cuts, with good movements without the ball. He started converting shots in the 4th qtr to secure a victory. He hit a long 3ptr in rhythm, went 7/7 from the free throw line. He finished with 14pts.
He brings versatility to the court, his rebounding, defense are good. He’ll get points working the post area, running the court, and receiving passes cutting to the basket. He works well from the high post, finding cutters and slashers. He’s a solid body with good foot speed to defend multiple positions. He finished with 11pts.
Lior Baradarian
Lior Baradarian
He’s a hard playing, thick guard, not a lot of speed, be he goes all out any time he sees an opening in transition and half-court. He doesn’t mind the contact when he gets into the paint. He’s a player that went 6/6 from the free throw line on the day. He plays with good intensity, works to stay in front of defenders, help rebound. He hit a 3ptr. He scored 15pt.
Bartlett is a top prospect in the 2025 class in Nevada. He’s a big man that has paint presence. In this game he didn’t stuff the state sheet, but he was a factor the post area on defense. Guards will have to think twice if they’re going to challenge the physical big man. He does okay getting up, and down the court. He’ll get his rebounds, deliver solid passes. I’m sure his scoring will tick up over time.
Highlights
He’s listed at 6’6, and looks to be versatile player at this point. He came off the bench for this event. He’s athletic with good speed, and hops going up and down the court. He had a few dunks in transition. He has a good jump shot with range, he hit a corner 3 at the buzzer. He’s a solid baller handler that sees over the defense, and shoots over defenders in the paint. He had 9pts. He’s a player to watch from Vegas.