Real Run Winter Classic Top Wings Pt. II

David Yapkowitz

January 10, 2023 @ 08:18 PM

On New Year's Eve, Lynwood High School played host to the 15th annual Real Run Winter Classic. The event featured some of the top teams and talent in Southern California. With eight showcase games, the event gave each team a final warmup before league play begins for most of them. I was able to attend the event and here's a look at some of the top players I saw. 1. [player_tooltip player_id='1630619' first='Jovani' last='Ruff'] - Long Beach Poly 2025 Ruff is one of the most polished scorers not only in his class but overall. He's comfortable with the ball in his hands and making plays. He gets to his spots on the court and can knock down the jumper off the dribble. He can step back and shoot consistently from three-point range as well. He can get into the lane and shoot the floater or he can finish strong at the basket. Plays under control and lets the game come to him. He can play off ball too and knock down three-point shots off the catch. 2 [player_tooltip player_id='1630676' first='Jayden' last='Wade'] - San Diego 2025 Wade stood out for being a solid scorer on the perimeter. He has a nice combination of strength and skill. He looked comfortable handling the ball and being able to get his own shot. He can attack the defense off the dribble, get to his spots, and shoot the pull-up midrange jumper. He also showed off an ability to shoot from three-point range. He was comfortable as the ball-handler in transition. What was also impressive about him was his activity on the glass. 3. Maximo Adams - Narbonne 2026 What always impresses me about Adams is his three-point shot. He plays well off the ball, has a quick release and shoots consistently off the catch. Being a spot up shooter is the role he plays often and he does well. His off the dribble game is coming along as well. At times, he can put the ball on the floor and attack. He can be active around the basket and is able to finish well. Good motor on the glass. 4. Will Smith - Bishop Montgomery 2023 I've seen Smith play a couple of times before and what stood out to me the most this game was his defense. He took on the toughest perimeter assignment and did very well. He stays low to the ground and slides his feet, keeping the ball-handler in front of him. He forces them into making difficult passes and taking tough shots. Fights through screens well. On the offensive end, he is consistent with his midrange jumper and can use his strength to finish strong at the basket.

On New Year's Eve, Lynwood High School played host to the 15th annual Real Run Winter Classic. The event featured some of the top teams and talent in Southern California. With eight showcase games, the event gave each team a final warmup before league play begins for most of them. I was able to attend the event and here's a look at some of the top players I saw.

1. Jovani Ruff Jovani Ruff 6'5" | SG Long Beach Poly | 2025 State #117 Nation CA-S - Long Beach Poly 2025

Ruff is one of the most polished scorers not only in his class but overall. He's comfortable with the ball in his hands and making plays. He gets to his spots on the court and can knock down the jumper off the dribble. He can step back and shoot consistently from three-point range as well. He can get into the lane and shoot the floater or he can finish strong at the basket. Plays under control and lets the game come to him. He can play off ball too and knock down three-point shots off the catch.

2 Jayden Wade Jayden Wade 6'4" | SG San Diego | 2025 CA-S - San Diego 2025

Wade stood out for being a solid scorer on the perimeter. He has a nice combination of strength and skill. He looked comfortable handling the ball and being able to get his own shot. He can attack the defense off the dribble, get to his spots, and shoot the pull-up midrange jumper. He also showed off an ability to shoot from three-point range. He was comfortable as the ball-handler in transition. What was also impressive about him was his activity on the glass.

3. Maximo Adams - Narbonne 2026

What always impresses me about Adams is his three-point shot. He plays well off the ball, has a quick release and shoots consistently off the catch. Being a spot up shooter is the role he plays often and he does well. His off the dribble game is coming along as well. At times, he can put the ball on the floor and attack. He can be active around the basket and is able to finish well. Good motor on the glass.

4. Will Smith - Bishop Montgomery 2023

I've seen Smith play a couple of times before and what stood out to me the most this game was his defense. He took on the toughest perimeter assignment and did very well. He stays low to the ground and slides his feet, keeping the ball-handler in front of him. He forces them into making difficult passes and taking tough shots. Fights through screens well. On the offensive end, he is consistent with his midrange jumper and can use his strength to finish strong at the basket.