CIF-SS Round 1 Standout Performances
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The CIF-SS playoffs kicked off this week with Divisions 1-5AA beginning bracket play and Open Division starting its’ Pool Play. The Brentwood School traveled to Fairmont Prep, and Corona Centennial hosted Sierra Canyon. Bowen Hammer HEIGHT 6'8" POS CG CLASS…
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Continue ReadingThe CIF-SS playoffs kicked off this week with Divisions 1-5AA beginning bracket play and Open Division starting its’ Pool Play. The Brentwood School traveled to Fairmont Prep, and Corona Centennial hosted Sierra Canyon.
Bowen Hammer Bowen Hammer 6’8″ | CG Fairmont Prep Academy | 2023 CA-S had 26 points (13/14 FT) on Wednesday night in a tough loss against the Brentwood School. Hammer showed off his entire offensive arsenal in this one scoring at all three levels and effectively utilizing his height advantage to score in the low post as well as in the mid range. Hammer is excellent at getting to his spot with 1/2 dribble pull-up moves but has less moves to go to with his back to the basket which is one area I would love to see him work on.
Highlights
Bronny James Bronny James 6’2″ | PG Sierra Canyon | 2023 State #43 Nation CA-S had 13 points, 2 3PM, and several rebounds on Friday night in a tough 68-63 loss to Corona Centennial. James’s role in Sierra Canyon’s half-court offense was primarily to be a catch and shoot threat but Bronny was lively in the open court as he displayed advanced body control and an ability to finish at the basket with either hand. James chips on the glass nicely for a guard, and with his build/length he is able to be an effective team defender that plays the passing lane.
Ashton Hardaway Ashton Hardaway 6’8″ | SF Sierra Canyon | 2023 State #164 Nation CA-S had 21 points, 5 3PM, and several rebounds on Friday night in a competitive 68-63 loss to Corona Centennial. Hardaway erupted for 18 of his 21 points in the second half and showed off why so many are excited about his scoring ability. Ashton utilizes his size well to create space down low and his length/handle on the perimeter to shoot over defenders. Hardaway needs to improve his conditioning to excel at the next level as he currently struggles on defense to stay with guards when he is in a mismatch/switch situation and that is something that will likely happen regularly next year.
Jared McCain Jared McCain 6’3″ | PG Centennial | 2023 State #24 Nation CA-S had 22 points, 1 3PM, and several assists on Friday night in a 68-63 victory for Corona Centennial over Sierra Canyon. McCain has playmaking abilities beyond his years and uses his build expertly to get defenders on his back and the strength to keep them there so that he can attack the basket. Jared’s strength gives him the confidence to seek out and finish through contact as the senior was 11/11 from the Free Throw line.
Eric Freeny Eric Freeny 6’5″ | SG Corona Centennial | 2024 State #73 Nation CA-S had 13 points in a 68-63 win for Corona Centennial over Sierra Canyon on Friday night. Freeny was aggressive early and often in this one going to the foul line 4 times (4/4) in the first half and showing off his physicality. Eric is a strong team defender, plays the passing lanes, and helps out on the defensive glass.
Aaron McBride Aaron McBride 6’7″ | PF Corona Centennial | 2023 State CA-S 16 points (1 3PM, 3/3 FT), several rebounds, and a steal on Friday night in a 68-63 win for Corona Centennial over Sierra Canyon. McBride was a strong pick n’ pop threat in this one as he made a three, showed a good pump fake and drove to the basket, and swung the ball to an open teammate — strong examples of his potential to be a contributing member of an offense at the next level quickly.