The second annual April Bash kicks off this weekend. Presented by Chosen Few, the event features teams from around the Southwest and the West Coast. The event is the unofficial kick-off to the Spring Live period, as it takes place…
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SubscribeThe second annual April Bash kicks off this weekend. Presented by Chosen Few, the event features teams from around the Southwest and the West Coast. The event is the unofficial kick-off to the Spring Live period, as it takes place the week before college coaches are eligible to come out and lay eyes on players. The tournament-style event features both boys’ and girls’ teams ranging from 8U – 17U. This exposure event will feature heavy media coverage, including Prep Hoops and highlight company Balldawgs. The event was the perfect platform for players to showcase their talents right before the live period. Here’s a look at some players that I saw for the first time.
My first look at the Coronado sophomore. He’s a long lean athlete that showed that he could run the wings as well as from rim to rim. He has decent hands and did the majority of his damage, scoring around the bucket.
Cornachi was one of the hardest playing players I saw this week. The guard was physical, on both sides of the ball, driving and finishing through contact, as well as sacrificing his body to grab rebounds and loose balls for his team.
First time I laid eyes on Bentz and he was intriguing. The sophomore from Basic was a good scorer, finishing drives as well as showing the ability to make jumpers in catch and shoot situations. He was the high scorer for his squad in the game I watched.
I first saw Drazkowski as I was walking from court to court, the forward just kept making plays including keeping what seemed like every missed shot alive for his team. He is a good athlete with an explosive 1st jump. The Tuscon forward displayed some terrific grab and go ability, using his hops to snag rebounds, before leading the break. The unsigned senior has received some small school offers, and his combination of skill and athleticism make him an intriguing unsigned prospect.
Golmebski’s size kept attracting me back to watch him. The young big from the 4A runner is raw, but he moves well. He showed the ability to protect the rim as well as rebound the basketball. He has decent size and played with a strong and consitent motor. Although it was my first time laying eyes on him, I’ll be keeping an eye on him in the future.
Johnson was one of the top unsigned players at the event. The guard was good in 1 v 1 situations showing the ability to get by his defenders. He’s a sneaky good athlete, whose breakaway dunk was what first led me to him. He has a high skill level which includes the ability to handle on the perimeter, and make shots in catch in shoot situations. Behind his play, Team Swag took home the 17U championship.
Why does foothill always seem to have 6’6 hybrid forwards? I don’t know the answer, however Thompson could be next in line. The size is obvious and Thompson used it to block shots and rebound. Although raw, he has the potential to be a productive player down the line for the Falcons.
Hard to ignore a 6’5 plus athletic forward. Bakindo didn’t play much with the ball in his hands, however when he got it he made it count. The athletic forward ran and jumped his way to several offensive putbacks and finishes, electryfying the audience with his R&J ability. Bakindo was one of the more entertaining players of the event.
Tyler was a nice find. A pure PG, he was able to distribute to teammates, setting them up from both stationary, positions as well as off the bounce. The 5’8 Floor General has good quickness, allowing him to defeat defenders. In an era where ture PG play is rare, the sophomore PG stood out.
Whicker was productive all weekend. The PG was able to orchestrate the offense as well as slash. He was at his best driving to the bucket, as behind his play Team Swag took home the 17U crown.
