Elite Hoops Spring Challenge at OGP

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elite Hoops Challenge at OGP in Oakland California was held Saturday and Sunday. It was hosted by NBBA, NorCal, and Lakeshow all quality programs in NorCal looking to get some playing time in before the Live Spring viewing begins later this month. Here we'll continue with some of the prospects in the 17U Platinum, 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253220' first='James' last='Moore'] 6'2 CG, Clayton Valley Charter, NorCal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore was fine tuning his point guard skills at this event. His improved ball handling, hard passing, and decision making allows him to be more of a threat with the ball. He pounded the ball with good control going on the attack, turning corners, and getting into the paint. He has a nice mid-range pull-up jumper. He's stronger, faster and defending with good intensity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1891746' first='Samir' last='O'Brien'] 6'3 SG, Berkeley, Lakeshow. Adidas Gold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Brien had one of the better looking jump shots in the gym. He's a smooth operator who plays with balance and control. He knows what he wants to do with the ball in his hands. He can knock down the mid-range with consistency, drop 3's in the corner, and coming down in transition. He'll get the defender off balance using a good first step, a crossover, then work to get a better shot, pulling up or into the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1540017' first='Leo' last='Ricketts'], 5'10 CG, De La Salle, NBBA 17U UA Rise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hard playing guard likes to play fast pushing and looking to get the ball up court. He looks to put up a 3ptr when it's there, coming down in transition, or working the perimeter off ball. He seems to knock down the big shot during stretches of the game when his team needs it most. He's a good ball handler, and willing passer. He gives good effort on the defensive side of the ball, scrappy and doesn't mind the physical play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1891747' first='Evan' last='Bautista'] 6'2 G, Dublin, Infinite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be a big spring if Bautista plays the way he did in the last game on Sunday. He was knocking down open 3's, 4 or 5 in the corners, coming down in transition. He brought his handles to make dribbles into the paint using jump stops, getting defenders to react, then dumping it off or putting it in the basket. He surprised us throwing one down in transition. We'll keep an eye him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1891748' first='Andrew' last='McDowell'] 6'4 G/W, Serra, CPBC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> McDowell has good size, and handles bringing the ball up court, his vision and passing in transition were good. He'll drive, plant two feet, then a spin move or step through gets him points. He'll run the court looking to take it inside strong or find an open spot to hit a 3ptr. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1806713' first='Dylan' last='Mansour'] 6'3 G/W, Campolindo, Infinite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll get to work on his guard skills this spring and summer. He did a good job working the post area for Campolindo during the season. He showed us he can handle the ball, and push with some determination up the court. He'll use his dribble to get into the paint at times but needs to do more of that. He made some threes showing he has the range, and he's always been an excellent passer and mover without the ball. We'll keep and eye on his progress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1256546' first='JP' last='Kerrigan'] 6'1 CG, Sacred Heart Prep, Lakeshow Adidas gold</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a true combo guard with the ability to effect the game at both guard positions. He's a hard playing guard that can run offensive sets, make good decisions with the ball, and he'll steady the offense at a time when it needs it. On the other hand he transforms right into a guard who can put points on the board knocking down open 3ptrs, using a floater and paint jumper. He's steady.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1384820' first='Jake' last='Vasquez'] 6'4 G, Redwood, lakeshow Adidas Gold</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vasquez has good size and spent time running the point position. His handles are decent, he has court vision pushing the ball in transition, he'll make passes up court. He hit the free throw jumper, knocked down a corner 3. He moves, and cuts off ball, and at 6'4 he'll help get rebounds. We'll see more of him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1556506' first='Isaac' last='Johnson'] 6'5 W/F, Pinole Valley, NBBA 17U UA Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is long and wiry. He's still adding pieces to his game, but finds ways to make his presence felt on the court. He has the lengthy arms to help rebound, get put backs. He fills lanes in transition, and can spot up somewhere along the perimeter to knock down a 3ptr. He has a good shot. He has length and decent foot speed to be a good defender when locked in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->