Throwback post: San Diego County All-Star Game standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this month, many of San Diego's top seniors converged on Mira Mesa High School for the annual San Diego County Senior All Star Game. The South County took advantage of a depleted North County roster and turned the final event on the SD high school calendar into a 142-109 rout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Micah Brickner, a late addition for the South Team, turned in a stellar effort to win game MVP and the slam dunk contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here were some of the event's brightest stars:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Micah Brickner, Scripps Ranch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brickner was the event's breakout star. The 6-5+ younger brother of former St. Augustine standout Isaiah Brickner (a late bloomer in his own right), Micah is beginning to tap into the deep well of potential he has. He scored a game-high 20 points on an array of dunks and even hit a pair of triples. He has explosive athleticism, especially off of two feet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='994935' first='Ty' last='Hendler'], La Costa Canyon</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendler tried his best to keep a shorthanded North team in the game, scoring from every level and creating plays for his teammates. He is one of the most competitive guys in the class, and kept competing even when the game got out of hand. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1434801' first='Noah' last='Marte'], San Diego</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marte came out the gate looking like he would run away with MVP, hitting his first two threes, scoring a layup and dropping a nice pass in transition. Marte, who recently committed to Division 3 George Fox, is one of the best shooters in the senior class. He has excellent shot mechanics and a quick release. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Patrick Perez, Christian</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perez has solid size and feel as a scorer off the wing. He is a consistent shooter from midrange, both off the catch and driving from the three. He is able to attack the basket and is a high-percentage finisher through contact. Perez would be a quality late pickup for a Division 3 school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1477693' first='Anthony' last='Aruffo'], La Jolla Country Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sarah Lawrence commit hit shots from each level for the North County team. Aruffo has a strong frame, underrated bounce and gets great lift on his pull-up jump shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jamier Sykes, Lincoln</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-2 guard is a player who looks like he's just scratching the surface of his abilities. He's a solid spot-up shooter and an underrated athlete who can finish above the rim in transition. And, a testament to his high school program, Sykes in a solid on-ball defender who uses his length and quickness to cut off drivers and play in the passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='994959' first='Xavier' last='Ogle'], Rancho Bernardo</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The undersized point guard scored 12 points and did a better job in the second half being productive with his paint touches, scoring off several strong drives and runners. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jesus Diaz, Gompers Prep</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diaz took advantage of a late invite to showcase his prolific shooting from distance, hitting three threes in the second half and scoring 11 points. He plays at his own pace and rarely gets sped up. He definitely proved that he could hang with some of the best players in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->