2023 SoCal Showdown Standout Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 SoCal Showdown hosted by Beach City Hoops took place on Sunday at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello, California, and featured some of the top seniors from all over Southern California. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1815305"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1815305' first='LJ' last='Brown'] brings a well-rounded skill set. As a good athlete, he possesses the physical tools to contribute in various aspects of the game. His athleticism allows him to create his own shot, and Brown is particularly effective in isolation situations, using his quickness and ball-handling skills to break down defenders and find scoring opportunities. His ability to create his own shot is complemented by a strong finishing touch around the rim. Brown demonstrates excellent body control and the ability to adjust his shot mid-air, allowing him to convert tough finishes. Additionally, he showcases a reliable pull-up jump shot, which adds another dimension to his scoring arsenal. Brown's versatility extends beyond scoring, as he contributes in different aspects of the game. Whether it's grabbing rebounds, making timely passes, or playing solid defense, he consistently finds ways to impact the game positively.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1432781"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1434423' first='Ariik' last='Mawien'] brings energy, hustle, and defense. His quickness and agility allow him to stay in front of opponents and disrupt the flow of their offense but Mawien particularly shines as a help defender, showcasing excellent instincts and timing when contesting shots. Mawien's defensive presence is valuable in providing rim protection and deterring opponents from attacking the basket. However, to further elevate his game, Mawien needs to work on improving his jump shot. Developing a more consistent and reliable perimeter shot will not only enhance his offensive versatility but also create more space for himself on the perimeter.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["994947"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1814773' first='David' last='Manea'] consistently utilizes his physicality to his advantage. He excels at using his body effectively to score, employing strong and decisive moves to create space and ward off defenders. Manea's ability to score at every level is impressive, showcasing his versatility as an offensive threat. Whether it's driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or stepping out to hit shots from beyond the arc, he displays confidence shooting the ball. Additionally, Manea's ambidexterity allows him to finish with finesse and control using either hand around the rim. His strength and aggression are key, as he fearlessly attacks the basket, finishes through contact, and gets to the free throw line.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Peyton Guerrero","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Ocean View","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Peyton Guerrero's great ability to move well off the ball is a valuable asset to his team's offense. Guerrero intelligently spaces, finding the right positions on the court to provide passing options for his teammates and create scoring opportunities for himself. His proficiency as a shooter is a standout aspect of his game, as he consistently knocks down shots from various spots on the floor. Whether it's catch-and-shoot situations or coming off screens, Guerrero displays great shooting mechanics and accuracy. Additionally, Guerrero's understanding of the game allows him to make smart decisions with the ball, utilizing his shooting threat to open up passing lanes and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["996387"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='996387' first='Denzel' last='Hines'] consistently plays with great force in all aspects of the game. As a strong finisher, he excels at attacking the rim and converting difficult shots with power and touch. His ability to finish through contact showcases his strength and determination. Hines also possesses excellent rebounding skills, utilizing his size and positioning to secure boards on both ends of the court. His presence on the glass provides his team with second-chance opportunities and helps control the tempo of the game. In addition to his scoring and rebounding prowess, Hines is a valuable floor spacer. He understands the importance of maintaining proper spacing and positioning himself in areas where he can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes and creates a balanced half court offense.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["994907"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='994907' first='Mikah' last='Ballew'] brings a variety of tools on either end but his reliable midrange pull-up is the key weapon in his offensive arsenal. Additionally, Ballew's understanding of floor spacing is evident as he intelligently positions himself to provide scoring options for his teammates. His ability to stretch the floor creates opportunities for driving lanes and opens up the offense. Mikah's strength allows him to hold his ground against bigger opponents defensively but his quickness and lateral movement allow to stay with smaller guards as well and be versatile defensively.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1436324"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1436324' first='Brayden' last='Smith'] is a tremendous rim runner and roll man. Smith runs really well for his size and often beats his defender down the court to get great position and capitalize on secondary fast break opportunities. His energy leads to success on the boards at both ends and he consistently creates numerous extra opportunities for his team in a game. One thing I would love to see Brayden improve is his mid range jump shot as I think it would really help him unlock and diversify his game in the half court.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646d8f0630d3e"} /-->