Aztec Team Camp, Session 2: First Five
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The second session of the Aztec Team Camp – historically the stronger of the two – lived up to the billing last weekend. Teams from across Southern California – and a handful from adjoining states – competed across three divisions.…
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Continue ReadingThe second session of the Aztec Team Camp – historically the stronger of the two – lived up to the billing last weekend. Teams from across Southern California – and a handful from adjoining states – competed across three divisions. In the top division, El Camino surprised by defeating Mission Hills, San Ysidro, Carlsbad and a shorthanded Windward to win the title. Rancho Buena Vista and Palm Desert won the lower divisions.
Here are my first group of standouts:
Jael Martin Jael Martin 6'9" | PF Carlsbad | 2024 State CA-S , 2024 F, Carlsbad
This was a huge coming out party for Martin, who recently relocated from Los Angeles to Carlsbad for his senior year. The athletic, wiry and long four man was dominant for long stretches of camp, and did it efficiently and with his motor. He was relentless on both ends, rebounding at an impressive clip, blocking shots both on the ball and from helpside, and unselfishly finding open teammates when double teams came. Skillwise, Martin shows flashes of being able to play on the wing, though his handle still needs to tighten and he is a bit streaky as a shooter. But overall, Martin was clearly the most impressive prospect on hand, and had SDSU’s staff front and center at all of his games.
Gavin Hightower Gavin Hightower 6'0" | PG Windward | 2025 State #99 Nation CA-S , 2025 PG, Windward
Hightower came into the weekend as the highest rated prospect among 2025 players, and didn’t disappoint. He commands the offense and is an excellent vocal floor general. He has the ball on a string, and plays with multiple speeds and plays with tremendous poise and pace. Whenever his team needed a winning play, Hightower didn’t disappoint. Coming into the weekend, the biggest question mark with Hightower was his shooting from three. While he showed the ability to knock down shots from that range, polishing that area is a priority.
Euan Davis Euan Davis 6'1" | PG El Camino | 2024 State CA-S , 2024 G, El Camino
If there was a local player who helped boost his stock this weekend, it was Davis. Leading his team to the championship, Davis played as controlled yet explosive as I’ve seen him in a while. Offensively, the area of his game where he’s struggled at times, Davis was impressive. He shot the ball efficiently from midrange, scored on tough drives and looked more comfortable shooting from distance. Defensively, he’s always been a constant menace, as he’s one of the toughest on-ball defenders in the region, and showed it throughout the weekend.
JJ Sanchez JJ Sanchez 6'4" | CG Montgomery | 2025 State CA-S , 2025 F, Montgomery
The taller and bigger of the Sanchez twins was the catalyst of an impressive weekend for the Aztecs. One of the more confounding mismatches in his class, Sanchez picked double teams apart all weekend with his excellent court vision. Sanchez, who has elite footwork in the post, shot it well from the perimeter too. Sanchez’s IQ, which is also elite, allows him to dominate games for long stretches.
Isaiah Sharky, 2024 G, Oak Hills
While all eyes were on Shark’s teammate, 6-7 Deshawn Gory Deshawn Gory 6'8" | SF Red Rock Academy | 2024 NV , Sharky stole the show. The 6-4 shooting guard knocked down spot-up threes and attacked the basket with aggressive, straight line drives all weekend. Sharky’s effort level and technique on defense were also impressive, as was his rebounding. In terms of motors, Sharky’s was among the best in the gym. Additionally, Sharky has a 4.3 grade point average, making him an appealing academic D1 prospect.