The Classic at Damien (Clutch Mindsets)

Joel Francisco

January 9, 2024 @ 08:46 PM

LA VERNE, Ca.--The Classic at Damien continued to show it's the ultimate holiday tournament on the West Coast due to its plethora of quality teams and stellar players, led by Tournament MVP [player_tooltip player_id='1630617' first='Brayden' last='Burries'] of Roosevelt.   In the following days, there will be numerous breakdowns of prospects ranging from High-Major Division 1 talent to junior college prospects under a bevy of categories. In this next category, we'll look at those players that have ice in their veins as the saying goes. In other words, they are not afraid of the moment and they usually deliver for their team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1502773' first='Eric' last='Freeny'] (Corona Centennial)   2024, WF/PF, 6-foot-4, 200 pounds   Joel's take: Centennial found themselves in a tight one against up-and-coming Basha out of Arizona. However, this is when Freeny came through with two clutch 3s to get his team back in the game--and an eventual win. The undersized 4/3 is a true gamer. He can hit the 3-point shot, take his defender off the bounce, and he's a gritty rebounder. UCLA has an intriguing forward who may remind some of former Bruin standout Kris Johnson.   [player_tooltip player_id='1502781' first='Jack' last='Turner'] (St. John Bosco)   2024, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds   Joel's take: When it comes to playing like you have been shot out of a cannon, look no further than Turner. The always-in-attack-mode guard impacts the game with his relentless driving and knock down shooting. He has an unorthodox shot, but it works. He'll need to put some weight on that wiry frame, but his skill set and mindset are strong.   [player_tooltip player_id='1630623' first='Gavin' last='Hightower'] (Windward)   2025, PG, 6-foot, 170 pounds   Joel's take: Hightower is a chiseled point guard prospect who isn't elite in any one skill category or physical attribute, but he is not afraid of the moment. He is always in attack mode and has solid straight-line speed and solid quickness. He uses his strength to finish in the paint and his savvy is quite good. He'll hit the 3 or pull-up jump shot and he always makes the right read in the half-court set.   [player_tooltip player_id='1530585' first='Luke' last='Isaak'] (San Ramon Valley)   2025, SG, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds     Joel's take: Isaak had a terrific all-around tournament and it warranted that MVP selection as he led his team to the championship in the ultra-talented Gold Division at this event. He has a good frame with solid length and his skill set is D1-ready. He is a potent shooter both off the catch as well as off the dribble. He gets great lift on his shot and his release is quick. His head is always up while attacking and he makes savvy decisions with the ball in his hands. One of the better-looking juniors on the West Coast.   [player_tooltip player_id='1502770' first='James' last='Evans'] (West Ranch)   2024, WF, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds   Joel's take: Evans went from a Barkley-esque frame as a freshman/sophomore, but has since slimmed down into a chiseled wing-type. He has always played with a hot motor and his skill set portrayed an inside-out 3/4. However, with his frame transformation he's evolving into a solid-looking wing-type for the next level. He can knock in the 3-point shot or drive and finish through contact--and he can throw it down in transition. Overall, he should have a solid career at UNLV.