CIF State Boys Division II Qtrs: Clovis East Wins @ Milpitas

CIF State, Round II action was Thursday night at Milpitas High School. Clovis East from the Central Vally hit the road for a 3hr, 45 minute drive to take on the Milpitas Trojans. PH NorCal was there to see the action. Milpitas was placed in the Open Division of the CCS, has been playing good basketball. Clovis East a team from the Central Vally played it's way through in Division I the highest in the Central Valley.   The game was close throughout the first quarter, as both teams were trying to find their rhythm, and run their offense, the quarter ended tied at 15. You could see Clovis East starting to find what works, as they made good runs in the quarter to take a half-time lead of 31-23. In the third, Clovis East started to speed up the pace getting transition baskets, and points in the paint. Milpitas struggled to get the ball in the basket, 47-36 end of 3 quarters. The fourth quarter Clovis East started to pull away getting more confident running their offensive sets, and converting buckets in transition. Final score Clovis East 73, Milpitas 45.   Who Caught Our Eye    He's a undersized forward at 6'3, he did a good job getting things done around the basket. He showed good strength powering up off two feet in traffic, and a jump hook on his way to 17pts. He hit a 3ptr from the top. He had good activity inside working for rebounds, and defending taller players.     He's an intriguing prospect, he doesn't appear to be a prospect who'll fill just on box on the stat sheet. He scored 7pts, a 3ptr from the corner early, then 4 more in the 4th shooting making 2 free throws. He's a ball handler, excellent passer keeping the offense flowing. He's a good defender who can guard out on the perimeter. He's a distraction to shooters getting out to the 3pt line with his lengthy arms. he helps rebound, lead transition break, and fills lane.     He's listed as a 6'5 2028 PG. He showed us he's capable of controlling the flow of the game, handling ball pressure bringing the ball up court. He set the team in half-court. He's a good ball handler using cross overs and quick dribbles. He has vision, and good passing. He's got quick feet, and change of direction moves getting into the paint, with the decision to score or get the assist. We'll keep an eye on him.     He looks like a steady experience guard that's been contributing for a while. He played a good all around game from the start. He hit a couple of buckets in the first qtr. He's a strong driver with the body to handle contact and finish, when he wasn't dropping floaters. He dropped a couple of 3's in the second half to extend the lead.     One of NorCal's most improved unsigned Seniors. He showed his overall talents, not just points 18pts. He's long, can operate comfortably up top facilitating in the half-court, or working on the sides, and baseline generating offense off the dribble, hitting a 3ptr attacking from corners. He hit short corner jumpers, elbow jumpers. He's an excellent passer, he'll get rebounds.     He's been a reliable player for the Trojans all season long. He's an excellent handler with speed and toughness. He's fast getting up court, using vision and strong passing to find open mates. He's got a burst of speed to go by defenders, to finish with floaters and paint jumpers, he's not afraid of contact. He'll make open 3's. He has quick hands and leverage to stick to ball handlers.     A solid body player got off to a good start with his physical play inside pulling down rebounds on both sides. He tailed off a bit, but that doesn't negate the fact that he was a key piece for the Trojans 24-5, 11-1 to win their league. He's the man in the middle defending the paint, getting rebounds, and going up strong. He showed he could knock down 3's during the teams run.

CIF State, Round II action was Thursday night at Milpitas High School. Clovis East from the Central Vally hit the road for a 3hr, 45 minute drive to take on the Milpitas Trojans. PH NorCal was there to see the action. Milpitas was placed in the Open Division of the CCS, has been playing good basketball. Clovis East a team from the Central Vally played it's way through in Division I the highest in the Central Valley.