COTC: 2028 Creme Game Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SAN DIEGO — St. Augustine high school played host to the 10th annual Creme of the County – the brain child of the one and only Aaron Burgin (FullTimeHoops) which brings together many of the best prospects in San Diego from seniors down to the eighth grade class. Below we detail the standout performers from the 20298 Creme Game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2763287' first='Boone' last='Thompson'] | Cathedral Catholic</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game where there wasn't a ton of true size, Thompson's strong 6-foot-5 frame stood out as did his impact in the paint offensively and defensively. The sophomore out of Cathedral Catholic was changing and altering shots at the rim, cleaning the defensive glass and ran the floor with purpose in transition. Thompson used his strong frame to establish rebounding position on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Brooklyn James | Monte Vista</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James is a long, wiry and fluid athlete who scored in transition with ease as his long strides and effortless elevation allowed him to glide and score at the rim. While James had his most productive offensive possessions as a driver or slasher, in the second half of the 2028 Creme Game he showed off a smooth pull-up jumper which was complete with great elevation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2763298' first='Columbus' last='Palmer'] | Francis Parker</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more physical guards in this game, Palmer used his stout frame and strong upper and lower body to get into the body of defenders, stay on balance through contact and score at the rim. Palmer's elite first step burst allowed him to get into the lane with ease and a quick spin or eurostep to counter any help-side defender who may have slid over to stop the drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Jerrell Wells-Shorts | Steele Canyon</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wells-Shorts was lauded for his elite motor during the 2028 Creme Game. The 6-foot-1 guard/wing was a workhorse defensively where he guarded multiple positions, pressured up on guards, sped up his opponent and forced turnovers which led to transition offense. Wells-Shorts often led those fast break opportunities and slashed to the paint for at-rim finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2546103' first='Rayan' last='Dahi'] | La Jolla Country Day</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dahi showed off some crafty ball handling and savvy finishing ability all of which was set up by his shiftiness off the bounce. The 6-foot point guard used hesitations to keep defenders off balance which set up blow-by opportunities for paint touches where he made solid decisions with the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Taj Ingram | Skyline Prep</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ingram might have been the best long-term prospect in the 2028 Creme Game. At 6-feet-5 with an improving physical make-up, the lefty is a skilled offensive player who showed an inside-out skill-set. Ingram was knocking down face-up mid-range jumpers but was also effective taking his defender off the bounce and using his shoulder to bump and create space to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tyler Johnson | Rancho Bernardo</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson was very opportunistic with his scoring throughout this game. The 6-foot-4 wing was a timely off-ball mover who slashed and finished at the rim through contact. Another thing Johnson did well was generate second-chance points with his effort and energy on the offensive glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->