Standout Performers at the Pangos All-American Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LONG BEACH — There were multiple club and individual showcase events in Southern California during the opening weekend of club/AAU action as players and programs shift their focus from the high school season to the club season. We were able to hit three events - NXTPro in Seal Beach, the Pangos All-American Preview in Long Beach and the BattleZone at Orange Lutheran high school. Below are the standout performers from the Pangos All-American Preview.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Brooklyn Ross | 2027 | Aquinas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ross is a physical and athletic specimen whose combination of size, length, and fluid and explosive athleticism made him one of the most effective wing/forwards in this event. The 6-foot-6 junior thrived in the transition setting where he rebounded the defensive glass, pushed the break and got to the rim and finished above it. Ross was also effective as a lane-filler on the break where his long strides allowed him to cover ground quickly and glide to the basket for high percentage finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">D'Andre Gardner | 2027 | Leander Rouse (TX)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Texas-native impressed with his all-around game and willingness to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Gardner was at his best as a driver and finisher with his quick-twitch leaping ability to go along with a shifty handle and great body control when finishing around the rim. He also knocked down off-catch and off-bounce three-point shots at a consistent clip. Gardner competed on the defensive end in a camp setting that doesn't always generate that type of effort on that end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Kalou Ruot | 2028 | Judge Memorial (UT)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruot was one of the most skilled big men in the event. At 6-feet-8 with a long, wiry frame, catch-and-finish coordination and fluid transition athleticism, the sophomore out of Utah thrived as a rim-runner and lob finisher on the break. Ruot showed and impressive combination of touch and feel when scoring around the basket. A big time upside prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Owen Stearns | 2027 | West Warwick (RI)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stearns had the furthest travel itinerary of the group and didn't waste all the miles he covered to get there. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard established himself as one of the top three-point shooters in the camp as he knocked down a barrage of triples from multiple spots and ranges on the floor. Stearns' fundamental shooting mechanics, combined with his strong base and good balance, leads to a trait that will translate to the college level. He also showed some off-bounce game when attacking the rim on straight-line drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Reese Nicol | 2028 | Ellington (CT)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best way to describe Nicol's game: a jack-of-all-trades. The 6-foot-5 sophomore has a well-rounded offensive skill-set that allows him to play on or off the ball - and really anywhere on the floor. He stretches the floor to the three-point line off-the-catch, can put the ball on the deck and create for himself and teammates with vision, basketball IQ and shot selection. Nicol has great feel and instincts on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2759167' first='Taylan' last='Owens'] | 2029 | Canyon View (AZ)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owens struck a good balance between creating and playmaking for others and finding spots to show his own scoring prowess. The 6-foot sophomore out of Arizona was a blur with his ball in his hands in the open court, and while he was one of the fastest players in the camp, he was always under control and made smart, high IQ decisions with the ball. Owens' best ability was his ability to get into the lane, draw in multiple defenders and make the right decision when scoring or passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2974465' first='Troy' last='Arthon'] | 2028 | Chaminade</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arthon is one of the biggest upside prospects in California's 2028 class with his offensive versatility at 6-feet-7. The sophomore has a dribble, pass and shoot skill-set, highlighted by his ability to stretch the floor off-the-catch out to the three-point line. Arthon is a smart and high IQ playmaker and decision-maker who can attack closeouts and score at the rim or make the right pass at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->