BYGLA Elite Run Showcase: Standouts

<p>SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - As more and more players are going out of state to play, new event directors are stepping up to the plate and creating opportunities for players to shine.  One of them is Gabe Hekmatniaz who created Bring Your Game LA to showcase some of the top players in SoCal and some of the most underrated ones as well.  Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the standouts from the BYGLA Elite Runs Showcase.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748768" first="Brandon" last="Perez"]</strong> (G, 2022, Saugus) The new Saugus transfer was one of the players who stood out the most at the event. Red hot from outside, scorched the nets in every game he was on the court.  In addition to the catch and shoot, Perez is showing that he knows how to use the pick and also read the situation to pull up for the midrange or drive to the rim.  Also showing improved playmaking skills in the pick and roll.  Perez by far hit the most shots in the gym at BYGLA.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="747086" first="Tyler" last="Powell"]</strong> (G/F, 2021, Ribet) Dominant from all over the court.  The Seton Hall commit had his way all day long off the dribble for 3 and at the rim with acrobatic finishes and dunks.  Powell utilized tons of jabs and fakes to free himself for looks.  His jumper is looking the best it has ever looked. Powell is going to have a huge year for Ribet and will make Pirate fans happy in college. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="954230" first="Barrington" last="Hargress"]</strong> (G, 2022, Ribet) Showed very impressive growth with his playmaking ability.  At Ribet he often was secondary ball handler but at BYGLA, Hargress was able to show off his flair and creativity with the ball.  He was able to break down his initial defender and did a great job of penetrating and kicking to the open perimeter shoots and also cutters at the rim.  In addition, Hargress also showed off his range with several 3 balls from deep.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748761" first="Jack" last="McCloskey"]</strong> (G/F, 2022, Santa Margarita) The 6’7" G/F is a fundamentally sound scorer.  McCloskey can spot up and shoot, post up and score on fadeaways, and also pull up from deep.  He also has a good wing span and sneaky athleticism as he had several blow bys and finished at the rim with a thundering jam.  McCloskey is going to blossom to an elite prospect and D1 programs should keep an eye on him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="943436" first="Jalen" last="Pitre"]</strong> (F, 2021, LB Poly) The Pepperdine commit did his work on the boards and showcased his strength and athleticism all day long.  Opposing players often had a tough time boxing him out as he was able to push and sky over them for offensive boards.  Pitre is a threat in the open court with elite athleticism.  In the drills portion, he threw down a windmill and a 360 with ease without breaking a sweat.  The LB Poly senior is going to have a huge year when high school sports start back up.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="680234" first="Brendan" last="Terry"]</strong> (F, 2021, Crossroads) The two sport star is known as a strong athletic wing who gets the bulk of his points finishing at the rim.  At BYGLA, Terry showcased more than just his finishing ability.  The 6’6" stand out is showing an improving jumpshot and the ability to create for himself off the dribble.  On more than one possession, Terry used a series of hesitations and dribbles to free himself up for jumpers that swished the net.  On defense, Terry did a great job showing he could protect the rim by challenging and swatting almost everything that went his way.</p>