Wrap Up From Days 1 & 2 of the 2023 Classic at Damien
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The 2023 Classic at Damien kicked off this week in La Verne, California as play began with the Silver bracket on Tuesday as Lynwood (CA) faced Palisades (CA), Skyridge (UT) took on Serra (CA), and Tahoma (WA) played Orange Lutheran…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 Classic at Damien kicked off this week in La Verne, California as play began with the Silver bracket on Tuesday as Lynwood (CA) faced Palisades (CA), Skyridge (UT) took on Serra (CA), and Tahoma (WA) played Orange Lutheran (CA). Wednesday’s slate was highlighted by the start of play in the Platinum division which featured matchups between heavyweights Eastvale Roosevelt (CA) and The Branson School (CA), Sunnylope (AZ) and the hosts Damien (CA), and finally Corona Centennial (CA) vs Basha (AZ).
Aten Hassan
Aten Hassan
Aten finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds in Palisades’ (CA) tough loss to Lynwood (CA) on Tuesday morning in the first round of Silver bracket play. Hassan is a fluid, multi-positional wing who spaces the floor well for the Dolphins, has the length and size to shoot over smaller defenders in close, and the athleticism to finish above the rim as well. He has all the tools to develop into a reliable scoring threat.
Kayleb performed well on Tuesday in Serra’s (CA) hard fought loss to Skyridge out of Lehi, Utah. Kearse attacked the basket well in this one, darted all over the court to make plays on both ends, and created for his teammates by getting into the paint to draw extra defensive attention.
Jovan made a big impact in Pasadena’s (CA) hard fought win over Tahoma (WA) on Tuesday night. Lester attacked the basket repeatedly as he showcased a strong ability to finish at the rim with either hand, the athleticism to finish above the rim, and the upper body strength to finish through contact.
Highlights
Hubbard continued his early season hot scoring run with 25 points and a bevy of threes on Tuesday night in Orange Lutheran’s (CA) tough loss to Tahoma (WA). Jaden continued to create well for himself off the dribble including from behind the three point line as he is able to very confidently take and make threes with a high degree of difficulty. He definitely shows the ability to stretch the floor for a team at the next level but needs to reign in his shot selection to become a more efficient scorer.
Highlights
Dalton had 27 points and at least 10 rebounds on Tuesday night as Tahoma (WA) was able to down Orange Lutheran (CA) in their opening round matchup. Brown was all over the glass at both ends as he created a bounty of second chance opportunities for the Bears and showed a great finishing touch around the basket. He also showed an ability to shoot from the perimeter as he was able to take advantage of bigger defenders who gravitate towards the basket.
Alec finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in what was a dominant all-around performance for the junior in De La Salle’s (CA) win over Campbell Hall (CA). Blair showed off all of his offensive gifts in this one as he maneuvered his way into the paint for creative finishes, found teammates with clever drop off passes for layups, and maturely controlled the pace of the game.
Gene Roebuck
Gene Roebuck
Gene came out firing in his Classic at Damien debut as he finished with 34 points and 7 rebounds in La Mirada’s (CA) tough loss to Owyhee (ID). Roebuck scored the ball at will on the interior on Wednesday afternoon as he showed great body control, footwork, and scoring touch to be so effective against a tough defensive team.
Nate finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds on Wednesday night in Damien’s (CA) thrilling overtime win against Sunnyslope (AZ). Garcia controlled the paint in this one as he was matched up with similarly sized Darius Wabbington Darius Wabbington 6’10” | C Sunnyslope | 2027 State AZ and was able to win the battle of the bigs — Nate plays with great physicality/strength, moves with solid coordination, and has a soft finishing touch around the basket. He also is a major factor on the defensive end as a deterrent at the rim and on the glass.
Xavier provided a huge emotional spark for Damien on Wednesday night as they were able to beat Sunnyslope (AZ) in overtime. Clinton finished with 20 points and 4 threes as he was able to hit several huge, momentum shifting shots in the second half and in overtime. He scores the ball at all 3 levels with confidence but should refine his shot selection a bit to become a more efficient scorer.
John excelled on Wednesday night in Sunnyslope’s (AZ) overtime loss to Damien (CA). Mattingly finished this contest with 31 points and 5 threes as he led the Vikings on the offensive end with an efficient three-level scoring performance that saw him finish at the basket with either hand, make contested shots in the mid-range, and space the floor very effectively as a 3-point shooter.