Francisco’s Finest: St. John Bosco League (Day 2 Standouts)
Francisco’s Finest: St. John Bosco League (Day 2 Standouts)
BELLFLOWER, CA—St. John Bosco was the host for what has been one of the “must” stops on the evaluating tour the last few years. Many of the elite programs for Southern California make their way to the Braves gymnasium for some epic clashes. This time around we saw the likes of Harvard Westlake-sans Johnny Juzang—and their evolving big man Mason Hooks. In addition, St. Augustine and their rising junior Chibuzo Agbo made their way up from San Diego to exhibit their new team for the up and coming season.
Co MVPs
Mason Hooks (Harvard-Westlake)
2020, 6-foot-9, 245 pounds
Joel’s Take: When it comes to skilled 5-man, Hooks is near the top. He’s a rim-level player, but he has good hands, solid footwork and he possesses brute strength. He powers through contact and can finish with either hand. If that’s not enough to entice you, he has a feathery shooting touch out to 20-feet.
Justin Rene (Long Beach Poly)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: After a underwhelming performance earlier in the week, Rene came out like a man possessed against Harvard-Westlake. The physical scoring guard dropped in deep jump shots and got to the rim at will-usually finishing through contact.
Best Glue Type
Adam Hinton (Harvard Westlake)
2021, WF, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hinton has the sweetest 70s-esque afro and his game is as intriguing as his hair. The burly swing man has a smooth jump shot, rebounds in traffic, and is a quality defender.
Most Improved
Malik Thomas (Damien)
2021, SG, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Thomas has chiseled frame with good length and his game is evolving as well. He is a natural scorer who excels in transition both as a shooter and scorer. He utilizes his strength to finish in traffic and his jump shot is tight, especially off the traffic.
Best Shooter
Fernando Gomez (St. John Bosco)
2019, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gomez has a stellar finish to the year, and his shooting prowess has continued this spring. He can be streaky at times, but he is the master of hitting the clutch jump shot. His ball skills are solid and he’s a great competitor, but it’s his jump shot that gets him on the court.
Mr. Versatile
Truman Gettings (Harvard Westlake)
2021, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Getting is getting back into basketball shape as he dipped into a little baseball this spring. Gettings in an assertive 4-man who excels as a face-up 4-man. He can attack off the bounce and he’s a bouncy athlete. His shooting touch is solid out to 15-feet and he can handle the ball well in the open court. However, his post game—which he should considering polishing in the near future—needs work.