COTC Senior Open Run – Event standouts, Part 2
In addition to writing for Prep Hoops, I also organize events in the San Diego. This weekend, I hosted the inaugural Creme of the County Senior Open Run, a showcase for unsigned seniors.
The last-minute venue switch to Mission Bay High School didn’t dampen the turnout or the enthusiasm, as 34 of the region’s unsigned senior crop – and one sophomore – participated in three games in front of onlookers and several college coaches.
In the second of several reports, we look at more standouts from the event, including an improving wing from LCC, a talented duo from Mira Mesa and a couple of players from the host program, Mission Bay.
COTC Senior Open Run – Event standouts, Part 2
Baylor Brimmer, 6-5 WF, La Costa Canyon
Brimmer is a bouncy, sharpshooting forward who showed off his shooting prowess off the catch in the event. He hit several from NBA range, and his mechanics are sound. Brimmer also looks better attacking off the bounce, and had a couple of near posters in the process. As his foot speed continues to improve, he’s becoming less of a liability as a perimeter defender. Division 3 schools should definitely recruit (3.67 GPA, 1150 SAT).
Jeremiah Brown, 6-0 G, Mira Mesa
The slender, crafty combo guard lit up the scoreboard in his two games. Brown is a slick ball handler who wiggles his way to the basket and has an array of finishes around the basket. He’s a streaky shooter and mechanically he has a low release point, but when he’s open, he usually knocks them down. I’d like to see him look to involve his teammates more with the pass, and he needs to get stronger, so a JUCO tour would be a wise decision. But he’s definitely a talent.
Christian West, 6-6 F, Mira Mesa
West has all the tools to be a big-time sleeper due to his improving perimeter skill set. He can now consistently make shots from midrange and can step out and hit a college three. He’s a long, springy prospect who defensively is a good rim protector and gives a solid effort on the boards. To further transition to the perimeter, West must improve his ball skills and handle. Junior College is a viable path, and should he choose it, he could emerge as a possible D2 candidate.
Andre Scott, 6-1 G, Mission Bay
Scott participated in one game, but showed enough to reinforce our opinion that he would be a very good NAIA/D2 level guard. The ultra physical defender has exceptional lateral quickness and strength defensively. Offensively, his game is still a work in progress, but his strength as a slasher and finisher through contact were apparent. He’s making positive strides shooting from midrange off the dribble, limiting some of the forced drives earlier in his career. Scott needs to continue to fine tune his handle, which has improved year over year.
Ronnie Latting, 6-7 C, Mission Bay
The ever-imposing Latting is a force in the paint, especially on the boards. He aggressively pursues rebounds in and out of his area, and finishes above the rim with force. Defensively, he’s longer than you thing (7-footer’s wingspan), and alters and blocks a fair share of shots in that area. He’s an exceptional pick-and-roll defender due to his exceptionally quick feet, which allow him to hedge or switch onto guards. Latting’s needs to continue to improve his footwork offensively, as refs whistled him for several travel calls. Again, Latting could continue to grow at the JUCO level, and would be a coveted big man following that stint.