Francisco’s Finest: Cali BattleZone (Biggest Sleepers)
Francisco’s Finest: Cali BattleZone (Biggest Sleepers) CORONA, CA.—It’s quite the trek out to Centennial High School, the BattleZone is worth every ounce of petroleum. Etop Udo-Ema and his BattleZone staff do a marvelous job of acquiring the best talent as…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Cali BattleZone (Biggest Sleepers)
CORONA, CA.—It’s quite the trek out to Centennial High School, the BattleZone is worth every ounce of petroleum. Etop Udo-Ema and his BattleZone staff do a marvelous job of acquiring the best talent as well as the best “grub” for the starving taste-buds. At the end of the knight it would be USC signee Isaiah Mobley that would nail two clutch freethrows with 1.5 seconds to go to capture the BattleZone over a talented and well-coached Centennial squad.
Caden Starr (Santa Clarita Christian)
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Starr is a multi-skilled wing-type who affects the game in multiple ways. He has a lengthy frame, solid ball skills, and a high basketball IQ. He can score out to the stripe or get into the lane off the dribble. His passing acumen demonstraes his feel for the game, but he needs to be much more assertive while finishing in the paint—both frome a physical standpoint as well as a mental standpoint.
Eric Goodrich Jr. (Orange Lutheran)
2021, WF, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the bigger surprises at the BattleZone was the emergence and upside of Goodrich Jr. He has the frame, athleticism, and evolving skills to be a college player someday. His first step is solid and he isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint area. Improving his perimeter skills, particularly shooting from the stripe, will help his progress.
Savaughn Davis (Mission Bay)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Mission Bay G Savaughn Davis is a relentless combo guard who is improving at both ends of the floor.Joel’s Take: As Davis gets more experienced and stronger, it is no shock that he has become more productive. He can snatch a rebound, lead the break, and either drop off the appropiate pass or slash his way to the rim. His touch is soft in the paint area, but his 3-point shot needs to get more consistent.
Andrew Thompson (Santa Clarita Christian)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Thompson was one of the better looking jump shooters we saw at the BattleZone. He sets up his shot coming off a pindown screen and his release looks textbook. He squares up nicely and gets good lift as well. He plays with a good motor and was quite potent cutting and coming off of screens.
Kaleb Lowery (Santa Clarita Christian)
2020, 6-foot-7, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: At this stage, Lowery is all bout upside. The lengthy frame, bounce, and long arms are evident. His motor runs up and down, but he is explosive in the paint and is a strong finisher in the paint. He can rebound and finish in the paint and shows good hands and feet. One of the better sleeper-types in San Diego.