Lyn Basa-Merza Classic Standouts

<p>Saturday afternoon .  I made my way up the hill to Valley Christian High School in San Jose California, where the first annual Len-Basa-Merza Classic was held.  There were 7 games played. There were plenty of prospects on display, and a highly anticipated match-up between Nor Cal's  #1 Salesian Prep against #3 Modesto Christian.  Here's my take on some  prospects who were listed at 6'5 and above.  </p> <p><strong>Ronnie Ray 6'6 2020 forward - Brookside Christian (Stockton, CA)</strong><br /> This long athletic slender prospect is raw and steadily improving his game.  He's very active when he's on the floor. He displayed a nice jump hook as his go to move; which proved to be difficult to defend because of his length, and how high he jumps.  He positions himself well to get offensive rebounds and "put backs."  On defense his quick feet and long wing span make it difficult for others to score.</p> <p><strong>Sebastian Reynoso 6'8 2019 forward -  Alisal  (Salinas, CA)</strong>  <br /> This prospects really runs the floor, even though he's heavily relied on to rebound for this tea. He hustles from block to block with his hands up and calling for the ball.  He has good foot work on the low block. He seems more effective at the high post where he would use one or two quick dribbles to attack the basket or use good passing to look over the defense for cutters and open players on the wings.  He's got long arms and moves well on defense. He had 14 points and 3 blocks.</p> <p><strong>Myles Clayton 6'7 2021 G/F/P- Central Catholic (Modesto, CA)</strong><br /> In high school some players play the whole game, Myles did.  Being a Sophomore and playing for a small division school he demonstrates an exceptional amount of poise and calmness.  He played three positions showing that he's got the skill set to be effective at either one.  He can rebound and push, he brought the ball up the court in transition, made decent passes.  He used the 2 dribble drive to attack from the wings for some nice finishes at the rim.  He can post up and finish with either hand and he can knock down 3's in the corner.  He runs the floor in transition.  He finished with 23 points,10 rebs. and 2 blocks.</p> <p><strong>Jay Allen-Tovar 6'9 2019 center-  Valley Christian (San Jose, CA)</strong>  <br /> He was my pick for MVP of the showcase. This prospect is one of Nor Cal's top unsigned seniors. He also plays the whole game for his team. This could have been a break out game for this prospect, we'll see what he does from here on out.  Jay Allen can be as good as he wants to be.  At 6'9 in high school, he has the ability to dominate a game with his size and presence.  Offensively he's big, strong, and can be hard to guard down on the block.  On defense, he can own the paint with his physical presence; he can protect the rim and block shots.  His numbers for this game were 26 points 8 rebs. and 3 blocks.</p> <p><strong>Te'Jon Sawyer 6'8 2020 forward- Salesian Prep (Richmond, CA)</strong><br /> This prospect finally made his way onto the court. He's also a top rated football prospect.  Te'jon's working his way into basketball shape.  He plays an important role for the #1 team.  He's got good footwork to go with a soft touch around the basket. He doesn't force shots, and he's an exceptional passer.  A good low post defender.  His stats reflected 10 points, and 4 rebs. off the bench.</p> <p><strong>Alex Merkviladze 6'8 2020 forward-  Modesto Christian (Modesto, CA)</strong><br /> Played an exceptional game on this day.  He scored 16 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and showed some toughness all throughout the game defending Salesians "bigs."  He scored key baskets down the stretch with his movement around the basket.  He's a solid defender in the post area.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>