Oakland’s Finest Easter Invitational 2019
This past weekend I was at Berkeley High School for the Oakland Rebels Easter Invitational Tournament. This tournament featured some of Nor Cal’s top grassroots programs competing before they hit the road to do battle against other programs out of…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend I was at Berkeley High School for the Oakland Rebels Easter Invitational Tournament. This tournament featured some of Nor Cal’s top grassroots programs competing before they hit the road to do battle against other programs out of the area. My main focus was to observe the 17u group which had a couple of top 16u programs playing up, Chuck Hayes Basketball 16u and Team Lilliard 16u. Here is a list of players I thought performed well at this event in this age group.
Josh Williams 6’3 2020 MB3 Elite
Josh is getting the opportunity to improve his ball handling skills by running the point with his new grassroots team. He wasn’t pressured a lot from what I can tell, but it is a new position for him and I think he did a good job of handling the offense. He pushed and passed in transition, he set the offense when it needed to be set, he had good solid passes, and he’s always been decent when attacking the basket from the wings, this time he was attacking from the top. He knocked down open 3’s when he had them.
Darren Tobias 6’6 2020 MB3 Elite
This prospect brings energy to the court, he’s athletic, he’s bouncy and he’s always right in the middle of the action. He’s not a guy who gets plays called for him, but he seems to be very effective around the rim, and attacking from the baseline with the dribble, or a dump pass from the guard attacking the rim. He’s relied upon to get rebounds and play aggressive defense, and he was solid in those areas. I noticed he’s been working on his outside shooting also.
Bryce Monroe 5’11 2020 Team Lilliard 17u
Bryce is the top scoring point guard in Nor Cal. At 5’11 he not only can score, but he impressed with his ability to consistently score over taller defenders who are in good position, with their hands all up in his face, and he was still able to knock down the mid range pull up jumper with consistency. I think he’s more of a scoring point guard right now, but he also demonstrated his ability get into the lane at will and dish to the big fellas or score on his own. He’s a competitor that wants to win.
Monty Bowser 6’5 2020 Team Lilliard 17u
Don’t be fooled by the frame on this prospect, he has been in the weight room. Iv’e seen him play outside on the wings and knock down 3’s, and attack from there, but this weekend he put in some good work on the inside, he’s got a quick second jump. On several occasions he got the offensive rebound and powered it right back up with authority off of two feet for the power dunk quite impressive. His long arms and good lateral movement allows him to guard smaller, quicker players as well as players his own size out on the wings.
Teiano Hardee 6’5 2020 Team Lilliard 17u
Hardee is an athletic prospect who has the tools to score in a variety of ways. He’s a good shooter from mid range, he can beat you off the dribble, and he can shoot from the 3 line. He’s an excellent floor runner, and he’s very difficult to guard in the open court with his athleticism and ability score. He can get hot and score in bunches.
Durell Laury 6’7 2020 San Francisco Rebels 17u
This long prospect shoots 3’s way beyond the line and makes them with some consistency. He has to be guarded out there, he made three in a row to start a game off on Sunday. He showed some ability to drive but, didn’t do it often, He’s a good passer of the long ball, he often would rebound and make very effective long outlet passes. He roamed the paint trying to block shots. When he’s focused he can make a solid contribution to help this team.
Cole Anderson 6’4 2021 Chuck Hayes Basketball 16u
My first look at Cole. I thought he was one of the more outstanding players this weekend. He’s probably more of a shooting guard right now. He moves well, and has good quickness with the ball. He makes up his mind early, he’s got a quick release and he shoots a smooth jumper at midrange, he comes off screens and can spot up. A consistent and accurate shooter from 3pt range. good shot selection he doesn’t force shots. Probably needs to attack more to add balance to his game.
Davion Wright 6’3 2022 Chuck Hayes Basketball 16u
I have to remind myself Davion is a Freshman. He’s a clever ball handler that makes good decisions, he can beat defenders off the dribble with his quick first step. He has exceptional quickness and vertical explosion on his pull up jumper. Always plays with his head up looking to attack when the opportunity presents itself. A quality on ball defender with quick hands.
Devin Day 6’3 2022 Chuck Hayes Basketball 16u
I think it’s pretty well known Devin is a consistent and accurate shooter from 3pt range. This is my first look at him with his club team, but I think he’s been working on some things. He brought the ball up court showing that he’s been working on his ball handling. He put the ball on the floor and attacked from the wings with a floater and a runner. It’s good to know he spends time working on different parts of his game. He’s going to get a lot of attention
Geronimo Rubion 6’3 2021 Team Lilliard 16u
Plays with controlled tenacity. He can play both guard positions, he’s comfortable playing lead guard, does a good job of controlling tempo. A clever handler who can readily get to the rim and finish with a variety of dazzling moves with the left or right. When in need of a basket he was the one they called on. He’s a confident player who nows he can convert in the crunch. Can knock the the 3 ball.