West Coast Spring Showcase: Saturday Top Performers
The West Coast Spring Showcase took place this past weekend and we had the opportunity to drop by on Saturday to take in several games of very competitive action. There were a number of highlight performances and here are some…
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Continue ReadingThe West Coast Spring Showcase took place this past weekend and we had the opportunity to drop by on Saturday to take in several games of very competitive action. There were a number of highlight performances and here are some of the top performers on the day.
Ben Gregg (2021 Clackamas/Rose City Rebels 16U) – Gregg had the top performance of the day in the games we watched. He tallied 34 points in a hard-fought win over Hotshots Elite out of the Sacramento area. Gregg really posted up strong both in the high and low post, attacked the basket, and was efficient in his finishes, absorbing contact and converting some and-ones. It’s clear this AAU season that Gregg is playing with more aggressiveness against opposing players and in a way, has started to develop some “dog” to his game. The overall tone of the game got a little chippy and Gregg finished things off with a fast-break two-handed thunder dunk to the delight of the crowd.
Liam Lloyd (2020 Gonzaga Prep/Washington Supreme) – With his father Tommy in attendance as usual, the 6-foot-5 wing was rock-solid in all phases of his game. His shooting stroke was pure from the perimeter past the three-point line, he made plays off the dribble, and even threw down some dunks for good measure. Washington Supreme wasn’t really tested in either of their games, but despite the blowout wins Lloyd played with good energy and purpose.
Darius Gakwasi (2021 Central Catholic/Rose City Rebels 16U) – At the beginning of the game, it looked like any usual game for Gakwasi as he was going with the flow, hitting a couple of jumpers. But things seemed to turn in the middle of the contest after one of the Hotshots Elite players hit a three and started clapping in the normally mild-mannered swingman’s face. That seemed to light a fire under the 6-foot-5 sophomore and he started to get much more aggressive attacking the basket and even threw down a dunk, something we haven’t seen him do often in games. Gakwasi ended up with 18 points in the game and a handful of rebounds and assists.
Drew Carter (2021 Tigard/Team Fly Williams) – Carter is best known as a shooter as he has picture-perfect form and rotation on his outside shot. The 6-foot-2 guard certainly knocked down shots from the perimeter in a win against Team Jones (Ogles), both the catch-and-shoot and off-the dribble variety, but he also showed off his athleticism with a couple of fast break jams. Carter is simply a natural athlete who makes a lot of things look easy with his fluid movements.
Malik Kelley (2020 Roosevelt/Maeko) – At 6-foot-4, 220-pounds with a nimbleness to his movements, Kelley is a matchup nightmare physically and he was certainly that in Maeko’s win over Prestige Basketball. It’s something to get position down low, which Kelley certainly did, but to have the ability to finish over taller players is something extra and Kelley showed that in Maeko’s opening game win. He even stepped back and nailed a three for good measure. Kelley is especially dangerous when he grabs the defensive rebound and has the ability to start taking it upcourt to either finish himself or get it to an open teammate.
Trejon Williams (2022 Jefferson/Rose City Rebels 15U) – With players like Lamar Washington (injury) and Mookie Cook (camp) out of action, it fell upon Williams to be the main man for the Rebels, who were playing up in the 16U division. The 6-foot guard certainly delivered. He used his quickness to get to the hoop and his strength to finish, and at times was flat out unguardable. Williams exhibited full control of the ball at all times and his aggressiveness funneled into the defensive end where he really got after it as well. Granted his perimeter shooting needs work and a number of missed free throws at the end of their second win would have made life a lot easier, but Williams is no doubt a talent to watch.