Hustle Finals: Opening Night Top Performers (17U)
The PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region Finals kicked off on Friday night at the spacious Momentous Sports Center in Irvine with a number of games, and we had the opportunity to take in a couple first round matchups. Here’s a look…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region Finals kicked off on Friday night at the spacious Momentous Sports Center in Irvine with a number of games, and we had the opportunity to take in a couple first round matchups. Here’s a look at the top performers we observed.
Billy Barnes III (2019 Carson HS) – Barnes was the high scorer on the day, notching 26 points – 21 in the first half – in Map Elite’s 52-47 win over O.C. Rain Craig. The 6-foot lefty combo guard is long, lanky, and quick off the dribble and he scored on a number of whirling dervish drives to the hoop and also canned a couple of threes. Barnes also dished off a couple of fancy assists. An unsigned senior, he is likely looking at some California JC or prep school options.
Gabe Springer (2020 Huntington Beach HS) – Springer is a bit raw offensively but he made his mark on defense, blocking a number of shots including two key swats near the end of the game when O.C. Rain Craig threatened the lead. The 6-foot-6 lefty was able to be effective despite getting into foul trouble and made a couple of nice-looking post moves and knocked down a mid-range jumper. Springer recently moved to California from Pennsylvania where he played at Wallenpaupack Area HS and garnered some D-III interest.
Cory Knutson (2020 Yorba Linda HS) – Knutson was impressive in that he showed the ability to score at all three levels – he posted up strong inside, could catch and shoot beyond the three-point line, and also create a bit off the dribble for some pull-ups. He played physical and held his own on the boards and on the defensive end. At 6-foot-7, it’s not hard to imagine him being a stretch four type at the D-III level.
Tommy Griffits (2020 La Costa Canyon HS) – Griffits didn’t get a ton of playing time as California Select Red romped to an easy first round win, but in the minutes he did play he was extremely productive. The 6-foot-7 stretch four knocked down open jumpers including a couple of threes, but also showed off the ability to finish around the basket with both hands in scoring a team-high 16 points. A high-academic student, he’s currently hearing from some Division III schools.
McKay Roberts (2020 Granite Hills HS) – Roberts was the top shooter we saw all night. The 6-foot-2 wing is a classic catch-and-shoot spot-up shooter and he not only drained three threes but made it look extremely easy with an effortless stroke.
Keyshawn Bradley (2020 James Madison HS) – Bradley is an athletic combo guard who was able to make plays in multiple areas of the floor. He was quick off the dribble, knocked down some perimeter jumpers, and got loose on the break where he threw down an impressive dunk on one finish.
Christopher Jackson (2021 Los Oscos HS) – Not a whole lot went well for Rancho Elite Black as they lost by 31 to California Select Red, but Jackson consistently played hard all game. The 5-foot-11 combo guard used his strong build to get to the basket but the lefty also stepped back and hit a couple of threes.