Christian MLK Jr. Shootout Standouts

As my first assignment as a part of the Full-Time Hoops team, I spent Monday February, 15th at Christian High School for the inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Shootout. A well run event that saw 14 teams take a break from league play and compete

EVENT STANDOUTS

O’Farrell vs. Hoover:

Standout: Christopher Modica, 6’2”, Guard, 2018

Breakdown: Far and away the best player on the floor for either team. In this blowout, Modica was able to show a little bit of every facet of his game by driving to the basket and finishing strong through contact, knocking down a few 3 point shots, throwing great outlet passes and finding his teammates on the break. Modica easily controlled the pace of this game, scoring for himself as well as setting up teammates for easily baskets. Modica needs to work on strengthening his left hand. Modica could possibly play at the NAIA level, but would be better suited going to junior college for a year, doing so could see him going to a division 3 school.

San Diego High School vs Steele Canyon

Stand out: Emanwell Henry, 6’6”, Forward, 2018

Breakdown: Henry started this game red hot from the field, knocking down his first 5 shots including 4 baskets from 3 point range. Henry was extremely patient, letting the game come to him shooting open shots and driving to the lane when available, finishing with a game high 28 points. Henry also used his 6’6” wingspan to play solid defense and secure key rebounds. Being physically very slender, Henry needs to hit the weight room and add some before moving onto the next level. All of the local junior colleges should be reaching out Henry.

Crawford vs El Capitan

Standout: Jacob Pfitzner, 6’2”, Forward, 2020

Breakdown: Pfitzner looked to be the most sound and most complete player on the floor for either team as he moved well without the ball getting into open space, making himself available to his teammates and knocking down four 3-point baskets. Defensively, Pfitzner played big and secured solid rebounds as his teams second tallest player. Though he did knock down shots from distance, Jacob struggled to stay on balance while shooting. This will improve with time if he adds strength and size to his frame.

Sweetwater vs West Hills

Standout: CJ McMillan, 6’4”, Forward, 2021.

Breakdown: Standing at 6’4” weighing about 200 pounds McMillan’s presence is immediately felt. He put many different facets of his skills set on display as started off the game posting up and scoring from the block. He then showed the ability to face up and attack the basket, following that up by stepping outside and knocking down a jumper from beyond the arc. Defensively, McMillan does a good job of using his size and staying vertical while contesting on the defensive end. Being just freshman, CJ has a very bright future. Once develops more of a motor that allows his to play consistently every trip down the floor, he is going to be a very scary!

Madison vs San Ysidro

Standout: Malik Campbell, 6’1”, Forward, 2018.

Breakdown: Though he had a somewhat slow start to the game, Malik Campbell absolutely went off in the second half as he was the energy and effort that his team needed to overcome a 20 point deficit for a come from behind win. Campbell was everywhere on defense, getting key steal in the full court press and converting them into layups that he sometimes had to finish through contact. Campbell finished the game leading his team in both scoring and in steals. Though still raw, Campbell can play next year at the junior college level.

El Centro Southwest vs Mission Hills

Standout: Warren Washington, 6’9”, Forward, 2018

Breakdown: Being the only committed Division 1 basketball player in this tournament (Oregon State), Warren Washington turned heads right away as he worked primarily from the low block, scoring and easily finding teammate out of the double team. Washington was dominant as there was no one for El Centro Southwest that could match his skill or his size. Washington’s dominance saw him finish the game with 25 points, to go along with 14 rebounds. On the defensive end Washington did a phenomenal job protecting the rim as he finished the game with 7 blocks.