State Preview Classic: Four studs from Saturday in SoCal
ONTARIO, CA - The regular season has a horizon quickly approaching and getting a chance to see some of Southern California’s top teams go head to head at the State Preview Classic at Colony High School was a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Who were the top dogs? These four guys stood out in a big way.
Crafty. He’s just so crafty. Framed up in the nightcap of a long day full of good action, the five-star guard from Southern California showed why the blue bloods are getting him to campus this winter. McCain did what we’ve become accustomed seeing him do - knock down threes, hand out elite level assists and run his team efficiently en route to a win on a big stage. There wasn't a better guard who stepped onto the hardwood on Saturday quite like McCain.
The second half was his best half in the pairing of prep giants on a Saturday afternoon in Southern California. He had a stretch in the second half on the defensive end of the floor that proved to be a difference-maker in his team’s win. Gardner scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half of action. His footwork and awareness in the low post against fellow 7-footer Dennis Evans was impressive. Gardner has played well at the showcase events this season and his effort in this pairing was outstanding. He played like the top 70 national prospect that he is.
The 7-foot-1 center was probably the most interesting guy in the building on Saturday at the State Preview Classic. He’s one of the premier shot-blockers in the nation and someone who will make you rethink your shot when you power into the lane. His offensive development has been impressive, as was his footwork. We are talking about big strides in his game in a short amount of time. Where can he take things next?
From an overall production value point of view, the 6-foot-7 do-everything wing guard showed the full offensive bag in his team’s win over Birmingham. He shot, slashed, scored, passed and rebounded like a guy who should have no trouble making the transition to the collegiate game. The class of 2023 guard is one of the more versatile guys we have in the junior class nationally.
