SoCal Spring Tip-Off: More evaluations, part 3

The second annual Southern California Spring Tip Off was held Saturday and Sunday April 8-9 at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove.

110 teams from the western United States participated. In our first report we evaluated the top 30 prospects in the event. So many (227) others earned recognition that we've divided their evaluations into three parts.

In our last report we evaluate prospects alphabetically with last names R through Z:

Other Top Prospects: (alphabetical order, R through Z)

6’8” PF Cameron Reese of Oakland Tech HS 2017 (Team Lillard 17U)

-Athletically gifted. Scores it in the paint. Can fall away on his defender to score. One of the better athletes at the event. Will need to go JUCO/Mid major potential after.

5’8” G Taj Regans of Crespi HS 2018 (Gamepoint Pump N Run 17U)

Lightning quick point guard with impressive burst in the open floor and ability to finish in the paint despite lack of size. Navigates transition offense well and makes good decisions in the open court. Capable 3-point shooter both off the catch and off the dribble with deep range. Active defender with quick hands and feet that allow him to successfully guard bigger and stronger guards.

6’3” G/F Zach Reiter of Poway HS 2018 (Gamepoint 17U Select)

Physically imposing wing with an impressive frame that allows him to overpower smaller defenders and do as he pleases offensively. Effective as a set shooter from 3-point range with a good release point and ability to hit from multiple spots behind the arc. Strength allows him to successfully defend bigger wings.

6’10” C Ezekiel “Zeke” Richards of Oak Park HS 2018 (Earl Watson Elite 17U UAA)

-Big bodied 5-man. Moves well end to end. Scores strictly around the basket. Good rebounder and body has made strides slimming down. Needs to extend shooting range. Possible mid major.

6’6” F Patrick Roberts of El Cajon Christian HS 2020 (Gamepoint Elite 15U)

Defensive-oriented big man with intuitive timing when contesting and blocking shots. Good body control allows him to stay vertical when contesting. Solid rebounder who doesn’t shy away from contact. Offensive game is still a work in progress.

6’7” Jordan Robinson of King HS 2017 (EWE Unsigned)

-Much improved athleticism and quickness. Runs rim to rim and one of the best rebounders in his class. Double doubles on any given night. Low Div. 1

6’8” PF Jaden Rollins of Desert Vista HS 2018 (AZ Factory 17U)

-Face-up four-man who shoots it with range and rebounds well in his area. High academic player who keeps growing. Needs to improve ball handling. Possible D1/Ivy league.

5’7” G Dominic Safarta of El Cajon Christian HS 2019 (San Diego All Stars 16 Black)

Quick and shifty guard who is quick with the ball in transition and puts a lot of pressure on the defense when leading the break. Has a knack for finding space that others don’t see to create for himself or others.

6’1” PG Malik Salahuddin of Mountain Pointe HS 2019 (Tres Hoops 16U)

-Athletic scoring one-man who can shoot it from mid range to the three-point line. He is quick with the ball and pushes the pace. He will need to work on his left hand and changing speeds.

6’0” PG Taurus Samuels of Vista HS 2018 (Gamepoint Pump N Run 17U)

High IQ point guard who knows how to balance scoring and distributing. Plays with an unlimited motor and brings vocal leadership qualities to the court. Quick with the ball in transition, while still maintaining the ability to make good decisions on the fly. Very unselfish player who plays within himself and can make every pass in the book. Knockdown mid-range jump shooter who is improving his stroke from 3-point range. Active defender who understands team defensive concepts and fundamental defensive principles. Some question his athleticism and ability to finish over bigs, but he makes up for those question marks with his decision making.

Photo by Dave Keefer

6’1” SG Caleb Santos of Walnut HS 2020 (Gamepoint OC White 15U)

-Smooth shooter with range. Finishes in transition. Needs added strength. Future college player.

6’3” SG Devan Sapp of Archbishop Mitty HS 2019 (Team Lillard 16U)

Consistent shooting threat from mid and 3-point range. Understands how to utilize a shot fake to lose a defender and get into the paint where he can get into his mid-range jump shot. High motor and active defender who can guard multiple positions.

6’4” SG Jon Scherer of Saddleback Valley Christian HS 2019 (Earl Watson Elite 16U UAA)

-Consistent shooter with deep range. Fast trigger and stronger frame. Makes extra pass/high IQ. Good floor spacer at next level. Possible D1 prospect.

6’9” C Alassane Sene of San Gabriel HS 2020 (Dream Vision 15U)

Raw center prospect with good size, length and mobility. Capable rim protector, shot blocker and rebounder who forces penetrating guards to think twice about finishing at the basket. Offensive game is in its infant stages, but does have a decent set of hands.

6’1” CG Jaden Shackelford of Oak Hills HS 2019 (Prodigy Elite 16U)

Crafty left-handed combo guard who has a balanced scoring package and and can create with the ball in his hands. Has the ability to score from 3-point and mid range, while also possessing the speed, quickness and athleticism to break down the perimeter defense and attack the basket.

6’3” F Josh Sims of Pacifica Christian HS 2020 (Earl Watson Elite 15U HA)

Strong and athletic wing-type with a high motor and relentless attack attitude. Most effective as a slasher - either off the ball, cutting to the basket and scoring, or on the ball where he can use a solid handle and strength to blow by defenders and get to the rim. Versatile defender who has the strength to hold his own in the paint and foot speed to keep smaller, quicker guards in front. Active on both the offensive and defensive glass. Had a number of “rebound and push” opportunities.

6’5” SG Aaron Slack of Eastvale Roosevelt HS 2018 (Prodigy 17 Red)

-Strong college type body. Deep three-point range and walks off the bus with his shooting hands ready. Can score inside and has developed crafty ways to finish. Limited ability to defend a quick guard on the perimeter but uses his court awareness to make up for it.

6’0” CG Clark Slajchert of Oak Park HS 2020 (Earl Watson Elite 15U UAA)

One of the more savvy and tough young guards in the event. Can play both on and off the ball with success due to his ability to create off the dribble. Can hit from 3-point range with regularity both off the catch and off the dribble. Also a consistent scorer from the mid-range and gets great lift on his pull-up jumper.

6’4” CG/PG Wes Slajchert of Oak Park HS 2018 (Earl Watson Elite 17U UAA)

-Savvy floor general with consistent pull-up. Average foot speed versus quicker guards. Makes the extra pass/high IQ. Consistent shooter with range. Mid minus/mid.

6’1” CG Quincy Smith of La Joya HS 2017 (Alvin Gentry Elite 17U)

-Stronger quick on-ball defender. Tough inside attacker who needs to improve 3pt consistency.

Photo by Dave Keefer

6’1” PG Treshon Smoots-Jones of Grant HS 2018 (Team Lillard 17u)

-Athletic, solid handles, pushes the break. Good passer who gets people the ball in scoring situations. Can penetrate/drive-has a nice first step. Has a motor.

6’7” C Rarey Sommer of Florence HS 2019 (Tres Hoops 16U)

-Thicker 5-man with developing post moves. He rebounds the ball at a good clip by boxing out and using his girth. He shows a nice touch on his shot and runs the floor. Future college player.

6’7” PF Ethan Spry of Scottsdale Christian Academy 2019 (Alvin Gentry Elite 17U)

-Skilled four man with shooting touch to the three. He rebounds the ball by boxing out and understands position. He is an average athlete who is sniper from mid-range. Division 2 with upside.

5’10” G Bryson Stephens of J.W. North HS 2020 (Gamepoint Elite 15U)

Quick guard who can really defend on the perimeter. Closes gaps to 3-point shooters with speed and gets a hand up on outside shooters. Burst of speed allows him to shoot gaps for steals.

5’10” Dorian Stewart of St. Bernard HS 2019 (EWE 16U Silver)

-Outstanding point guard with terrific ball handling skills. Almost too unselfish at times. Good defensive quickness to keep the ball in front of him. Needs to be consistent with his outside shot. Low Div. 1

6’6” SG Jaime Strong of Glendora HS 2017 (BBC Elite)

Knockdown 3-point shooter with good size and length for the wing position. Shooting form is fundamental and effortless with good rotation. Utilizes shot fake and one-dribble left or right to shed close-outs and relocate for a better look.

6’8” F Amari Stroud of Sunnyside HS 2018 (California United 17)

Very long and rangy prospect who is still very raw in every sense. Has a great frame that can only get better with added strength. Offense is limited to catch and finish opportunities around the basket with time and space. A lot of untapped potential on the defensive end as his timing on shot blocks and providing help are a step slow. Knows his role as a big man who can rebound the defensive glass, outlet and run the floor.

6’6” PF Tiveon Stroud of Selma HS 2018 (Central Valley Ballers)

-Big time rebounder with strong hands. Can dunk it in traffic with authority. Plays much bigger than he is. The bigger the competition, the better he plays. Low Div. 1.

6’3” CG Finn Sullivan of Torrey Pines HS 2018 (California Bearcats Select 17U)

Smooth and crafty combo guard with a versatile and complete skill set. High IQ player who can play both on and off the ball due to his ability to navigate the offense, get teammates involved, and serve as a primary scorer. Makes good reads off the pick-and-roll action and his decision-making and passing ability usually results in a good look for teammates. Improving perimeter shooter who is more consistent when getting in a few rhythm dribbles.

6’6” SG/W Emmanuel Taban of Apollo HS 2019 (AZ Factory 17U)

-Long scoring guard. He shoots it with range and has an impressive one-dribble pull-up. He uses his length well on defense to rebound/collects steals. He needs to fill in his body. Mid-major minus with high upside.

Photo by Dave Keefer

6’1” PG Stephen Tampus of Heritage Christian HS 2020 (Pump N Run Elite 15)

Advanced feel for the game for a young point guard prospect. Stays patient while waiting for high ball-screen and makes good reads when running the screen-roll. Can make the pocket pass and puts his drive and kicks on the money for spot-up shooters. Very good ball handler who does over-handle at times.

6’6” F J.T. Tan of Rolling Hills Prep 2020 (Cal Supreme 16 Elite - 15U EYBL)

High IQ inside-out big man with soft touch around the basket and out to 15-feet. Has a vast array of post moves in his arsenal, all beginning with his advanced footwork. Can score over either shoulder, with up-and-under moves and can step out and knock down an open 15-foot set shot with consistency. Understands how to defend the post and finds a body to block out when a shot goes up, but does struggle to guard and rebound against more athletic bigs.

5’11” G/F Nikko Taylor of MLK MS 2021 (Gamepoint 14U Elite)

Crafty left-handed wing with good length and athleticism for a young prospect. Effective when attacking the basket off the dribble where he finished through contact and used good vision to set up teammates.

6’3” SF Malik Thomas of Vineyard MS 2021 (Earl Watson Elite 15U UAA)

Strong and athletic wing who’s difficult to contain in the open floor. Finishes well around the basket with his combination of size, strength and athleticism. Has the tendency to force the issue offensively when opportunities are not there.

5’8” PG Reggie Trimble of Compton HS 2019 (Earl Watson Elite 16U HA)

-Quick bulldog one-man. Runs team and can get into the lane at will. Needs to improve jumper.

6’7” SF Edward “Squid” Turner of Foothill 2019 (Cal United 16U)

-Son of Joe Turner from Univ of Arizona. Long wing defender with an amazing feel for the game. Things come easy for him. Multi positional defender who makes players around him better. Needs to add strength and improve jumper. Possible future point-forward down the road. Mid major/mid plus with upside.

6’0” SG Joshua Ursery of Valley Vista HS 2019 (AZ Factory 16U)

-Athletic scorer. He can create separation on his jumper and gets great lift. He can score it from all three levels effortlessly but he will need to become more of a playmaker and improve his handle in tight quarters. Division 1 player.

6’1” CG JaEl Vaughn of Herriman HS 2019 (Salt Lake Rebels 17U)

-Strong scorer from all 3-levels. Smart facilitator with decent burst. Needs to improve shot selection. Future college player.

6’1” SG Vashon Vaughn of Southland Christian HS 2020 (Gamepoint OC White 15U)

-Active finisher with motor. Good frame/build with big hands/feet. Good on-ball defense who beats his man to the spot. Needs to improve jumper. Future college player.

Photo by Dave Keefer

6’3” SF James Earl Walter, Jr. of Nuview HS 2019 (FBC Perris 15U)

Solid frame and good athleticism for the position. Attacked the rim strong off the dribble and absorbed and finished through contact.

6’3” SF Vincent Warren of Chula Vista Mater Dei HS 2020 (SD Matrix 16U White)

Athletic inside-out scorer with a relentless motor. Strong finisher around the basket both as a creator with the ball in his hands and also off the ball with a dive to the basket. Stepped out and hit a handful of 3-pointers with touch. Determined offensive and defensive rebounder.

6’6” PF Dezmond Washington of Blair HS 2018 (Cali Elite Basketball 17U)

College frame who runs floor. Active player, athletic, strong and physical combo forward who can really shoot it from 3-point range, but can also but the ball on the deck and get to the rack and score with his back to the basket. Consistent threat from 3-point range both off the catch and off the dribble. Gets off the ground quickly and explosively for dunks and for offensive and defensive rebounds. Sprints the floor in transition and finishes everything above the rim. Versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.

6’7” PF Khalil Washington of Faith Baptist Schools 2019 (Earl Watson Elite 16U HA)

-Long lefty who faces up from elbow and in. Solid post moves and willing rebounder. Needs to add strength/weight. Started hooping only two years ago. Division 3 prospect with upside.

6’1” SG Scotty Washington of City Charter School 2021 (Cal Supreme 15U Black)

-Long athletic scorer. Terrific in transition who will pull up for the 3 or attack the rim. Doesn’t always find his teammates, but knows how to finish. Low Div. 1

6’0” SG Jalen Webb of Desert Vista HS 2020 (Tres Hoops 15U)

-Shooter with range who plays a smart game. Needs to add strength/improve handle.

6’8” F Luke Webb of Chaminade HS 2018 (Earl Watson Elite 17U HA)

Mobile big man with girth, length and a strong body. Naturally creates space with movement in the painted area. Soft hands and good touch around the rim. Fundamental footwork with his back to the basket.

6’8” F Will Weems of Coronado HS 2018 (Dream Vision 17U)

High energy and athletic prospect who plays with motor and intensity. Raw prospect offensively who relies on catching and finishing around the basket and in transition or snatching offensive rebounds for put-back buckets. Sprints the floor in both offensive and defensive transition. Quick leaper which allows him to get off the floor to contest shots at the rim and pull down strong defensive boards.

6’1” SG Zion White of Florence HS 2019 (Tres Hoops 17U Gold)

-Thicker shooter with deep range. Needs to improve handle/shot selection.

6’2” PG Makani Whiteside of St. John Bosco HS 2019 (Cal Supreme 19)

-The ultimate playmaker. Absolutely great in transition and will find his teammates in rhythm. Big size that defends on ball very well. Huge potential. Mid Major Div. 1.

Photo by Dave Keefer

5’9” G Leon Whitlow of Rancho Cucamonga HS 2019 (D1 Basketball 17U)

Strong, quick and physical guard who can get to his spots as he pleases. Does a nice job as a perimeter defender, cutting off driving lanes and putting pressure on the ball handler. Good in transition where he can put pressure on the defense and drive, draw and kick to open shooters.

6’4” F Harrison Wiese of Dana Hills HS 2020 (Earl Watson Elite 15U HA)

Powerful young forward prospect with good hands and soft touch in the painted area. Gets out and fills the lane in transition and uses his combination of strength, agility and athleticism to finish at the rim on the break.

6’5” F/C Dillon Wilhite of Nativity MS 2021 (Gamepoint 14U Elite)

Mobile forward/center prospect with soft hands and a good understanding of how to establish good post position, while adjusting to different defensive looks. Knows how to seal off the defense on ball reversal to the weak-side, presenting entry passers with the opportunity to throw lob passes for easy finishes. Capable shooter from 10-15 feet. Contests and changes shots at the rim, but is not yet a bonafide shot blocker.

6’4” Aaron Williams of San Ysidro HS 2018 (San Diego All Stars 17 Gold)

-Quick combo guard with good bounce. Can finish with either hand. NAIA

6’2” PG Cash Williams of Fresno Central HS 2018 (California United 17)

Shifty and creative with the ball in his hands. Can handle immense back court pressure with ease with his strong handle and ability to change speed and direction. Inherent ability to get to the basket off the dribble where he can finish over length or create for a teammate. More consistent as a rhythm shooter off the bounce than he is off the catch. Committed defensive player who fights through on-ball screens and provides help when and where it’s needed. Mid major.

6’5” CG D’Maurian Williams of Westview HS 2019 (AZ Factory 17U)

-Thicker one-man who loves to drive. He is a physical defender with a great build/frame. He creates separation and can rise up and shoot it from mid range to the 3pt line. Needs to improve his consistency from deep plus facilitate more for his teammates. Mid-major with upside.

6’4” CG Gary Williams of Gahr HS 2018 (Earl Watson Elite 17U UAA)

-Long shooter with range. Smart player/good teammate/can create for others. Will make extra pass. Needs to add weight. Low major plus.

6’3 CG Cameron Wilson of Central HS 2018 (California United 17)

-Athletic combo guard, solid ball-handling skills. Makes plays on the fast break and has a nice pull-up game in transition, shoots it ok with 3 range, capable penetrator.

6’0” SF Jayson Wiltz of El Cerrito Middle School 2021 (Inland 15U)

-Inside outside player that finishes well inside. Good bounce and a knack for the offensive rebound. Must develop his perimeter skills to prepare to move to the wing in High School. Low Div. 1

6’4 CG Jake Wojcik of Bellarmine Prep 2018 (Tyler Johnson Elite)

-Combo guard with solid skills, confident ball handler, precision passer. Shoots it well with deep 3 range. Can be a facilitator or a scorer, knows how to play. Committed to coach Jimmy Patsos and Siena.

Photo by Dave Keefer

6’8” PF Trey Wood of Anthem Prep 2018 (AZ Powerhouse Hoops 17U Black)

-Long skilled four man. He runs the floor and finishes around the basket with a nice touch. Good help side defender but will need to add bulk to guard bigger post players. Low major plus/mid major minus.

6’6” SF Kelvin Wright of Rancho Cucamonga HS 2018 (Prodigy Elite 17U)

-Athletic marvel. Slasher/defender. Needs to improve perimeter shooting. Active rebounder who is a transition stud. Low major chance.

6’7” Lamar Wright of Murrieta Mesa HS 2018 (Team Eleate 17U)

The more raw of the two Wright brothers on team Eleate, but is a big time athlete who gets off the floor quickly when contesting and blocking shots and grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds. Can knock down a 3-point shot when he gets a good pass and is in rhythm. Showcased a soft touch on his hook shot. High motor and energy player who can really pursue offensive rebounds in order to get put-back buckets.

6’7” F Shamar Wright of Murrieta Mesa HS 2018 (Team Eleate 17U)

Freakish left-handed athlete with ideal size, length and motor. Good timing on contesting and blocking shots and aggressively pursues rebounds on both the offensive and defensive glass. Can score in the paint with either hand and touch off the glass, as well as step out and knock down a face-up 15-footer and set 3-pointer. Sprints the floor in transition and looks for any opportunity to dunk the basketball.

6’0” PG Bryce Zephir of Beverly Hills HS 2020 (Inland 17U).

-Huge upside for this talented point guard. Good shooter off the dribble. Excellent court vision and IQ. Solid quickness and makes up for it with his decision making. Mid Major Div. 1

6’3” SF Sebastian Zerpa of Redlands East Valley HS 2019 (Team Fundamentals 16U)

Skilled wing with the ability to score from 3-point range, as well as drive to the basket off the dribble and finish through contact. Strong defensive rebounder who can push the break and find teammates or score in transition. Needs to add a floater or pull-up jumper to his middle game.

6’4” SG Jack Zhao of Oak Park HS 2020 (Pump N Run Elite 15)

Deadly shooter off the catch from 3-point range. Natural feel and good size for the two-guard position. Knows how to set up and utilize various screens - pin downs, flare, etc. - to get open and get his shot off.