Cali Classic 17U Standouts Pt. 2
This past weekend, Mater Dei High School played host to the Cali Classic presented by Cal Sparks as a kick off to the AAU season. I was able to attend the event on Saturday April 9 in the morning and…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Mater Dei High School played host to the Cali Classic presented by Cal Sparks as a kick off to the AAU season. I was able to attend the event on Saturday April 9 in the morning and afternoon. Here’s a quick look at some additional standouts I saw in the 17U division.
1. Kennedy Smith – Etiwanda 2024
Smith is a very versatile player capable of playing both forward positions and some center. She can face up and shoot the midrange jumper or she can post up and score in the paint. She handles the ball in the halfcourt and on the break and has good vision seeing shooters in the corners from the high post and passing out of the post. She runs the floor well off ball and is a strong finisher at the rim. Good defender who switches well off the screen. Boxes out properly.
2. Hannah Vela – Mater Dei 2023
Vela stood out as a solid floor leader/point guard. She’s incredibly quick with the ball in her hands. She’s looking to get out in transition each chance she gets. She keeps her head up and kicks the ball ahead with good outlet passes. She doesn’t need a screen to get past the defense, does a good job at drawing contact at the rim and getting to tech free throw line.
3. Queen Ruffin – Capistrano Valley 2023
Ruffin stood out to me as a knockdown shooter. In the game I saw, she was solid in moving without the ball and getting herself open. Very good catch and shoot player. She steps into her shot well and has a quick release. She can shoot coming off the screen as well. She handles the ball well and is a good pick and roll player hitting the roller with good passes.
4. Aliyahna “Puff” Morris – Etiwanda 2025
Morris is going to be a very good point guard as she goes through high school. She already plays with such poise as a young player. Her defense always stands out to me. She keeps the ball handler in front of her and forces them to pick the dribble and into a pass. She’s a good ball handler who can blow past the defense and get to the rim. Strong finisher. She can shoot consistently from range too.