UK-bound PF Lee shines at Tip-Off Classic 

The 6th Annual NorCal Tip-Off Classic climaxed with a stunning Deer Valley come-from-behind victory over Sacramento, 97-96. Kendall Smith poured in 48 points in stellar fashion and Kentucky signee Marcus Lee contributed 24 points, 25 rebounds, seven assists, and 5 blocks to lead Deer Valley. Chaminade-bound De'Von Boyd tossed in 31-points in a losing effort.

Standout Players

Marcus Lee (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley)
2013, PF, 6-foot-9, 210 pounds
Lee was his usual dominant shot-blocking self and his passing prowess also dazzled the crowd. He also showed marked improvement with his back-to-the-basket game. Although he was only 10-of-30 from the field, Lee did exhibit more polished footwork and skill and there aren’t too many bigs around the country with his athleticism. He still needs to get considerably stronger and play wider (bend knees), but his upside is impressive.

Jojo McGlaston (Dublin, Calif./Dublin)
2013, SG, 6-4, 180 pounds
McGlaston game is best described with one word: Explosive. The rangy left-hander had his 3-point stroke flowing and his first step to the basket was impressive. He poured in 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. His ballhandling needs refining (all left-handed), but he is a legitimate mid-major talent who mentioned San Jose State and Sacramento State as currently schools showing interest.

Jalen Canty (Vallejo, Calif./St. Patrick-St. Vincent)
2014, PF/CF, 6-6, 220 pounds
Canty has a strong physique with ideal length and good hands. He can score over his left shoulder using a jump hook quite well, but there were times he struggled scoring when crowded in the paint. Canty has solid bounce and can fill the lane and finish as well. In addition, he rebounds well in his area due to his bulk and feel. According to Canty, he holds offers from Washington, Santa Clara, UCSB, Boise State and Portland.

Gabe Bealer (Antelope, Calif./Antelope)
2013, WF, 6-5, 175 pounds
Bealer is a wiry scoring wing with a knack for score from all three levels, although his jump shot needs polishing due to an unorthodox release. He is always around the ball, can score with either hand while slashing to the rim and he flies in transition. He has no offers but has interest from UC Riverside, Lafayette and Cal Poly.

Breakout Performers

Kendall Smith (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley)
2013, PG, 6-2, 165 pounds
Smith is an explosive combo-guard who can get anywhere he wants off the dribble. He is much more of a scorer than a facilitator, but he affects the game in multiple ways. He is slippery while maneuvering his way to the basket and has a variety of ways to finish. His decision-making can get erratic, but he's a high-major talent. Smith claims offers from Long Beach State, Portland, Pacific, San Jose State and Hofstra.

De'Von Boyd (Sacramento, Calif./Sacramento)
2013, SG, 6-1, 155 pounds
Boyd is an undersized 2-guard, but the strong lefty can score with the best of them. He gets great lift on his jump shot and shows nice burst in transition. He can explode to the bucket off the dribble or pull-up in transition and drain jump shots. He is a nice pick up for Chaminade.

Surprise Players

Shonn Briggs (Brentwood, Calif./Heritage)
2014, PF, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Briggs is an intriguing 4-man for the low- to mid-major level. The long-armed and broad shouldered prospect has good hands, solid footwork, and has a penchant for scoring in the paint area. He understands pick-and-roll situations and can also face-up defenders and takes them off the bounce. He is the son of Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and claims interest from Cal, Arizona State, Nevada and San Jose State.

Jalen Mcferren (Castro Valley, Calif./Castro Valley)
2014, PG, 5-11, 155 pounds
Mcferren is an aggressive point guard prospect who is an absolute blur off the dribble. His vision is impeccable in traffic and he has the strength to finish through contact. Despite his size, he is involved in every play and will even rebound in traffic showing his nose for the ball. Mcferren can knock down the 3-point shot, but his release needs work. In addition, he plays too fast at times and needs to play with better pace. Overall though, he is another name that should be added to the incredibly deep list of Division I point guards out west in the Class of 2014.

Notes

• Eric Nielsen (Dublin, Calif./Dublin), a 6-foot-9 senior, had a productive game with 10-points, 10 rebounds and eight blocks. He has a big frame with broad shoulders, but has limited lift. Cal Poly has offered him for baseball as he can also throw a 95 mph fastball.
• Elliot Smith, a 6-foot-5 junior out of Oakley, Calif./Freedom, has that prototypical wing-type frame and his ball skills are solid, but he needs to improve his midrange game and to limit his turnovers.

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