Melson has drawn attention from many schools lately and it’s only the beginning.

“Gonzaga and Colorado State have offered. Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, Pepperdine, San Francisco, Idaho have all shown interest. “

The Jefferson Demo has the athleticism to take it to the rim and finish in the lane with contact for a lay-up or a monster dunk. Not only is Melson athletic but he has range well from beyond the three point line. Melson displayed a killer crossover that led to get his shot off or break down his defender at the Les Schwab Invitational.

Melson plays with Team ICP during the AAU season. Left Coast Recruiting will follow Melson’s recruiting closely.

Aaron Gordon

The July period officially ended Sunday afternoon.  College coaches had to exit gyms across the nation due to NCAA rules.  Many coaches were in Las Vegas checking out talent from all over.  Left Coast Recruiting was also in Vegas in attendance at the Adidas Super 64 and Las Vegas Classic.  It was only right to focus on the cream of the crop on the Left Coast.

Here are the players that stood out on the Left Coast and some from all over.

2013

Marquis Davis (Seattle Rotary) – Davis has been working on his game and put it on display. The 5’9 guard showed great defense and a deadly shot from beyond the arc.  He played tough throughout the tournament and showed he doesn’t back down from anyone on the court.  Davis is a superstar football recruit but could play basketball at the next level as well. Earlier in the year Davis scored 30 points in his high school championship game for Rainier Beach high school and received MVP of the game.

Daeshon Hall (Seattle Rotary) – Hall is a UW commit for football but don’t be surprised to see Hall on the hardwood.  The active 6’6 forward runs the court well and has progressed on the offensive side.  Hall at times can be a game changer in the post by blocking shots.  Rumor is the football superstar will attend his former high school Garfield high school this upcoming year.

Tucker Haymond (Seattle Rotary) – Haymond played great defense against the Oakland Soldiers in a losing effort.  The 6’6 wing displayed nice ball handling and non-stop effort on the court.  One thing for sure is that Haymond leaves it all on the court.

Torren Jones (California Supreme) – The lights were on and Jones came to play over the weekend.  The 6’8 forward looked like an elite prospect.  Jones ran the court very well and finished at the rim.  He was very vocal on the court and blocked many shots.  Some people in attendance were saying that is the best they have seen Jones play in over a year.

Aaron Gordon (Oakland Soldiers) – Gordon told LCR last year that he wanted to play the wing and was going to focus on ball handling and he did.  No one in the class of 2013 can attack the rim like Gordon.  His athleticism is on a whole different level. Gordon looked comfortable on the wing getting by his opponents.  Be on the lookout for many highlights on how Gordon was looking from our boys over at YAY Areas Finest.

Jabari Bird (Oakland Soldiers) – Bird’s game has developed into an elite player.  The shooting guards mid-range game is phenomenal as well as his ability to finish at the rim.  Bird has a go to fade away jump shot that is deadly.  Not too many players in the nation have the killer instinct that Bird has.  When the pressure is on, Bird isn’t afraid to step up his game.

Tre’Shaun Lexing (Northwest Panthers) ­­– Lexing has came along ways and has caught many eyes as of lately.  The 6’6 wing has a solid jump shot and knows how to get to the rim.  Lexing rebounds the ball well and displayed great passing in front of many college coaches.  Lexing’s recruiting is just heating up.

Dezmyn Trent (Northwest Panthers) ­– Trent was very productive throughout the weekend.  He didn’t back down on the big stage and I’m sure college coaches noticed.  Trent isn’t a high skilled D1 athlete but would help out a mid-level D1 team.  The well built guard rebounded and shot the ball well.

Jordan Mathews (California Supreme) – Mathews is a shoot first point guard.  The tough 6’3 guard can get to the rim and shoot the ball.  Although Mathews is a scoring guard, he does get his players involved on the court.  Mathews looked great at times over the weekend.

Marcus Lee (California Supreme) – Lee is a game changer on both sides of the court.  The 6’8 forward has stepped his game up to be big time.  Lee plays above the rim and is crafty around the rim.  Lee can rack up a double double easy.  Lee displayed tremendous shot blocking, scoring, and ran the court well.

Kyle Davis (Mac Irvin) – Davis has transitioned his game from a scoring first point guard to point guard who can run a team.  What makes Davis deadly now , is that the 6’1 guard can set the tone for his team.  If he needs to score he can in a hurry and in multiple ways.  If he needs to get his players involved then he can do that as well.  Many college coaches were in attendance for the Mac Irvin games and Davis stood out.

(more…)

Left Coast Recruiting was able to attend both tournaments on the first day. Here are the players that stood out.

2013

Will Dorsey (Friends of Hoop)-  The 5’9 pg still continues to prove that he is a natural point guard and leader on the court.  Dorsey can control an offense well and is reliable as a scoring option.  When Dorsey is on top of his game, he is a fun one to watch.

Perrion Callendret (Friends of Hoop)– Callendret is a solid 6’2 guard with a very long wing span.  Callendret’s wing span allows him to get into the passing, finish at the rim, and disturb opposing players.

Victor Sanders (Elite 24) ­ - At 6’5 Sanders displays an overall game.  Sanders can get to the rim, hit the open jump shot and create opportunities for his teammates.  Sanders had a good year at Jefferson HS in Portland, Oregon.

Dyrall Goods  (ICP) – Goods was lights out in the first game he played Friday morning.  The 6’1 guard is dangerous off the catch and shoot.  A little undersized as a shooting guard, Goods will have to work on creating his own shot off the dribble.

Brandon Gfeller  (Spokane Pump and Run)– Gfeller won’t wow you with is athleticism.  The 6’5 guard can create enough space to get his shot off over his opponent.  Gfeller’s is a shooter and can hit it well beyond the NBA three point line.

2014

DeeShawn Tucker (RSB) – Tucker has elite speed for a pg.  The 6’1 guard can get to the rim with no problem.  Tucker displays great court vision and body control when getting to the rim.  There is no doubt Tucker is a D1 prospect.  In order to take his game to the next level, Tucker will need to work on his jump shot.

Elijah Foster (Seattle Rotary) – Foster is a 6’7 forward built like Andrew Bynum.  There wasn’t anyone who could stop Foster.  The young man can play with his back to the basket or face up his opponent.  Foster has a high ceiling.

Naim Ladd  (Seattle Rotary) – Ladd might look like a little kid who only stands 5’8 on a good day but don’t let that fool you.  Ladd is one of the quickest guards with the ball in his hands.  Ladd’s speed allows him to get to the rim and finish.

Quadir Williams (Club Venim Reign) – Williams was a one man wrecking crew in a losing effort.  The 6’1 guard was getting to the rim at will.  Williams didn’t need to shoot because no one could guard him when he was attacking.  One thing for sure is the young man displayed a lot of heart Friday night.

Josh Martin (Friends of Hoop) -  Martin didn’t have his best game.  At times Martin looked frustrated on the court due to being in foul trouble.  When Martin was on the court he showed signs of his freak athleticism that he has in him.

Jason Todd  (Friends of Hoop) ­– Since Todd has concentrated on just basketball, he has progressed every time LCR has seen him.  Todd has a nice size to him at 6’5.  His broad shoulders allows him to get to the rim.  Todd is still learning and is getting more comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Donaven Dorsey (ICP) – The knock on Dorsey is he hasn’t been playing with heart as of lately.  Dorsey silenced all critics Friday night.  Dorsey was attacking the rim with force and rebounding.  The 6’6 guard can knock down the open jumper and create his own shot.  When on his game, Dorsey is unstoppable getting to the rim.

2015

Andro Benard  (Seattle Rotary) – The word around Seattle is there are two young guards putting on shows that play for the Seattle Rotary.  One of them is Andro Benard.  Benard is a 6’2 guard who is pass first point guard.  Benard’s court vision is out this world.  The young man gets his teammates involved first.  If Benard wanted to take a game over he could as well.  Benard can get to the rim with his crafty dribbling.

Malik Montoya (Seattle Rotary)-  Montoya is the teammate of Benard.  Montoya also displays great court vision.  Between Montoya and Benard, there had to be about 15-20 assists combined in one game.  Montoya can score in many ways as well.  Both Benard and Montoya are going to be fun to watch in the upcoming years.

2016

Isiah Brown (Basketball Trav.Hoopaholics) – Brown is a 6’0 guard who is well built for his age.  Brown can break down his opponent, find the open man, and hit the open jump shot.  Expect to hear big things from him in the near future.

Kaleb Poquette (Team A.C.C.E.S.S)– At 6’2 Poquette can play the 1-3 spot.  Poquette is a player who can fill the stat sheet.  When playing aggressive Poquette is dangerous in the open court.  He can find the open man, get to the rim, and rebound.

Josh Martin

It was a busy weekend for many prospects in the Northwest. College coaches are able to call or text players as of Friday night at 12am under the new NCAA rules. Left Coast Recruiting caught up with some prospects in the Northwest to see how the weekend went.

2013

Will Dorsey - Dorsey is a solid point guard who is fearless on the court.  The 5’9 guard is a leader and has the will to help his team win.  Any D-2 coach who needs a coachable player, Dorsey is your guy.  Dorsey has received interest from Florida International and USC.  In the fall Dorsey will visit Florida International on an official visit.

Tucker Haymond - Haymond has come a long way since his freshman days.  Haymond is reliable with the ball in his hands, can get to the rim, rebound, and has worked on his jumper.  Boise State is the newest school to contact Haymond.

D.J. Fenner - Fenner has been flying under the radar but colleges have been taking notice as of lately.  Fenner has been contacted by USC, Gonzaga, and Quinnipiac.  It will be a make or break July for the shooting guard.  Fenner plans on taking an unofficial to Gonzaga in the near future.

Perrion Callandret - Callandret made a name for himself last year playing alongside 2013 superstar Zach Lavine.  Callandret held his own all last year and is doing well on the AAU scene this year.  Callandret has heard from Washington, USC, Boise State, Utah, Portland, Seattle U, Rice, and TCU,

2014

Josh Martin – Martin is one of, if not the most athletic prospect in the Northwest.  By the end of July, Martin will have his name on the map. Harvard, San Francisco, Washington, and Stanford have been in contact with Martin.

Kameron Chatman - Chatman keeps growing and is now a solid strong forward.  Chatman displays nice ball handling and has worked on his jumper.  Louisville, Oregon State and USC contacted Chatman over the weekend.  Just a couple weeks ago Chatman picked up an offer from Arizona.

Donaven Dorsey - Dorsey can play the 1-4 at 6’6.  The only thing holding Dorsey back is himself.  Many people you talk to see the talent he displays but heart is the question.  Dorsey has heard from Boise State, Washington State, Oregon State, Washington, and the University of California.

Tramaine Isabell - Isabell is quick point guard who shined during the Rose City Showcase in Portland, Oregon a couple weeks back.  The Seattle Rotary guard heard from Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, and UC Irvine.

Jason Todd - Todd is an interesting prospect with a nice upside.  At a young age, Todd is poised on the court and doesn’t seem rattled.  At 6’5 Todd can play the 3 and 4 position.  Oregon State, Stanford, Santa Clara, Portland, Boise State, and Northern Arizona have contacted the young man.  Off topic but Todd also throws an 89 mph fastball but took time off to focus on basketball.

Kameron Chattman (Team ICP) - Chattman had a productive morning.  The 2014 6’5 guard shows signs of what he is capable of doing on a daily basis.  Chattman displayed a nice shooting touch and controlled the ball well.

Jordan Bell (Team ICP) – The stat man must’ve stopped keeping track of Bell’s blocks this morning.  Bell had way more than 9 blocks and is possibly one of the best shot blockers in the nation. One thing for sure is the 6’7 forward needs to really work on is his offensive game.

BeeJay Anya (Team Takeover) - Anya is a true big man who knows his role in the paint.  The big man displays very soft hands with nice footwork in the post.  Most scouting services have him as the #1 center in the class of 2013 and after watching him play you can understand why.  It would be a great to see Okafor and Anya go at it in the paint.

Xavier Rathan Mayes (CIA Bounce) – The Canadian 2013 guard can shoot with the best in the nation.  Not only can Mayes shoot but he can handle the ball well and find the open man.

Andrew Wiggins (CIA Bounce) – You could argue that Wiggins is the best player in the nation.  Wiggins is so smooth with the ball and can be very explosive when he wants to be.  Besides Jabari Parker you might not find another better guard in the nation.  Those two will be facing off in Oakland at the 4th session of the Nike EYBL in Oakland, California.

Jabari Parker (Mac Irvin) - Parker is just on a different level than everyone else.  The 2013 guard is a man amongst boys.  There isn’t anything Parker can’t do on the court.

Jahlil Okafor (Mac Irvin) - Possibly one of the best big men in the nation.  Okafor takes up so much space in the paint and displays nice hands.  The 2014 big man will be one to reckon with in high school and beyond.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright (Cal Supreme) - The 2014 5’8 point guard can play some ball.  Jackson-Cartwright has some nice handles and is very crafty with the ball.  The young guard can easily take his opponent off the dribble and find the open man.

Donovan Dorsey (Team ICP) – The 2014 guard made his debut this weekend on the EYBL circuit.  In a losing effort Dorsey scored 11 points.  Dorsey can score at will when he plays aggressive.  After the summer is over, don’t be surprised to see Dorsey with offers from around the country.

Roschon Prince (Team ICP) – Prince is handful for a 6’5 SF.  Prince is very active in the paint and can handle the rock well.  Prince is a player who gives you his all on the court.  Although ICP lost today, Prince never threw in the towel.

Thon Maker (Jackson Tigers) – Maker is the most intriguing prospect in the EYBL.  Did I mention Maker is in 8th grade right now and is 7 foot tall?  Yes you heard that right.  Maker is being compared to Durant.  The 7 footer can dribble rock and take his opponent off the dribble.  If he needs to bang in the paint he can.  At the next level he will need to put on weight but the kid is still young.

Stanley Johnson (Oakland Soldiers) – With Bird, Gordon, and the twins absent from the weekend, Johnson showed why he is one of the best players in the class of 2014.  The 6’5 guard is well  built and is very poised on the court and is very athletic.  Johnson showed a nice shooting touch and was able to get to the rim anytime he wanted.

Will Dorsey

2013 guard Will Dorsey has been flying under the radar as of lately.  This summer could really change things for the 5’9 young man.  Dorsey plays for Rainier Beach High School and is getting college interest from all over.

Left Cost Recruiting caught up with Dorsey to get the scoop on how things have been going.

How is recruiting going and do you have any interest?

Yeah it’s going well.  I have interest from Washington State, Seattle University, Georgia Tech, Gonzaga, LSU, UC Irvine, and Alaska Anchorage.

Have any of those schools offered you?

Yeah, Georgia Tech and UC Irvine have.

What AAU team are you going to play for this summer?

I will hopefully be playing with the Seattle Rotary. (more…)

Marcus Lee

Left Coast Recruiting saw a tweet earlier tonight from Evan Daniels who works for Scout.  The tweet stated that 2013 big man Marcus Lee received an offer from Washington.  Come to find out, the big man has a whole list of offers.  One intriguing stat is that Lee is leading the nation in blocks.

Here is what Lee had to say to LCR.

Today we heard you received an offer from Washington.  Is that true and who else do you have offers from?

Yeah they offered and so did Arizona State, Boise State, Boston College, Cal, Colorado, Kansas State, Northwestern, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Francisco, St. Mary’s, Texas A&M, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Washington State, Virginia Commonwealth, and UCLA.

Do you have any favorites?

Naw I don’t have any right now.

How would you describe your style of play?

I’m a player who doesn’t worry about scoring and cares more about rebounds and blocks.  That is why I am leading the nation in blocks.

How many blocks do you average a game?

I average 10 blocks a game and have 212 so far this season.  It helps that I play volleyball too.

What are your goals to work on, especially this summer?

Being more assertive on the offensive side, get bigger, and just have fun this summer.  You don’t need to over think anything, you just need to go out and have fun. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the now.

Left Coast Recruiting will keep the fans updated on Lee’s recruiting situation in the near future.

Benson vs Lake Oswego

First Half

• 2013 Lake Oswego strong forward Calvin Hermanson is one to watch out for. The kid is getting recruited by colleges around the country.
• First two mins has been sloppy.
• Hermanson hits a 3.
• 5-3 Lake Oswego 3 mins into the first qtr.
• Both teams are having trouble executing offense and have been turning the ball over.
• Game is tied 8-8 with 56 seconds left in the first quarter.
• End of the first qtr, Lake Oswego 11- Benson 8
• Bryce White for Benson has 6 of the 8 points at the end of the first.
• The second quarter has started off competitive.  Both teams are trading baskets.
• Calvin Hermanson has hit a couple of shots back to back.
• Franklin Norman for Benson is running the team.
• Lake Oswego is up 1 with 6 mins left in the second quarter.
• Calvin Hermanson has the hot hand.  Hermanson has 9 points so far in the first half.
• Freshman guard Jazz Johnson is one to watch out for in the future for Benson.
• End of the first half, Lake Oswego 27 – Benson 21