NORWALK, Ca. – Night 1 of the 15th Pangos All-American Camp proved a nice showcase, regionally and nationally, for multiple players Friday night at Cerritos College.
Two of those athletes were already well-known on the high school and grassroots hoops circuit and were on the floor at the same time late Friday night, on Court 2 (center) of the three-court setup for the event in which approximately 110 to 120 players are separated into 12 teams.
And in that one, the “Arizona” squad, led by 6-foot-10 Charles Bassey (San Antonio), rolled over “UCLA”, 97-68.
Bassey, a standout at the camp a year ago (when he went head-to-head with now-University of Arizona-bound DeAndre Ayton on the first night and held up quite well) and my choice as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2019, rarely had to tap too deeply into his immense reservoir of athletic and basketball skill.
That wouldn’t have been the case, no doubt, if 7-foot-2 Bol Bol (Santa Ana, CA, Mater Dei) had not elected to sit out the first night of competition. He’s listed on the UCLA roster and a Bassey vs. Bol Bol on-court confrontation could have proven the highlight of the weekend.
That matchup could still take place in the Top 25 All-Star Game Sunday afternoon, though, assuming Bol Bol suits up Saturday and Sunday.
Bassey was credited with 13 points, six rebounds and two assists but he certainly had more of the latter while I watched. His passing is the most improved aspect of his game over the past six months or so.
The most spectacular player in the game, and during the two full games I watched on Court 2 during the two sets of contests, was 6-1 Cole Anthony (Class of 2019/New York City Archbishop Molloy).
The of broadcaster and former NBA guard Greg Anthony scored a mostly sizzling 22 points via drives in which he both froze and blew by defenders; either-hand dunks; and a couple of 3s that were released while he soared well over the top of would-be “defenders”.
Two western-based guards turned in rousing jump-shooting performances for “Arizona”, as Jarod Lucas (Hacienda Heights, CA, Los Altos), from the Class of 2019, scored a game-high 24 points (including four 3s) while Maka Ellis (2018/Las Vegas Sierra Vista) dropped in three 3s en route to 17 points.
In the first of the Court 2 games I watched from start to finish, “North Carolina” blistered “Louisville”, 89-50, during a performance in which all nine of its players scored at least six points with six of those cracking double figures.
The two most impressive players in the game – on either team – were point guard Devon Dotson (Charlotte Providence Day) and forward Donatas Kupsas (Long Island Lutheran) of North Carolina.
Dotson came into the camp touted as one of the elite point guards in the Class of 2018 and delivered on that hype Friday night while being credited with 11 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Kupsas, a 6-8 member of the Lithuanian National Junior team, was credited with 16 points and eight rebounds.
I didn’t see anyone play with as much “positive” exuberant energy as he did Friday night.
Camp games are scheduled to resume at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Action starts back up Sunday morning at 9:30, with all-star game action getting underway at 12:45 in the afternoon.
Admission is free!
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