Gigi Garcia
Sydney Fadal was a force in the paint for St. Mary's at the West Coast Jamboree. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
LIVERMORE, Calif. In the 15th year of the West Coast Jamboree, has become a stop for many of Californias good high school programs. The event sprinkles in some out of state teams from Oregon, Nevada and this year a team from New York in Upper Room Christian.
Sydney Fadal (Stockton, Calif.), St. Marys 2016
Fadal has made a lot of progress in her game. The tremendous strength and athleticism in the frontcourt is now being used in the half court. Her face-up attacks allow her to score in addition to how she works the offensive glass. She draws her fair share of fouls and converts at a solid rate. She plays much bigger than her listed 6 feet.
Sierra Smith (Stockton, Calif.), St. Marys 2017
Smith is proof that size doesnt dictate playmaking at the guard position. This 5-5 guard plays both on and off the ball and has a toughness about her that negates some of the lack of height. Shes strong on the drive and isnt afraid to initiate contact to attack the paint. She shoots the three and gets to the rim. If she can hit the pull up jumper consistently she will be able to score against teams with a weak side shot blocker.
Valerie Higgins (Granada Hills, Calif.), Chaminade 2016
With fellow underclass star Leonna Odom out of action, Higgins had the job of carrying her team on her shoulders. Playing a quick and scrappy Bishop ODowd squad, it wasnt long before the 6-0 wing guard saw a defender face-guarding her wherever she was on the court. This kept her from running the point, which she does well at this level and gives her the versatility that coaches at the next level will love. Though she saw the full attention of the ODowd defense, she still made a major impact on the game both scoring and distributing the basketball.
Gigi Garcia (Sacramento, Calif.), C.K. McClatchey 2016
Its not usual to write about a player in consecutive weeks but Garcia looked even better on the opening day of the jamboree than she did last week at the TOC. There was an intensity level change that was much needed because McClatchey was without its other big, Destiny Lee, here. With Garcia seeing double teams right and left her emphasis on getting good position and playing strong in stretches was impressive. She hit a trail 3-pointer but didnt rely on floating on the perimeter.
Julissa Tago (Medford, Ore.), South Medford 2016
Tago saw a lot of experience graduate off her teams roster the past few years which has forced her to be more of a scoring guard this year. She has a terrific frame, can attack the basket using her size and then elevate in close or in the midrange to score. She showed great touch on her shot. Though very few coaches encourage their players to fade on their shot, when she gets inside of 12 feet she has a natural fade that doesnt take away touch. Follow @ChrisHansenPSB
Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and a McDonalds All-American selection committee member. He was the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012. He can be reached at chris@prospectsnation.com.
