Battle of the Classes Super 80 standouts
Nine players who emerged from the pack
by Chad Groth
October 2, 2011 11:51am ET
Courtesy of Las Vegas Sun
Bishop Gorman's 5-11 playmaker Gio Guzman played well on both ends of the floor.
In a packed gymnasium inside Copper Canyon High School, 80 top prospects took the court to showcase their skills over four games. Let’s break down some of the top performers:
Kodi Justice, 2014 (Mesa Dobson) – Justice shot the lights out. The 6-4 point guard is highly skilled and last week gave a verbal commitment to Arizona State, without ever playing a high school varsity game.
Toren Jones, 2013 (Basha) – Jones displayed a solid post face-up game and ran the floor well for a 6-8 wiry wing. Jones is on the radar of several Division One schools, such as Boise State and Oregon State.
Paul Watson, 2013 (Paradise Valley) – This 6-6 small forward was the best athlete on the floor and can finish in traffic. Watson has a mid-range shot and can handle the ball and distribute. New Mexico, UNLV, Arizona, Oregon State, Penn State, Fresno State and Texas Tech are among the schools on his list.
Drew Bender, 2013 (Pinnacle) – Bender is a long playmaker who does it all. This 6-5 combo guard is fundamentally sound and has a high basketball IQ. He also turned in the play of the day with a posterizing dunk from the baseline over a defender.
Jaron Hopkins, 2013 (Basha) – The crafty point guard was the best prospect on the floor in the Junior game. Hopkins is listed at 6-5 and can play multiple positions. He has good shooting range from 15 feet and has a good feel for the game with his passing ability. Colorado, Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Auburn and Stanford are all recruiting Hopkins.
Gio Guzman, 2012 (Bishop Gorman) – Guzman's the starting point guard alongside Shabazz Muhammad at Bishop Gorman H.S. and is a natural leader. The 5-11 playmaker moved the ball well and plays tenacious defense. He's one to watch.
William Marshall, 2012 (Estrella Charter) – Marshall is a 6-9 forward who plays above the rim. Showing off strong shot blocking skills in the Senior game, look for Marshall to be a sleeper in the 2012 class.
Demetrius Balark, 2012 (Kellis) – A 6-1 combo guard, Balark, is a pure athlete. He likes to attack the basket and finish in traffic, and is being recruited by several mid-major programs, among them, Portland St. and UC Davis.
Cody McDavis, 2012 (Pinnacle) – McDavis is a high-flying forward, and at 6-8 can finish on anyone. He's a prolific shot blocker who possesses a nice post and face-up game. McDavis carries a 4.2 grade point average and will not have trouble finding a college.
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