Big Time: More News from Vegas

Single elimination bracket play at the Big Time in Las Vegas began on Saturday and several Norcal teams are still alive. Here’s a look at some of the day’s events, players who impressed, and some recruiting tidbits including a surprise verbal commitment.

The Bay Area Hoosiers Elite continue to be the surprise team of the tournament thanks to the play of Ian O’Leary. An athletic leaper, O’Leary also has a nice stroke with range beyond the arc. He can also put the ball on the floor although he tends to attack almost primarily to his right. O’Leary’s teammate, Hiram Thompson, is a heady player who runs the show very well. He also has a good understanding of the penetration and kick game but can also finish the play himself.

Roburt Sallie of Play Hard Play Smart (PHPS) continued to impress on Saturday with Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar watching intently. It’s no wonder because Sallie has given a verbal commitment to the Huskies. He says he only needs to pass the SAT to qualify and feels confident SAT prep courses while attending Laurinburg Prep should do the trick.

Ramone Wellington was very impressive for H Squad in their first round game against Houston Lynx. Wellington has developed into a very effective scoring point who can either setup his teammates off the dribble or score from deep after lulling the defender to sleep. His handle is solid with either hand and he has good strength and balance when attacking the defense. Wellington is headed to The Winchendon School in Massachusetts in the fall.

West Valley Basketball I drew a tough pool assignment and struggled accordingly. However, they somehow managed to receive an automatic bid in the “Open” division. While not necessarily the best high school player on the roster, Eric Van Vliet is probably the best college prospect. In the second round against Championship Sports, Van Vliet did a good job of establishing post position. He moves well without the ball and understands how to “sit” in the post and seal his man. Unfortunately, his teammates could have delivered him the ball a lot more. When he did get the ball in the low block, Van Vliet was able to finish with power (usually a dunk).

Despite an early tournament exit for the Oakland Rebels I, Adrian Oliver continues to impress. The slight combo guard has deceptive quickness and a knack for getting to the basket. Although he needs to develop in the strength department, he is finishing better around the rim.

Recruiting Lists

San Francisco, San Diego, Utah St., Pacific, St. Mary’s, Santa Clara, Sacramento St., and Loyola Marymount have contacted Chris Wilson of PHPS. Chris is beginning to show glimpses of what it takes to be an effective point guard, namely floor leadership and setting up his teammates with dribble penetration.

Trae Clark of H Squad lists Oklahoma St., Santa Clara, Wyoming, Dayton, Pepperine, and San Diego St. According to his father, the 5-foot-11 PG will look at possible visits after the summer viewing period. Academically, Clark is in good shape having scored a 1190 on the SAT.