Chad Groth and D. Wade
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Northern Arizona Spring Showcase 2012 Highlights
Click here for highlights from the Northern Arizona Spring Showcase 2012. More »
Ben Howland UCLA
Herb Sendek
Utah’s A-Train Magic Fall Showcase -RECAP
Salt Lake City, Utah – The A-Train Magic Fall Showcase was highlighted by a breakout performance by 6-2 Preston Christensen of Northridge High in Utah. Christensen put on a show on the offense end by scoring every way you can imagine to go along with several big time assists.
Close to 100 of the Top high school players in Utah participated and several scouts were in the building for this event that is Utah’s final event of the Fall: Scouts from Full Court Press, Area Codes Basketball, ihoops, West Coast Hoops Report, Vegas Premier Ball, XO Fan and Utah Basketball Beat all attended.
Alex Austin changed the format by putting on a skills clinic for each session before games were played.
“This event gives all the kids extra exposure, not all the time you see the scouts in Salt Lake City, I just give them a chance”, said Austin.
A girls section to the event was also added. Here are the players that we feel will have the ability to play in college at some level in no particular order.
* Preston Christensen, 6-2 Northridge HS 2013 – The MVP of the event put on an unbelievable offensive performance. He scored on long range shots, middle game and slashing to the basket. Has also proven that he can run a team. Great passer who put on a show getting teammates involved. As of now Holy Cross and San Francisco have shown interest but look for list to increase during the late signing period. Great student that should attract all academic schools as well. His new nickname is “The Headliner”
* Wesley Austin, 6-6 Rowland Hall HS 2013 – Son of former 6th man of the year in the NBA for the Miami Heat 6-11 Ike Austin. Left handed forward that has stepped his game out to the wing. Good rebounder that is crafty around the basket. Late bloomer like his father who just keeps getting better and better.
* Dustin Staggs, 6-7 Cedar HS 2014 – The best athlete at the event by far. Staggs is a physical athletic forward who can also step out and shoot the jumper. Likes contact to go along with a motor and is a great offensive rebounder. Mid Majors better take a look at this guy hard now.
* Peter Barrus, 6-9 East HS 2013 - He has gotten better every time we have saw him since his freshman year, was raw but now has some legitimate post presence offensive and defensively. Still has a long way to go but with lack of size out there will be a guy that Division 1 schools need to take a look at in the late signing period. He also has put on some size.
* Jacob Bigler, 6-1 Northridge HS 2014 – Should be one of the better backcourts in the area with Christensen over at Northridge. Bigs is another solid guard who can run a team or get buckets from the 2 spot. Big time competitor who just goes hard on every possession.
* Bowen Sykes, 6-4 Kaysville 2016 – One of the great surprises of the event Sykes has a chance to be a national recruit. Big body forward with size 18 shoe who can really move his weight around. Great rebounder and post presence but also has exceptional guard skills. Can really shoot it and handle the ball. Reminds us of Jordan Loveridge at the same time but definitely more advanced at the same time. Division 1 schools get that questionaire out immediately.
* Cassidy Zekas, 5-8 Skyline HS 2015 – May have been the toughest guard at the event. Do it all scrappy point guard who just leaves it all on the floor. Not sure what level he will be in college but only a sophomore so has time to develop in all areas. He will play in college at some level.
* Daylor Youngblood, 6-2 Bingham HS 2014 – Son of former Utah State star Kendall Youngblood. Silky smooth combo guard who really works his middle game well. Slasher who is hard to stop since he has the ability to really drain the pull up jumpshot. Great bloodlines so chances are he will keep developing.
* Marquis Jones-Farrar, 6-4 Clearfield HS 2014 – Wide body forward who has unique range of guard skills. Great passer and ballhandler for his wide frame. Hard to guard off the dribble and deceiving quickness with size. Also uses his body to bully guys around the basket.
