SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -- The Double Pump Summer Tip-Off in Anaheim and Pangos Sweet 16 in Long Beach went head-to-head this past week, and as a result there were a plethora of elite-level prospects to scope out in Southern California.
After the first evaluation period ended on Sunday, there were two guards who stood head and shoulders above the rest: Jeremy Hemsley (La Verne, Calif./Damien) and Devin Watson (San Diego/Army & Navy).
Here’s a look at all the top performers from the Double Pump Tip-Off and Pangos 16.
Co-MVPs
Devin Watson (San Diego/Army & Navy)
2015, PG/SG, 6-0, 155
Status: Claims offers from Oregon State, UTEP, San Diego, Cal State Northridge and Northern Arizona
Watson came into the first evaluation period with the fearless competitive nature we have grown to expect from him. The undersized scoring point guard is a high-level bucket getter who can drain 3-point shots, nail mid-range pull-ups or slash his way to the rim. His Tyus Edney-like game-winning full-court layup was a thing of beauty. He is much more scorer than facilitator, but he does have the ability to drop off a nifty assist at times.
Jeremy Hemsley (La Verne, Calif./Damien)
2015, SG, 6-2, 175
Status: Claims offers from Arizona State, UNLV, UConn, Boston College, New Mexico, San Diego State, UC Irvine and Northern Arizona
Hemsley was on the border of making the ESPN 60, but if his play continues at the level he exhibited at the Double Pump Summer Tip Off, it will be difficult to keep him out of the rankings. The all-around guard has some Jrue Holiday in him as he affects the game at both ends. He is relentless in transition and will either attack the rim or drop off a high-level assist. However, the improvement of his jump shot is what has elevated his game to national status.