Four High School Hoops Revelations from the Quaker Summer Slam (And an Awesome Wroten Video)

Anrio Adams, sophomore-to-be, Franklin
Adams showed he's ready to take the torch from his predecessors as outstanding Franklin guards, Venoy Overton and McDonald's All-American Peyton Siva. I'd heard about Adams talent last year, but he didn't get much chance to display it on a senior-heavy Quakers team. Now, Adams is the showpiece. One Adams play stood out for me. Against Garfield, he blocked a shot, controlled the ball, went coast-to-coast, and, at the basket, through a behind-the-head pass to a cutting teammate for a lay-in. The play showed Adams' strengths. He's tall, he's quick, he can dribble, and he has tremendous court vision. He lacks Siva's hops, but, I mean, that's like saying a singer lacks Aretha Franklin's pipes.

Jalen Ward, sophomore-to-be, O'Dea
In Ward, the Irish have their best point guard since Jamelle "Son of Nate" McMillan. Ward is incredibly fast with the ball in his hands and absolutely fearless. His physical style of play sparked frustration from Rainier Beach and a retaliatory elbow in the game I saw.

Lonnie Pearson, senior-to-be, Rainier Beach
Pearson is another player who, despite his talent, was a minor contributor on last year's team -- three Vikings from the Class of '09 got scholarships from DI schools. He's a rangy swingman who's deadly inside and outside. Think Quincy Pondexter. Pearson hit a three-pointer at the end of the first half that put a dagger in O'Dea.

Will Dorsey Jr., freshman-to-be, Garfield
Dorsey is small, but he's also in eighth grade, so that can be excused. He is very, very fast with the basketball, and he has handles too--a vicious crossover left a Franklin defender stumbling. With Dorsey and Glenn Brooks Bulldogs would seem to have two point guards that would be starters for 95% of the teams in the state.

In other high school hoops news, the Rose City Showcase was this weekend in Portland. Here's a full recap of all the activities from the Oregonian.

Here's video of Tony Wroten at the event, including a ridiculous pass, and a short interview.

Anthony Wroten is in a class of his own