Jeremy Russotti"s Sacramento's Finest

Jeremy Russotti, one of the elite basketball trainers in California, holds 3-4 showcases around the state where he instructs and evaluates young basketballers. Here is Jeremy's writeup for his recent Sacramento's Finest event:

September 26-27th marked the 2nd Annual, Sacramento Valley’s Finest Instructional Showcase Event. Once again it was a huge success with over 90 players in attendance. The drills sessions were flawless, as each guys worked very hard, were attentive, reaping the knowledge the training staff had to offer. Below is a write-up of the top players from the event.

Josiah Turner (Sacramento High) 2011 – The most polished player at the camp. Josiah worked hard during the drills section, showing why he is an elite prospect. Josiah’s game is very smooth, making the game look easy as he carves through the defense, controlling the game with his uncanny passing abilities. Once he develops a consistent follow through on his jump shot, will be one of the top point guards in the nation.

left: Josiah Turner, right: Will Davis

Will Davis (Sacramento High) 2010 – A 6-foot-8 athlete who is getting better by the month. Showed great skill set around the rim and continues to get longer and longer. Rebounded on both ends and blocked or altered many shots. Will has tremendous upside and will be one to watch this year.

Ikenna Iroegbu (Franklin High) 2013 – Just looking at Ike, you wouldn’t think he could hang with the top players in SAC. That was not the case. He is years ahead of his peers, with a strong skill set to build on. He is usually in the correct spots, has great elevation on his jump shot, and very explosive to the basket. With continued hard work, will be the next great player coming out of Sacramento.

Ikenna Iroegbu

Tony Williams (Rocklin HS) 2010 - Tremendous athlete with outstanding character. Tony worked extremely hard during the drills session and was a regular demonstrator for Jeremy Russotti. He has great elevation on his jump shot, strong defender (competes to the whistle) and can jump with just about anybody. Very good driver and needs to keep working on finishing.

left: Cody Kale, right: Tony Williams

Cody Kale (Rocklin HS) 2010 – A Bully type guard that is also very crafty with solid skill level. Cody picked up the drills very quickly and was a student of the game. Showed much improved attacking skills as he went to the basket with both hands time and time again. Finsihed around the rim very well with both hands. Needs to continue to work on his shot and will be hard to guard.

Andre Beard, Jr. (Edison HS) 2012 – Andre has really developed over the past few years and showing that he is a top prospect in his class. With the body of a senior, Andre showed a lot of great moves and ability to change speeds while in the key. Andre has solid form, however, needs to improve consistency on his outside shot. If he continues to grow and improves his shooting accuracy, will be a player to watch out of NorCal.

left: Haydon Lescault, right: Kareem Ransom, Jr.

Kareem Ransom (Inderkum HS) 2010 – Besides Josiah, has the best overall game of any players at the event. Kareem can flat out get it done at all facets of the game. He showed the ability to hit the 3 and pull up jumper, as well as attack the basket with a plethora of moves as well. A very solid college prospect that is polished and ready for a huge season.

Haydon Lescault (Vista Del Lago HS) 2010 – Haydon was one of the top 3 performers on Day 1 of the event and definitely the top shooter. He demonstrated a feathery touch, hitting up to 6 3’s a game. His ball-handling is not bad, however, he seems to really enjoy the game and showed willingness to learn during the skill session. A player to watch this season.

Chuks Iroegbu (Franklin High) 2011 – A real high flyer who had a few posturizing dunks through the games session. Chuks is an explosive player, however, like most players needs to improve his jump shot and guard skills to compliment his athleticism.

Kyi Thomas (Hiram Johnson HS) 2012 – A combo guard that has a ton of potential. Had the dunk of the camp, literally jumping over another player during our drills session for a two-handed monster smash. He is long and lanky with some nice abilities around the basket. Could be a player to watch in a few years, however, he needs to improve his skill set over the season to next summer.

Mike Cubit (Hiram Johnson HS) 2011 – Mike came back this year with a vengeance and a purpose, showing much more improvement over last year. Left-handed, Mike causes defenders fits with his handles and ability to shoot.

Stephonzie Walker (Rocklin HS) 2011 – Another Rocklin competitor that knows how to play the game. Left-Handed PG who was very smooth and showed great feel for the game. Was able to get to the basket and finished well. Pushed the ball hard in transition and looked for his teammates time and time again. Rocklin HS’s teammates will be the benefactor of Walker’s passes this year and could be a big surprise.

Andre Beard Jr. (Edison HS) 2012 – Andre has really developed over the past few years and showing that he is a top prospect in his class. With the body of a senior, Andre showed a lot of great moves and ability to change speeds while in the key. Andre has solid form, however, needs to improve consistency on his outside shot. If he continues to grow and improves his shooting accuracy, will be a player to watch out of NorCal.

Omariyea Broughton (Valley HS) 2010 – We heard another coach call him the “Microwave” since Omariyea just seemed to always be near the basket and scoring. Another bully type guard that knows how to attack the basket and score. Reminds many of Khalid El Amin and really was an effective scorer. Heady strong guard.

Omariyea Broughton

Kyle Rigonan (Valley HS) 2010 – Omariyea Broughton is very fortunate to play with this electrifying, super cat quick guard. Kyle is a flat out winner and embarrassed a lot of other guards that tried to stay in front of him. Though not super flashy, Kyle ran his teams flawlessly finishing undefeated at camp. Very undersized, however, you can’t deny his performance at the event.

Alex McNack (Edison HS) 2010 - Was relentless during the drills. This wing forward kept competing and competing and was very active during games and drills. Was smooth and got to the basket. Rebounded well for his size and was a big time defender during camp.

Andre Jones (Rocklin) 2010 - Long, limber athlete that was very active. Rebounded well for his slight frame, took it to the basket, finished well, and knocked down open shots. Had a great motor and will be a major factor for Rocklin HS this year.

Darius Graham (Sacramento HS) 2012 – A heady PG that showed toughness and has a high IQ. Took it to the basket, found teammates, and really pushed the ball in transition. Knocks down open shots and shot selection will continue to improve as he expands his game.

Ryan Cooper (Monterey Trail) 2011 – An explosive Left handed PG who really attacked. He attacked the basket and the defense all weekend. Really explosive and very quick to the rim. Finished well for his size and could become really solid PG as he finds his teammates more often.

Brian Simmons (Capitol Christian HS) 2011 - A strong forward who competed very well during drills and games. Wide body forward who finished around the basket. Also stepped outside and knocked down some jump shots. Will have to use his wide body strength against the taller post players.

Demetri Dartis (Cosumnes Oaks) 2011 – Competed extremely hard during drills and games and had a big time motor. Attacked the basket and really played hard. Defended the ball very well and rebounded well in traffic. Everyone at camp took notice of his powerful left handed tomahawk jams during the weekend.

Nathaniel Tisdale (Foothill) 2010 – A powerful, yet smooth undersized power forward. A bully type player, that is very crafty around the rim. He also showed some explosiveness dunks in traffic throughout the weekend. Should have a really good year for Foothill.