ESPNHS Boys' Basketball

Here are some day one news and notes from the 22nd Annual Torrey Pines Holiday Classic in San Diego, Calif., Dec. 27-30.

Seven-foot center at Holiday Classic

SAN DIEGO -- One of the most intriguing players at this year's event is 7-foot-1 center Cheikh N'diaye of Army-Navy Academy (Carlsbad, Calif.).

The Senegal native has lived in the United States for approximately three years and when he came to California to attend the all-boys boarding school, he didn't speak any English.

He's been a quick learner -- both on and off the court. The military discipline instilled in all students at the school plays a big role in N’diaye’s accelerated learning curve, even though only five percent of them actually enroll in the military, according to school president Steve Bliss.

In the season opener against El Camino (Oceanside, Calif.), N'diaye showed off some of the discipline he's learned by taking a charge. Unfortunately, he sustained a concussion and has not played since, including Army-Navy's 76-53 loss to regionally-ranked Lincoln (San Diego, Calif.) on Monday in a "play-in" game with a spot in the tournament’s National Division on the line.

N’diaye hopes he's able to suit up by the second day of the tournament.

"I am going to see a doctor on Wednesday morning... if he clears me I'll play that afternoon," N’diaye said. "I feel good, but it's really up to him."

From the tone of his voice you can tell N’diaye is itching to play, but the time off has also given the seven-footer a new perspective watching from the bench.

"I notice that we can play more together. I provide defense and shot-blocking, so when I'm not playing, they got to go hard."

Freshman steps up for Windward

Windward (Los Angeles) opened National Division play against O'Dea (Seattle) and pulled out a 66-62 victory. It was a struggle as top player Nick Stover, a Loyola Marymount recruit, picked up is fourth foul halfway through the third quarter. Mason Shepard, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound freshman, picked up the slack.

With Windward clinging to a one-point lead with 1:45 remaining, Shepard's contested follow-up shot on a Stover field goal attempt gave the Wildcats a 61-58 lead. With Windward leading 64-62 with 8.4 seconds remaining, they were called for a five-second violation and survived a 3-point attempt by O'Dea's Jalen Jones to pull out the win.

"Nick is obviously our best player, but when he went down I had to step up," said Shepard, who finished with a team-high 19 points and double digit rebounds (13 unofficially). "I did good, but I think I can play better."

Windward actually has middle school students on campus, but this is Shepard's first year in the program. He witnessed Windward's run to a Division IV state title last season and felt comfortable enrolling because he already knew many of the players in the program. He has big aspirations this year and is confident his 6-4 club can compete with and defeat POWERADE FAB 50 No. 16 Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) in Wednesday's National Division quarterfinal.

"I'm not satisfied at all, plus this was our first game with a full team with guys coming over from football and back from injury. I'm really looking forward to the next game."

Unique view for successful first year coach

Arguably the most distinguished coach at the tournament is also one of the least recognizable. After all, his team comes into the Holiday Classic 7-2 and as underdogs in its Senators Division opener against unbeaten Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.).

Jeff Sink won four state titles, 10 CIF Southern Section tiles and 16 league titles in 17 years coaching the nationally renowned girls' team at Brea Olinda (Brea, Calif.). He gave two reasons why he stepped down and decided to take over the boys' program -- challenge and frustration.

"I made the change for two basic reasons," Sink said. "I'm 60, so if I was going to try something else now was the time. Second, I had my best team ever last season at Brea. We were ranked No. 1 in the country. With a couple of weeks to go in the season, we got hit by a bout of selfishness. I always ran a tight ship and it was very unfamiliar to me. Let's just say I didn't handle it well."

The Ladycats didn't win their section title and lost to a Canyon Springs (Moreno Valley, Calif.) team in the state regional 11 days after beating the same team by 18 points.

He offers straightforward advice for the boys players at the Holiday Classic from his unique perspective.

"Guys don't study opponents and don't work hard at exploiting other guys' weaknesses, such as overplaying their strong hand. Guys would benefit if they became more students of the game."

Sink doesn't mind blending in as just another boys' coach and doesn't seem to miss the tremendous expectations and pressure of coaching a program like the Ladycats'. But in spite of the change of scenery, it's evident his competitive juices still burn.

"It's fun, but my team is short and honestly were not that good," Sink said. "I do miss having one of the top teams in the country. I'm learning along with the players."

Right on cue with Sink's comments, Brea Olinda came away with a 54-51 victory over host Cathedral Catholic, which came into Tuesday's game with a 11-0 record.

Senior guard Jonny Alarcon netted a team-high 14 points for Brea Olinda.

New school, new nickname

It had been a full calendar year since Anthony January suited up in a regulation high school game before taking the floor earlier this month for regionally ranked Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.).

The 6-foot-7 senior forward left Compton (Compton, Calif.) last year and was home schooled for the rest of the academic school year.

Before venturing to Torrey Pines for the Holiday Classic, January led Taft to the Mission Prep Christmas Classic national division title in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He scored a game-high 20 points in the title game victory over state-ranked La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.).

January wanted to let everyone know how hungry he is to make a big splash in his return to high school hoops that he now goes by the moniker "Dinnertime."

"I came up with it myself," January said after scoring a team-high 17 points in Taft's 64-60 opening round National Division victory over Lake Washington (Kirkland, Wash.). "I was just thinking one day about being hungry to get back on the court."

January's father, also known as Anthony January, was an all-state player at Carson (Carson, Calif.) in the mid-1980s and played for the late Don Haskins at UTEP. During his playing days he went by “A.J.” and his son has been called "Little J" by family members and close friends since childhood.

January hopes that his new nickname sticks, despite the occasional ribbing by teammates and classmates.

"Sometimes when I'm by the cafeteria at school people tell me to go cook and stuff like that," January said. "I most definitely want to keep it going."

Ronnie Flores is a senior editor for ESPNHS. He can be reached at ronnie.flores@espn.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonFloresESPN

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile an elite player and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) swingman Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 player in the ESPNU 25.

The Drill: Double-crossover pull-up jumpers

The Rundown: “Well, I start at the halfcourt line and do one in-and-out cross then I cross it back over to the opposite direction. After that I take a few more speed dribbles toward the goal and stop and pull up for a mid range jump shot. I do that for about 10 minutes.

I don’t really take a count of my makes because it’s more about the repetition of it all. I definitely make most of the shots though.”

The Benefit: “This drill really helps with your repetition. When you’re shooting and trying to create your own shot it’s so important to get in a routine of doing the right things.

You never want to change your shot. So it kinda gets you in the mindset of doing the right things at all times.”

Jason Jordan is the basketball editor for ESPNHS. He can be reached at jason.x.jordan.-ND@espn.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile an elite player and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall.

The Drill: Dark dribbling

The Rundown: “Well, back home my laundry room had a concrete floor and so I would go in there and shut off all the lights and dribble. It was a small space and it was pitch black in there, but I would just stand there doing moves and working on my handles.

As a point guard you've got to see this game from all angles. You've got to see it mentally. So when you can see it without being able to see what's in front of you, you're on your way.”

The Benefit: “It really helps with your hand-eye coordination and getting comfortable with the ball. When you’re out there on the court you’ve got to be worried about pressure defense and traps and things like that so this drill gives you one less thing to worry about on the court.

This drill really jumpstarted my handles. It will definitely help out a lot if you’re trying to improve in that area.”

Jason Jordan is the basketball editor for ESPNHS. He can be reached at jason.x.jordan.-ND@espn.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile an elite player and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

Washington Wizards point guard John Wall, the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

The Drill: Ball-less/Court-less dribble-juking

The Rundown: “I know it sounds a little crazy, but I’ll just be walking down the street and, out of nowhere, I’ll hit someone with an in-and-out move without having a ball. I scare them because they don’t know what in the world I’m doing, but I think this game through so much that it just comes out anywhere.

I only work on the moves that I would do in a game though. I had one man tell me that I better not do that again because he got scared when I did a quick crossover in front of him when I was walking down the street. It ends up being pretty funny.”

The Benefit: “Basketball is so mental and with me being a point guard it’s all about reaction. How are you going to react to any given situation? So I might be walking and see someone in front of me and do a crossover motion or I might spin.

Again, I know it sounds crazy, but it really helps you because it just becomes second nature. I play off my instincts so when you’re constantly working on your handles and your moves it becomes even easier in the game.”

Jason Jordan is the basketball editor for ESPNHS. He can be reached at jason.x.jordan.-ND@espn.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile one of the top players in the country and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) forward Mitch McGary.

The Drill: Exploding speed dunks
The Rundown: “What I do is place two balls on the block and when the clock starts I have to bend down and grab one ball and dunk it. Then I grab the next ball and dunk it.

All the while I have two people rebounding for me and placing the balls back on the block. I get 30 seconds to see how many dunks I can do and then I bump it up to a minute. I get about 18 dunks in 30 seconds, but I try to improve each time.”

The benefit: “This drill is great for explosion and power. At my position it’s crucial to be able to be quick off of your feet and go up strong. That means you’ve got to have strong legs and this drill will give you that. It’s one of the best drills that I do.”

Jason Jordan is the basketball editor for ESPNHS. He can be reached at jason.x.jordan.-ND@espn.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

ESPNHS - Texas

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile one of the top players in the country and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas) forward Julius Randle.

The Drill: Medicine ball jumpers

The Rundown: “I basically stand in five different spots from about 18 feet out and take 10 shots from each spot with an eight-pound medicine ball. You have to really concentrate because the ball gets heavier and heavier with each shot.”

The benefit: “It helps with your release and keeping your form up because if you don’t keep it up it’ll be an air ball. It also helps to build arm strength because the medicine balls are obviously heavier than regular balls. This is a drill that can definitely help you improve your shooting.”

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

ESPNHS - California | Mater Dei Alums On The Move

Ever wonder how shooters shake off misses to come back and go on their own mini-runs?

Gabe York, a senior shooting guard at Orange County Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) who is committed to Arizona, said it’s all about mentality.

Check out the video.

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

ESPNHS - Georgia

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming season.

Every week we’ll profile one of the top players in the country and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

Next up?

Mary Persons (Forsyth, Ga.) shooting guard Brannen Greene.

The Drill: Crab-crawling, pushup free throws

The Rundown: “I start at the baseline and I get on all fours and walk the court as fast as I possibly can. Every five steps I stop and do 10 pushups.

Once I get to the other baseline I have to walk over to the free-throw line and make five straight free throws. If I don’t make the free throws I just have to do it all over again.”

The benefit: “This drill really helps with my concentration because no one wants to be over there crawling again.

It also builds arm strength and leg strength with the crabbing down the court. This is one of the hardest drills I do, but it’s one of the best.”

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

If you watched Quinn Cook run the point for Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) last season then what he’s about to say will probably shock you.

“I’m finally back to 100 percent,” said Cook, now a freshman playing at Duke. “It feels great.”

The immediate “head-scratch” reaction would come from the fact that, despite playing his entire senior season with torn ligaments in his right knee, Cook managed to average 21 points and 11 assists to lead the Warriors, who finished ranked No. 7 in the POWERADE Fab 50.

Cook averaged 28 points per game in the ESPNHS National High School Invitational in April but fell in the championship game to Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.), 71-64, in a double-overtime thriller.

The lingering injury left Cook sidelined for Duke’s trip to China and Dubai in August, but for Cook it’s all about what’s ahead.

“I’m happy to be healthy now,” Cook said. “I’m ready to go.”

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPN

With the offseason in full effect, ballers around the country have begun what is widely regarded as one of the most grueling grind modes of the year as they prepare for the up-and-coming high school season.

Every week ESPNHS will profile one of the top players in the country and have them dish on one of their most unorthodox training methods and explain why it’s been so beneficial.

First up?


Upper Room Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) senior combo guard Rodney Purvis.

The Drill: Sprinting push-up jump shots

The Rundown: “Basically what you do is start from halfcourt and you run as fast as you possibly can to the free-throw line. Then you just drop down right there and do a full push-up on the ball.

When you’re done with that you immediately hop up and take a jump shot right out of the push-up. It’s all one motion. You have to have seven consecutive makes or you start all over again.”

The Benefit: “It helps you with your concentration because you are going to be winded when you pop up to shoot the jump shot. It also really forces you to use your legs on the jump shot.

It really helps. I’ve definitely seen my jump shot improve as a result of this drill.”

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPN