Six HS hoopsters to watch out for

Six HS hoopsters to watch out for

by rick olivares

With the SM-NBTC National High School Championships over where the San Beda Red Cubs were crowned Division One champions and Assumption Montessori School of Cagayan de Oro lifting the Division Two trophy, high school basketball teams are getting ready for the summer tournaments.

In the meantime, here are a six – and there are more, mind you -- high school basketball players who should go on to make bigger names for themselves in the coming school year/season.

Peter Alfaro (San Beda)

Evan Nelle has been carting away the individual trophies while teammates like Germy Mahinay and Sam Abuhijleh have attracted attention because of their height. We would be remiss to mention crafty and steady point guard Prince Etrata who is fun to watch. But 5’11” swingman Peter Alfaro has been steady and yet unspectacular. He shoots, attacks, and plays defense. Doesn’t make too many mistakes with the ball either.

Vincent Andrew Velasco (Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu)

He missed the NBTC of two years ago with an injury so this past tournament was everyone’s first look at this tough-as-nails 6’0” swingman. Plays tough defense. Shoots the three and will attack you. Not afraid to get bludgeoned because he will bludgeon you too. However, his facial expression never changes. Impassive and intense look. Quite a few Manila-based schools liked him right off the bat.

Kelly Gurtiza (St. Jude College of Cavite)

Reminds me of Ato Agustin with the way he plays offensively. This kid plays better defense though. Makes good reads on the floor. Can pass the ball on the halfcourt set or on the break. Finishes well.

Martin Sadhwani (Xavier High School)

Tall and lanky, the son of Cebuano hotshot Raj Sadhwani, is going to be the next star coming out of Xavier. Plays the three spot and can score some (about into the 20s and 30s). Can shoot, slash. Has long arms to block shots. Needs to bulk up though to withstand the pushing and physical stuff inside the lane.

Bryan Limpangog (St. Jude College of Cavite)

Perhaps the scrappiest player of this bunch. Likes to play defense so you know coaches will love his attitude. And this kid goes hard to the basket. Like a defensive stopper who can score.

Jason Credo (Ateneo High School)

Sometimes plays the point forward. At 6’4” rings down the ball. Runs the break. Can pass. Make some really good passes. Defends the post well. Twists and turns underneath for baskets. Needs to handle the ball better though and lessen turnovers. And needs to attack with greater conviction.