Vista's John Fletcher drives to the hoop in the Class of 2012 game
El Camino's Travis Paopao takes home MVP honors in Class of 2012 game
More than 100 players from schools throughout the section showcased their talent at the North County Hoops All-Star Showcase. The second-annual tournament that featured ballers from club teams in north county was held Saturday at Vista High School.
“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while,” said Vista head coach and Gamepoint Basketball director Charlie Mercado. “There are tons of good players here, we’re just trying to get them exposure.”
Four games were played throughout the day, concluding with the class of 2013 and class of 2012 games. The games had an emcee providing in-game oohs and ahs and rap instrumentals creating a fun atmosphere.
In the Class of 2012 game, El Camino’s Travis Paopao captured MVP honors in a game that featured 2008-2009 freshmen standouts Dayton Boddie (El Camino), Sam Beeler (Poway) and Patrick Johnson (Vista). Paopao got hot from downtown and had a game-high 21 points, leading the black team to a 98-73 win.
“I shot a lot,” Paopao said, laughing after the game.
A theme throughout the day was familiarity. Paopao was guarded by Boddie, his teammate at El Camino, and most of the players in the showcase’s four games knew each other from both high school and club basketball.
“It was like meeting friends at the park and messing around,” Paopao said. “All of these guys are my friends. Most of them have been over to my house.”
The Class of 2013 game provided a glimpse of the future, featuring some of the best incoming freshmen in the section. Coleman Baker (Francis Parker) and Jean-Christian Williams (Mission Hills) earned co-MVP honors.
“It was really good competition and good to see guys in the area – guys you’ll be playing against next year,” Baker said.
Baker finished with a double-double, scoring 24 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. He said the club circuit in north county is among the best competition in San Diego.
“It’s a pretty high level,” Baker said. “There are a lot of good players and a lot of good teams.”
Mercado said the event was a success and hopes it will help basketball grow in north county.
“It hasn’t been strong in the past, but we’re trying to get it there,” Mercado said.
Vista's John Fletcher drives to the hoop in the Class of 2012 game
El Camino's Travis Paopao takes home MVP honors in Class of 2012 game
More than 100 players from schools throughout the section showcased their talent at the North County Hoops All-Star Showcase. The second-annual tournament that featured ballers from club teams in north county was held Saturday at Vista High School.
“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while,” said Vista head coach and Gamepoint Basketball director Charlie Mercado. “There are tons of good players here, we’re just trying to get them exposure.”
Four games were played throughout the day, concluding with the class of 2013 and class of 2012 games. The games had an emcee providing in-game oohs and ahs and rap instrumentals creating a fun atmosphere.
In the Class of 2012 game, El Camino’s Travis Paopao captured MVP honors in a game that featured 2008-2009 freshmen standouts Dayton Boddie (El Camino), Sam Beeler (Poway) and Patrick Johnson (Vista). Paopao got hot from downtown and had a game-high 21 points, leading the black team to a 98-73 win.
“I shot a lot,” Paopao said, laughing after the game.
A theme throughout the day was familiarity. Paopao was guarded by Boddie, his teammate at El Camino, and most of the players in the showcase’s four games knew each other from both high school and club basketball.
“It was like meeting friends at the park and messing around,” Paopao said. “All of these guys are my friends. Most of them have been over to my house.”
The Class of 2013 game provided a glimpse of the future, featuring some of the best incoming freshmen in the section. Coleman Baker (Francis Parker) and Jean-Christian Williams (Mission Hills) earned co-MVP honors.
“It was really good competition and good to see guys in the area – guys you’ll be playing against next year,” Baker said.
Baker finished with a double-double, scoring 24 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. He said the club circuit in north county is among the best competition in San Diego.
“It’s a pretty high level,” Baker said. “There are a lot of good players and a lot of good teams.”
Mercado said the event was a success and hopes it will help basketball grow in north county.
“It hasn’t been strong in the past, but we’re trying to get it there,” Mercado said.