Diamonds in the Rough Present at the 2007 CYDC/Fullcourt Press Northern Exposure Camp

by Dinos Trigonis

(November 12, 2007)

The inaugural CYDC/Fullcourt Press Northern Exposure Camp was held recently (November 2-4) in Calgary, Canada. This event featured 40-plus high school players from Calgary and other areas of Alberta, Canada (including Edmonton).  The camp began with terrific instruction/drills demonstration directed by John Hegwood (a former Gary IN native, University of San Francisco star and professional player now living in Calgary) and continued with several competitive rounds of games that showcased the underrated talent present.  Calgary has now topped the 1 million population mark and is one of North America’s most modern and diverse cities and there is no reason why this area can’t produce enough college-caliber players to warrant future recruiting attention at all levels - especially at a time when a past NBA MVP like Steve Nash (a Western Canada native) is a great source of inspiration.

The camp’s top 20 players were selected by me and and were showcased in the “cream of the crop” game held at the conclusion of the event.  Ben Bertolami and Joseph Thompson were named co-MOPs of the camp while Noble Crowfoot and Tyrel Curtis were named co-MVPs of the Top 20 game.  Below are the players that were selected to the Top 20 game:

 

Ben Bertolami                     6’4”     2009   St Mary’s (Calgary AB CAN)

Skilled wing has very good basketball instincts and is extremely assertive on his drives to the basket – where he often draws fouls.  Argentine native was the camp co-MOP due to his consistent play and for displaying the most complete offensive game here - including a very accurate perimeter shot.  Reminds me of a current 2008 prospect and 2007 FCP All-West Camp Top 25 pick Ryan Howley (Sinagua/Flagstaff AZ).  Low-mid major prospect.

Joseph Thompson            5’10”  2009   Springbank Community (Calgary AB CAN)

Very good all-around PG has a quick and tight handle as well as a text-book jump shot that connects at a high percentage.  Thompson (camp co-MOP) has excellent ability to penetrate defenses - finding the open teammate or finishing at the cup.   Low-mid major prospect might be higher than that if he grows another inch or two.

Noble Crowfoot                  6’0”     2008   Foothills Composite (Okotoks AB CAN)

Native-american (as well as Mormon) point guard is one of North America’s best kept 2008 PG secrets.  Pure point has a great feel for the game and is an excellent passer as well as dangerous perimeter marksman.  Mid-major prospect was co-MVP of the top 20 game and has a very quick release on his shot.

Tyrel Curtis                          6’0”     2009   Ross Shepherd Senior HS (Edmonton AB CAN)

Tyrel stole the show in the Top 20 game – pumping in a game high 18 points.  Strong and burly guard is equally effective spotting up from the perimeter as well as scoring in traffic.  Father (Barry) is the director of the Edmonton-based Red Storm club program.

Braeden Anderson            6’6”     2010   Foothills Composite (Okotoks AB CAN)

Strong and athletic power forward has an excellent physique and an emerging skill set that makes him an intriguing north of the border 14 year old soph prospect.

Ellshadie Tafesse              6’0”     2009   Bishop McNally (Calgary AB CAN)

Quick and savvy guard has a nice “shake and bake” handle as well as arguably the best cross-over dribble here.

David Thygeson                 6’4”     2009   Lord Beaverbrook (Calgary AB CAN)

Skilled lefty has a soft hook shot in the paint as well as range out to the 3-point line.

James Wohlgeschaffen    6’1”     2008   Centennial (Calgary AB CAN)

Very active athlete is a lock-down defender and an underrated scorer.  After a couple of years of refining his skill level at the JUCO level, James has potential to be a solid college player.

Ammon Crowfoot            5’10”  2011   Okotoks JHS (Okotoks AB CAN)

Sharp-shooting guard has a tremendous stroke from deep beyond the three-point line.

Jarrett Sami                   5’10”  2009   Springbank Community (Calgary AB CAN)

Athletic lead guard applies pesky defensive pressure.

Awet Abraha                  6’2”     2010   Bishop McNally (Calgary AB CAN)

Nice-looking wing has a very good basketball IQ as well as an accurate jump shot.   Very good student.

Strahinja Kucinar          6’3”     2011   Bishop Pinkham JHS (Calgary AB CAN)

Very skilled Serbian guard has good size to go with a lethal outside stroke.  One to track.

Dakota Laurin                6’3”     2009   Western Canada (Calgary AB CAN)

Long armed and deceptively athletic wing runs floor well and can finish.  Laurin has a solid mid-range offensive game and is a surprisingly good shotblocker for his size.

Kumonik Kenyi              6’0”     2010   Bishop McNally (Calgary AB CAN)

Athletic combo-guard can really score.  Excellent potential.

Rance McMaster           6’4”     2009   Bishop Grandin (Calgary AB CAN)

Native-american swingman plays hard and is an effective slashing scorer.

Ryan Safton                  6’4”     2010   Western Canada (Calgary AB CAN)

Skilled young wing forward has nice perimeter stroke.

Kevin Logel                  6’4”     2009   St Francis (Calgary AB CAN)

Hardworking combo-forward hits the glass often and with intensity.

Matthew Francisco       5’10”  2010   St Francis (Calgary AB CAN)

Quick point has solid handle and a nice basketball IQ.

Pat Mason                     6’2”     2008   Lord Beaverbrook (Calgary AB CAN)

Hard-working off-guard has a nice pull-up jumper.

Nisa Sutherland            5’8”     2008   William Aberhart (Calgary AB CAN)

The only female participating, Nisa did not back down to anybody, playing tough defense (may have led the camp in drawing charges) and making enough shots from the perimeter to make opponents pay attention.  Great attitude and work ethic!

Matt Thygesen              6’0”     2011   R T Alderman JHS (Calgary AB CAN)

Young combo-guard has a nice perimeter stroke.

Austin Ronerill             5’10”  2008   Centennial (Calgary AB CAN)

Scrappy lead guard plays excellent defense and makes timely shots.

Jamie Hunka               5’10”  2009   Henry Wise Wood (Calgary AB CAN)

Solid ballhandler has a decent outside shot.

Other participants of note:

* John Hegwood Jr.     5’8”     2012   Mountain Park JHS (Calgary AB CAN)

Promising guard prospect has nice arc on his shot and a long basketball body.  Father is former USF star and professional player John Hegwood Sr.

* Matt Johnson             5’0”     2012   Willow Park JHS (Calgary AB CAN)

Matt is a feisty point out of the Steve Wojo-mold and competed very well here against the older players present.  With a few added inches, will be a tough playmaker.

* Brett Robidoux          6’0”     2012   Bishop Pinkham JHS (Calgary AB CAN)

Excellent shooter has nice passing skills too.

** special thanks go out to John Hegwood, Jackie Portsmouth, Derrick Joseph and the entire CYDC family for the great hospitality and for making my trek to Calgary a worthwhile experience