A look at the must-watch out-of-area talent at Modesto Christian’s Holiday Hoop Classic

The Modesto Christian Holiday Hoop Classic resumes Monday with two Stanislaus District teams – Modesto Christian and Manteca – still in the hunt for the championship. That story line won’t last long, though. The two will meet in the quarterfinals. One will be banished to the losers’ bracket.

While that meeting of state-ranked area teams is Monday’s marquee matchup, there is reason to arrive early and take in a full day of basketball.

Here’s a quick look at some of the next-level, out-of-the-area talents who will hold court through Wednesday:

▪ Donovan Mitchell, Buchanan: The 6-foot-9 senior is as versatile as any player in the tournament. With guard skills and an overwhelming height advantage on most high school players, Mitchell can play on the wing or the block. But to completely appreciate his versatility and explosiveness, one must understand that Mitchell isn’t just an accomplished basketball player. He helped lead Buchanan to the Central Section boys volleyball championship in the fall, racking up a match-high 19 kills in the title match. Next game: vs. Pleasant Grove, Monday at noon.

▪ Brandon Russell, El Camino Real: The 6-foot senior is the son of former NBA player Bryon Russell, whose career has been immortalized in a Michael Jordan highlight. With his father on the bench, the younger Russell scored 26 points on four three-pointers in a come-from-behind victory over Beyer. The Conquistadors were at their best when the ball flowed through Russell, whose left-handed release is smooth and precise. As a junior, Brandon Russell was tagged a “player to watch” by Los Angeles Times prep reporter Eric Sondheimer. Next game: vs. Immanuel, Monday at 4:30.

▪ Joel Melton, Centennial: The 6-4 senior guard can stretch the floor with his shot. The Golden Hawks led all teams with 90 points on opening day, and Melton’s marksmanship was the catalyst. He acclimated well to Modesto Christian’s cozy confines, connecting on 7 of 11 attempts. A few were launched from the Perko’s restaurant near the Kiernan exit on Highway 99. Next game: vs. Salesian, Monday at 7:30.

▪ Colin Slater II, Immanuel: The Eagles feature two senior guards capable of setting up the offense – Tulane-bound Slater and 6-4 R.J. Horn – but Slater’s zip-zoom speed might be the most impressive physical tool in the 16-team tournament. He was a handful for Saugus in the first round and gave Weston Ranch, a Holiday Hoop Classic contender, fits at the Prep2Prep Tip-Off Classic to start the season. Slater had 16 points and three steals Saturday. He had 28 in an overtime loss to the Cougars. Next game: vs. El Camino Real, Monday at 4:30.

▪ Zafir Williams, Long Beach Poly: Williams has the size (6-6) and sturdy build (200 pounds) to own the low block, especially against a height-deficient team like Weston Ranch, Monday’s quarterfinal opponent. Williams had 19 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over Gregori and showcased his range with a late three-pointer. Williams runs the floor well, which makes him a scary option in transition. Next game: vs. Weston Ranch, Monday at 3.

▪ Ke’mare Wright, Salesian: A dead-eye shooter, Wright’s big opening game at the Holiday Hoop Classic was created by the Pride’s drive-and-kick offense. Wright cashed in on five three-pointers and scored a game-high 19 points in a 78-43 victory over Buchanan. He shot 70 percent from the floor and thrived in the corners, punishing Buchanan for helping on Salesian’s fleet of speedy guards. Next game: vs. Centennial, Monday at 7:30.

This story was originally published December 27, 2015 at 10:07 PM with the headline "A look at the must-watch out-of-area talent at Modesto Christian’s Holiday Hoop Classic."