1 Vizion 8th Grade All-Star Round-Up, Part 1

Two years had passed since the 1-Vizion 8^th Grade All-Star game was last played in San Jose, California.  However, the 5^th annual edition for 2022 did not disappoint one bit.  Trailing by two scores mid-way through the 4^th quarter, the East squad rallied to win late in a 28-18 contest. Here is a round-up of some of the offensive weapons who made an impact on both sides. <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id="283591" first="Brandon" last="Mann"] </em>| Quarterback</strong> <img class="alignleft wp-image-281764 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/BrandonMann-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Mann demonstrated his great dual-threat ability in a superb first-half performance.  He came out hot in the first quarter, connecting with his two outside receivers on multiple throws, both from the pocket and while on the move on designed rollouts.  Several times through the first half, the East defense was able to flush him out of the pocket but he kept plays alive with his athleticism and ability to escape the pass rush.  While throwing from the pocket he also showed good deep ball touch, hitting WR Aaron Maier on a 25-yard fade route to get the offense inside the 5-yard line – and ultimately setting-up his own 2-yard TD run for the first points of the game. Mann showed poise and vision from the pocket despite not always having great protection, and both his arm strength and accuracy were fairly consistent most of the half he played. <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZVBVcJ8jk44" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Michael Vasquez | Quarterback</strong> Vasquez fought through early struggles with ball security and errant snaps to round out a solid performance for himself in his half of playing time.  “Hulk” as he is nicknamed, is a more physical runner as a dual-threat, due to his size and aggressiveness.  In his playing time during the 2^nd half, the offensive game plan included far more designed QB-runs, allowing him to attack between the tackles and off of the edge to punish would-be tacklers and pick-up tough yards.  Vasquez, however, was able to also display some pin-point accuracy on a beautiful touchdown pass to Aaron Maier from 9-yards out.  The window was very small, yet the throw was put in the only spot his man could catch it and with enough heat to get it just in between two defenders. <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vp2B734J918" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ekiah McLemore | Running Back</strong> McLemore was a workhorse out of the backfield for the East squad, tallying two touchdowns, and breaking a 25-yard scamper deep into West territory to help swing the momentum during the 4^th quarter comeback.  He ran with great vision and physicality both inside and outside on the edge, often breaking through multiple tacklers to pick up additional yards.  Few run plays to him went for negative yards and he showed speed to separate in the open field. <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5RbOBw_awos" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-287614 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/Aaron-Maier-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong></em><strong>Aaron Maier | Wide Receiver</strong> Maier had the most impressive night statistically amongst the receiver group.  He caught four passes for over 50-yards, including a 25-yard grab over a jumping defender to put his offense inside the 5-yard line, and a beautiful touchdown snag against tight coverage later in the 3^rd quarter.  Maier is a tall and lanky built athlete with good ball skills and run-after-catch ability. <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6yB6oZ0ff2Q" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-287620 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/CynaiThomas-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Cynai Thomas | Wide Receiver</strong> Thomas was a focal point early on for the West offense, which marched up and down the field with efficiency in the first two quarters.  He caught five passes, including three to pick-up 1^st downs and set-up scores.  Thomas is similar to his teammate, Maier, in that he is also a slender and tall athlete playing on the outside.  However, he also turned a pair of screen passes into big gains with his running ability after the catch and strength to run through tackles. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-220345 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/AJRangel-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />A.J. Rangel, Jr. | Wide Receiver</strong> Rangel, Jr. was one of the more intriguing prospects to play in this match-up after clocking the fastest 40-yard dash (4.77) and the highest vertical (30”) at the 1 Vizion Combine.  He got to display some of that explosiveness early in the 2^nd quarter on a 30-yard connection from QB Andrew Franzino to set-up the East’s first touchdown of the evening.  Rangel separated from CB Perrion Williams (the 4^th fastest sprinter at the combine) deep down the middle to secure the grab. <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jCm8XXf8atA" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Sefania Alatini | Wide Receiver</strong> Alatini had the play of the game, a 75-yard punt return touchdown with four minutes remaining, to propel the East to victory in heroic fashion.  At 6’2” 185lbs, Alatini is an impressive athlete with a long frame and long strides.  He “glided” his way through the West punt coverage team and made the return look easy, showing good vision in locating his cutback lane to the open field.