Surf City Summary: Santa Cruz Warriors game highlights from past week

“Winston Shepard with the flush”

Winston Shepard has quickly become one of my favorite players to watch. Since joining the Sea Dubs late in December following a trade with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Shepard has averaged 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.2 minutes per game.

He’s only recently found himself in the starting lineup, so I fully expect his numbers to go up as the season progresses. Whether he stays with the starters remains to be seen, but the fact of the matter is he’s found a rhythm in Surf City, and I don’t see him slowing down any time soon.

Breaking down the play above, Shepard looks to be the focal point in the developing play, receiving an entry pass in transition. He lines up with his back to the basket, exploding into a beautiful drop step as he drives baseline.

While the help defense comes just a split second too late, Shepard still adjusts to avoid a block, rising up for the reverse jam. This was a great display of Shepard’s athleticism and quick thinking on the fly.