EL CAJON – He bolts downcourt with the grace of a greyhound. His sleek body hovers over the basketball, eyes focused ahead.

Foothills Christian point guard Kalob Hatcher has a knack for reading defenses and creating scoring opportunities.

It's no surprise that Knights coach Brad Leaf believes Hatcher will play Division I college basketball in the future.

That's a bold statement considering Hatcher is competing in only his second high school varsity season. Yet the 6-foot, 150-pound sophomore is racking up statistics at a record pace for the defending San Diego Section Division V champions.

“He's getting to the level now where he's going to get recruited by a lot of Division I colleges. That's because of the way he's starting to assert himself as a point guard,” Leaf said.

“I don't know if I can see another point guard in San Diego who will be at his level next year. There might be better shooters, better this, better that, but his overall game and ability to run the team is unparalleled.”

Handling the ball is a specialty for Hatcher, who is averaging eight assists per game.

“I like motivating – passing the ball around,” he said.

Most of Hatcher's teammates would consider that an understatement. They say they're “wowed” by Hatcher's ability to direct the Knights' high-octane offense, which averages 72 points per game.

“Something good happens every time Kalob touches the ball,” said Foothills Christian sophomore guard Troy Leaf, the section's scoring leader who began this week with a 26-point average. “He's so crafty that you never know what's coming next. He'll spin or he'll step back or no-look pass it down low.”

Heading into the Division V playoffs, Hatcher has 529 career assists, 13th most in section history. The section record of 857 is held by Hoover graduate JayDee Luster (2004-07).

Hatcher stands 11th on the section list with 316 career steals. Luster is the record-holder with 559.

“He's a perfect point guard,” said Knights junior guard Zach Kaul. “It seems almost impossible how quickly he sees the open man. The main thing is always be ready for the ball if he's on the court.”

Despite Hatcher's impressive liftoff, Brad Leaf is quick to note that his young player has plenty to improve before concluding his high school career.

“Coach Leaf is pushing me to be more offensive-minded this year instead of just swinging the ball as a point guard,” Hatcher said. “I feel like I've been doing that, scoring more.”

Hatcher is averaging 19 a game, a five-point increase over his freshman season.

“Kalob is the ultimate triple threat,” said Santana coach Tim Barry. “He can step back and hit the three. He's able to slash to the basket, finishing with a midrange jumper or a layup. And three, he can drive, draw or dish as well as any guard I've seen around here in a while.”

Some critics are unimpressed with the competition faced by Foothills Christian, whose enrollment is about 225.

The Knights, who began this week with an 18-9 record, have defeated Mission Hills, Otay Ranch (twice), St. Augustine (twice), Horizon, Army-Navy Academy, Christian, Santana, El Capitan and West Hills.

“What do they want us to do? We'll play anybody,” Brad Leaf said.

The future appears even brighter.

Troy Leaf, the coach's son, has accepted a scholarship offer to San Diego State.

“And Kalob is just phenomenal,” the coach said. “His day is coming.”