Projected Holiday Breakout Performers
There are a lot of great matchups this week. Here are some guys that we feel will have some key standout out performances over the Holiday season. Justin Braun 6’4” SF 2016 Boulder Creek (McClintock Holiday Tournament) Braun is a…
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Continue ReadingThere are a lot of great matchups this week. Here are some guys that we feel will have some key standout out performances over the Holiday season.
Justin Braun 6’4” SF 2016 Boulder Creek (McClintock Holiday Tournament)
Braun is a player that has slowly but surely been raising his stock over the course of the past two months. He has a chance to put himself on the map this week. The Apollo guards will have their hands full with Matt Downey and Nick Johnson (and visa versa) but Justin has a chance to be the difference maker.
Cody Carmichael 5’8” PG 2017 Ironwood (Judy Dixon Holiday Tournament)
In the opening round of the Judy Dixon Holiday Tournament the Eagles were led by 6’6” junior Geoff Hibbitt, especially as Independence High keyed in on Carmichael. However, in the second round Ironwood will take on Liberty who’s fast paced style is suited for Cody’s game. Look for the skilled playmaker to get up and down the court making plays for others and being able to shake free and make plays for himself, especially in transition. If his shot is falling he could put up some big numbers.
Amiri Chukwuemeka 5’11” PG 2016 McClintock (McClintock Holiday Tournament)
Chukwuemeka always makes a big imprint on his team’s holiday tournament. The Hawaii Pacific bound lead guard has been scoring at a high level ever since a subpar performance against Apollo at the Paradise Valley Invitational. It will be tough for Desert Mountain to contain him if his teammates are finishing plays. Potential semi-final matchups include Brophy and a physical, paint protection styled Mesa.
Gabe McGlothan 6’6” PF 2016 Basha (VistaMesa.com Challenge)
The Bears have a big week ahead of them, squaring off with two major players among high level in state teams in their three matches. If McGlothan’s motor is running how it usually does then his energy will be amplified by the crowd. His ability to rebound the basketball is among the state’s elite so expect him to grab a lot of rebounds.
Antwan Ross 6’3” SG 2016 Basha (VistaMesa.com Challenge)
Similar to his teammate McGlothan, Ross is a player that plays with great intensity and feeds off the crowd. He’s a player that lets his defense create offense and, in a gym like Mesa Mountain View, his hustle will be applauded which intensifies his impact. Antwan is a player with something to prove and, in a gym full of college coaches, will have a chance to earn a scholarship.
Elijah Sikora 6’4” SF 2016 Arcadia (McClintock Holiday Tournament)
While Arcadia fell in a close one to Brophy on Saturday, expect them to bounce back as they take on Tempe in the consolation bracket. There will be no one that can match up with Sikora’s athletic ability. He’s a high motor wing whose physical traits should overwhelm his opposition. Potential consolation title matches with Sunrise Mountain or Chandler could make for a fun wing matchup with Elijah Thomas or N’Keal Harry, respectively.