Southwest Basketball Camp Superlatives

Gregg Rosenberg July 25, 2019 @ 05:06 AM

The last two days myself and Justin Vargas put on the 3rd annual Southwest Basketball Camp at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ. 120 players from Arizona, California and Nevada battled it out. 12 teams with 10 players each. Each team played 5 games with a possible All-Star game. The All-Star games lived up to the hype with many coaches walking away impressed with what they saw.   Let's take a deeper look at who stood out at different categories: Most outstanding player: Ty Ty Washington 6'4 CG/PG 2021 (Chavez) -From start to finish he proved he was the best player at the camp, He started off with the most assists with 13 then went on stretches where he couldn't miss. He controlled every game and went 6-0 on the weekend including getting the win in the Top-20 game.   Best passer: Devon Brooke 6'7 SF 2020 (American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek) -Very rare for a 6'7 forward to be the best passer, but this one is unique. He sees plays develop quickly and throws pinpoint passes.   Most versatile: Logan Phillips 6'7 SF 2020 (Valley Christian) -Can play all 5 positions in a pinch and handles the ball like a big guard. He shoots 3's, passes it then grabs the rebound for you and takes it up himself to make a play.   Fastest end to end: Montez Taylor 5'8 PG 2021 (Williams Field) -He has some serious jets with a burst that was unmatched.   Best dunk of the camp I viewed: Tanner Poechl 6'6 PF 2020 (Skyline) -He went baseline and reversed dunked the ball in traffic. It was impressive.   Best shooter: Jackson Risi 6'1 SG 2020 (Valley Christian) -Seems to never miss. Has some of the deepest range as well with incredible accuracy.   Best pull-up and defender: Ricardo Sarmiento 5'11 PG 2021 (Chavez) -Pull-up is pure from mid-range and gets great elevation. He also is a ball-hawk making every guard uncomfortable.   Best motor: Anthony Garza 6'7 PF 2020 (Shadow Ridge) -Relentless motor to try and rebound the ball. He is constantly in motion and plays with great passion.   Best story: Nikola Gasic 6'11 C 2020 (Bella Vista Prep) -Flew 22 hours from Serbia on Monday then slept all day and played in 1st game. Then had to throw up for not eating all day but got better and better as the camp went on. Speaks English well and has a chance to be good.   Best separation from defender: Jordan Pope 6'0 PG 2022 (De la Salle) -The ball is on a string for Pope. His crossover to create separation from his defender is unreal.   Best feel for the game: Steven Cervantes Jr 5'10 PG 2021 (Mesa) -One of the players who just knows how to play at the highest level. So smart and thinks two steps ahead. Seems to be always open and can do what he pleases.   Best hands: Dyson Lighthall 6'8 C 2020 (American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek) -Big man can catch anything with his big mitts. Rebounds in traffic and has a soft touch on his shot.   Most upside: Adrame Diongu 6'9 PF 2022 (Chaparral) -Hasn't figured out how good he can be yet but his upside is so high. Once he gets stronger and is more patient, watch out.   Best teammate: Zereoue Williams 6'7 C 2021 (Mountain Pointe) -Cheering for his team both days regardless if they are winning, losing or made a bad play. Had an amazing attitude and worked hard for his camp teammates.   Breakout player: Byron Brown 6'4 SF 2020 (Sahuarita) -Little known forward caught everyone's attention on Day-1. Athletic, strong and plays with a great motor.   Best one game: Jalen Johnson 6'6 SF 2019 (Bella Vista Prep) -Hit 6 3's in one game plus had an amazing dunk in traffic. Best part is all 6 3's he never dribbled.