Phoenix Futures Tournament: 8th grade standouts

<p>This weekend myself and Justin “The Show” Vargas ran an incoming freshman AAU tournament at Apollo HS.</p> <p>9 strong teams played 4 games each. 2 in pool play and then 2 in bracket play. Just Us/PHH defeated a tough 2023 Elite team in an exciting finish. Blue Chip Elite and GGB made it to the Final-4.</p> <p>Here are some more of the top players from the tourney: (All incoming 8th graders) </p> <p><strong>D’Andre Harrison SF 6’1 (will attend Gilbert) (Team Harden Legends)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Long lefty was one of my favorite long term 8th graders. Great length is skilled, defends multiple positions and can shoot it from inside and out. Looks to be a bigger wing when he is older. </span></p> <p><strong>Kallai Patton G 6’0 (will probably attend Mesa) (2023 Elite)</strong></p> <p>-Good size and handle for his position. Makes great reads and can score it getting downhill and shoot it. Has good length and looks to be a nice upside player. </p> <p><strong>Christian Warren SF 6’0 (will attend Sunnyslope) (Blue Chip)</strong></p> <p>-Arguably the top catch shooter or top-3 regardless of age. Has great strength, super quick shooting release and good length. Plays the game with a high IQ and just knows the game. Knows his role, never forced the issue and played hard. </p> <p><strong>Preston Lee CG 6’0 (Will probably attend Corona del Sol) (Team Harden Legends)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Good passer and ball handler plus hesitates well to get defenders off of him. Can shoot it from deep but likes getting in the lane and making plays. </span></p> <p><strong>Santino Esquivel SG 5’9 (will attend Cesar Chavez) (Team Harden Legends)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Quickest hands in the tourney will be a top-tier defensive player. More of an attacking guard/wing currently and has a streaky perimeter jumper. Good passer.   </span></p> <p><strong>Jordan Howard PF 6’2 (Will probably attend Eastmark) (Team Harden Legends)</strong></p> <p>-The strongest player at the event and it wasn't really close. Has a true football type of body and is athletic to grab rebounds and had multiple blocks from behind on sheer hustle and athleticism. </p>