Tarkanian Classic Day 3 Preview: Top 3 Games
(1) Corona Centennial (CA) vs Mater Dei (CA) – I would drive out to So Cal just to watch this game. I’m assuming once again people are wondering how Centennial can possibly match up. I know Centennial will compete, and…
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Continue Reading(1) Corona Centennial (CA) vs Mater Dei (CA) – I would drive out to So Cal just to watch this game. I’m assuming once again people are wondering how Centennial can possibly match up. I know Centennial will compete, and contest every bounce. Mater Dei brings Devin Askew, Wihlem Breidenbach, and one of the winningest high school coaches of all time. This should be a high energy game from the start. Excited to see how the Paris Dawson – Devin Askew matchup goes, and of course looking forward see if rising freshmen Jared McCain continues his tremendous tournament run.
(2) Durango (NV) vs North Florida Educational Institute – I have really come to admire and respect the job coach Chad Beeten has done. In 7 games the Trailblazers already have matched their win total from last year. They’ve displayed both physical and mental toughness that was often questioned in recent years. That toughness is going to be challenged today. NFEI is perhaps the most physically gifted program in this bracket. They feature a trio of high flying explosive bigs led by Deangelo Elisee. The 6’8 Post is an elite shot-blocker that challenges everything. It is going to be a joy to watch Keshon Gilbert attempt to finish over him. Gilbert has shown that he is an elite finisher, that is unafraid to take it right at the chest of shot blockers. I expect this to be a high octane up and down game, with tons of highlights and plays at the rim.
(3) Liberty (NV) vs Oakridge (FL) – Honestly any time I get an opportunity to see Julian Strawther play, I’m going to take it. When you add in the fact that Oak Ridge has several elite scorers of their own, and this game has a chance to be electric. Mike James and Fabio Basili have shown why they are high priority recruits respectively. Oak Ridge didn’t take one step backwards against Sierra Canyon, so it will be interesting to see how Liberty competes against this athletic highly competitive bunch. Joshua Jefferson is a player I will be watching closely in this game. The 6’7 PF is never going to wow you with his run and jump ability, however, his footwork and fundamentals down low are elite. Really interested in seeing how it translates against such a physically gifted squad.