Trevor Ariza Tip-Off Classic: Semifinal Day Standouts (Part II)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">LOS ANGELES — Friday’s set of games at the Trevor Ariza Tip-Off Classic hosted by Westchester high school featured two highly-entertaining semifinal match-ups. The first between Etiwanda and Heritage Christian came down to the wire with the Warriors escaping with a 48-47 win. The host Comets and St. Bernard closed the evening with an overtime affair which saw the Vikings take a 59-57 decision. Below are some of the standout performers from the semifinal showdowns and the earlier winners and losers bracket games.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Ethan Berks</b>, Santa Monica</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">The 6-foot-8 forward is one of the better positional defenders and rebounders in Southern California and proved that again in a win over Renaissance Academy. Berks guarded three different players 6-8 or above and held the talented Koat Keat to 21 points while making his interior shots difficult. Berks finished with 16 rebounds to go along with his 11 points.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Tanner Clark</b>, Santa Monica</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Clark scored 20 much-needed points off the bench for the Vikings, including four 3-pointers in the final eight minutes, which helped SaMo earn a 48-40 victory over Renaissance Academy. Clark’s shooting exhibition sparked energy within the team and led to increased effort on the defensive end, as evidenced by the Vikings holding the Wildcats to 11 fourth quarter points.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Michael Frankling</b>, Gardena</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Frankling’s style of play isn’t what most people define as pretty or exciting, but it’s effective. The 6-foot guard dropped 24 points, all from inside the arc, in a 56-50 win over Long Beach Poly. Frankling, a senior, has a knockdown mid-range jumper and uses his strength and physicality to overpower smaller guards around the basket.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Isaiah Johnson</b>, Bishop Montgomery</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Johnson’s role was already going to increase this season with the transfer of Bradley Ezewiro to Oak Hill Academy, but a couple of early season injuries have further emphasized the importance of his contributions. The 6-foot-7 Oregon State-bound forward scored 16 points in the Knights’ 51-35 win over Washington Prep, but it’s what he did defensively that stood out the most. Johnson had four blocked shots, three of which he kept in play, giving his team an extra possession.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Chris Page</b>, Gardena</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Page has been one of the early season standouts across the board because of his combination of skill and athleticism. He has fit in seamlessly so far at Gardena and his ability to finish in transition and knock down perimeter jumpers with consistency while playing off the ball has increased the effectiveness of his above-mentioned teammate, Michael Frankling. Page threw down a number of impressive lob dunks throughout the event.</span></p>