Battle Born Classic Preview: Players To Watch

<p>The BBC tips off this weekend at Durango. The event features high school games of all levels. Centennial and Durango's B and JV teams clash at 11:30 and 12:30 respectively. Desert Oasis will face Chaparral in the afternoon, and the event will conclude with Centennial taking on the host team at 6:30. In addition to the boy's action, this event features 6 girls' games. In this article, we highlight some of the players to watch, at the Battle Born Classic.</p> <p><strong>Dominique Ford 6'2 SG Desert Oasis 2020 (#8PHN 2020)</strong> - It's been an up and down year for Desert Oasis, however, the one consistent has been the play of Ford. The senior scoring guard has put up double figures in every game so far this season. He will be going up against a scrappy Chap team, that will be geared to stop him.</p> <p><strong>Mason Mich'l 6'7 C Desert Oasis 2021</strong> <strong>(#37PHN 2021)</strong> - I haven't seen a lot of Mich'l this season, he missed the few games of DO that I attended. He has good size, it should be fun to see how he handles the physical play from the Chaparral bigs.</p> <p><strong>Joe "JT" Tauliili 6'3 C Chaparral 2020</strong> - Speaking of bigs Tauliili is one of those physical ones for Chap. The senior post is a good athlete and has done an excellent job of providing rim protection this season. At 6'3 he averages over 2 blocks per game. Although he may be giving up a little size, he has a quick 2nd jump ability that allows him to snag nearly 8 boards per game.</p> <p><strong>Meshack Hawkins 6'0 SG Chaparral 2020</strong> - It will be great catching up with Hawkins. The combo guard has put together quite a senior season. He has had an impact on nearly every aspect of the game. A phenomenal two-sport athlete, Hawkins leads the team in points, rebounds, assist and steals. He will have his hands full on both ends, as he will spend time on Dom Ford if the Cowboys go man.</p> <p><strong>Xakime Milton 5'9 PG Centennial 2021</strong> <strong>(#35PHN)</strong> - After a brutal opening schedule, the Bulldogs have started turning things around, winning 3 out of their last 4. Milton is highlighted because the jitterbug PG may face his stiffest test of the season against Durango. How he's able to protect the ball and navigate the Trailblazers pressure D will be key if Centennial is to have a chance to win.</p> <p><strong>Austin Anderson 6'0 SG Centennial 2020</strong> <strong>(#45PHN)</strong> - I'm not really that concerned about Anderson, because I know how he's going to play. He'll let it fly with confidence, and provide constant energy and effort. Like Milton, he will be tested by the strong backcourt play of Durango. Anderson is a good run and jump athlete, so an up-tempo game may be right up his alley.</p> <p><strong>Kendrick Gilbert 6'5 PF Durango 2020 (#32PHN)</strong> - Just the ultimate grinder. This is the kind of game that Gilbert takes over. His combination of size and activity should have a major impact on both ends. I expect him to be productive rebounding and finishing. If Centennial does go, man, I'm interested in seeing his effectiveness in the post.</p> <p><strong>Tyson Guild 6'5 PF Durango 2021</strong> - Without a doubt, Durango has the most underrated frontcourt in the state. Gilbert and Guild really feed off of each other. Guild provides similar effort and energy, however, his shot-blocking ability brings yet another dimension to the Blazers D. This looks like a perfect spot for Guild to impact the game with his rebounding and athleticism.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Complete Battle Born Schedule</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;">9:30 am Foothill Girls B Team vs Las Vegas Girls B Team</p> <p style="text-align: center;">11:00 am Centennial Boys B Team vs Durango Boys B Team</p> <p style="text-align: center;">11:00 am Liberty Girls B Team vs Clark Girls B Team</p> <p style="text-align: center;">12:30 am Centennial JV Boys vs Durango JV Boys</p> <p style="text-align: center;">12:30 pm Foothills Girls JV Team vs Las Vegas Girls JV Team</p> <p style="text-align: center;">2:00 pm Liberty Girls JV vs Clark Girls JV</p> <p style="text-align: center;">2:00 pm Foothill Girls Varsity vs Las Vegas Girls Varsity</p> <p style="text-align: center;">3:30 pm Desert Oasis vs Chaparral</p> <p style="text-align: center;">5:00 Liberty Girls Varsity vs Clark Girls Varsity</p> <p style="text-align: center;">6:30 Centennial Boys Varsity vs Durango Boys Varsity</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/home">follow PrepHoopsNevada</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>