Mater Dei Extravaganza: 2022 Standouts (Pt. 2)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Normally dubbed the Nike Extravaganza, an event that has been around for decades had to scale back on multiple fronts in 2021. Because of the pandemic, the folks at Mater Dei had to take a more regional approach to teams who participated and limited the number of fans that could be in attendance. Even with those roadblocks, the Extravaganza was still a high level two-day event filled with talent. Here’s a look at the standouts from the class of 2022.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748770" first="Dane" last="Persek"]</strong>, JSerra - Persek just missed a double-double in JSerra’s loss to Crean Lutheran and the junior forward has been steadying force inside for the short-handed Lions. The 6-foot-7 four-man is showing improved feel and touch around the basket while still keeping his defensive intensity and physical rebounding at a high level.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748779" first="Cameron" last="Thrower"]</strong>, Harvard-Westlake - Thrower was solid as the Wolverines picked up the most meaningful and biggest win of this two-day event, defeating Etiwanda, 71-62. The 6-foot-3 guard knocked down open shots, didn’t force any offensive actions and took car of the basketball against a physical and suffocating Eagles’ defense.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Parker Tuttle</strong>, Crean Lutheran - Tuttle’s stat-line wasn’t filled with crazy scoring or assist numbers, but his 14 points were all-important in a six-point win for Crean Lutheran. Tuttle went 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to help the Saints seal the victory over JSerra. The 6-foot-4 point guard is an intriguing prospect for the Division III and NAIA levels.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Mac West</strong>, Capistrano Valley Christian - West is a fearless attacker of the basket who uses his broad shoulders and strong lower body to absorb and finish through contact. Whether it’s in transition or the half-court setting, the 6-foot-3 guard looks to get downhill and into the painted area. West is also a capable shooter off the catch out to the three-point line.</span></p>