Bruce’s Notebook: Impressions From Pangos Festival 4

<p>The 2nd Annual Festival 4 took place Saturday, August 28th through Sunday, August 29th. The event, hosted by recruiting legend Dinos Trigonis, featured 4 teams comprising of some of the best H.S talent from every region of the country. Last year the South took home the crown, with MVP honors going to current Auburn Freshmen, Jabari Smith. This year, the star-studded event took place at Amplus Academy in Las Vegas and featured several players with local ties. This year’s event saw the West take home the crown led by a magnificent 53-21 point performance by Festival MVP [player_tooltip player_id="1046067" first="Jaxon" last="Kohler"]. On the heels of that performance, here are our impressions from the event. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889560" first="Jordan" last="Walsh"] is one of the best defenders in the country</strong> - I noticed this when I saw him at All-American camp a few months ago. Wall is a complete defender.</p> <ol> <li>He Defends on the Ball </li> <li>He plays passing lanes </li> <li>He defends multiple positions </li> <li>He plays with effort and energy</li> <li>He turns defense into easy points</li> </ol> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046067" first="Jaxon" last="Kohler"] is the best back-to-the-basket player in the world! </strong></p> <p>Hyperbole for sure, but the c/o 2022 post was already known for his array of post moves. He took it to another level this weekend, dude’s got every counter in the book, and he put them all on display in a magnificent 53 point performance. </p> <p><strong>I’ve got to get out to R.I more.</strong> - Taylor Bol Bowen is one of the most efficient players I’ve seen. He’s one of my top not great at any, good at every type player. Difference with him is, he wraps it around a long, agile, mobile 6’9 frame. </p> <p><strong>SCA is absolutely loaded. </strong></p> <p>In addition to Walsh, and Kohler Southern Cal Academy had 4 other players represented<strong>.</strong> ([player_tooltip player_id="1173183" first="Jaylen" last="Thompson"], [player_tooltip player_id="947395" first="Oziyah" last="Sellers"], Drew Fielder, Jalen Reed, [player_tooltip player_id="950889" first="Varick" last="Lewis"]). They are poised to be one of the top teams on the Grind session this season. </p> <p><strong>Don’t be surprised to see Luke Bamgboye as a future MVP of this game.</strong></p> <p>The baby-faced sophomore showed promise with his fluidity, athleticism, and finishing ability. </p> <p><strong>Fabio Basili <em>(featured image)</em> is one of the most entertaining players to watch.</strong></p> <p>It’s a combination of his wiggle, flair, and shot-making ability. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] <em>(featured image)</em> are the top duos in the state.</strong></p> <p>The pair team up for Libert H.S (NV) one of the top programs in the state of Nevada. Jefferson’s skill set combined with Price’s athleticism will be a problem for opponents this season. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>