Tarkanian Classic: 2023 National Evaluations (Pt. 1)
LAS VEGAS — In our previous coverage of the Tarkanian Classic, we dove into the top players from California who performed well in Vegas, but in this piece we wanted to branch out a bit and take a closer look…
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Continue ReadingLAS VEGAS — In our previous coverage of the Tarkanian Classic, we dove into the top players from California who performed well in Vegas, but in this piece we wanted to branch out a bit and take a closer look at players outside the state who put together strong efforts at the event. Here are the standout juniors in this category.
Angelo Kambala, Liberty (NV) – Kambala makes up half of the impressive backcourt that helped Liberty reach the Platinum Division championship. The 6-foot combo guard can shoot the lights out from three-point range and heats up in a hurry to provide a high-level scoring punch from the perimeter. Kambala plays with a lot of energy and passion for the game, can make jumpers off the catch or off the bounce and doesn’t need much time or space to get his shot off.
Gabe Warren, John Paul II (TX) – Warren is a strong and physical 6-foot-6 wing who showed versatile two-way ability throughout the event. The junior had multiple games where he scored 20-plus points, including a 34-point effort in a Nike Gold Division championship loss to Crean Lutheran, and did so in a variety of ways from catch-and-shoot three’s to off-the-dribble drives and finishes to transition slashing finishes. Warren is a versatile defender who can guard multiple spots at the high school level and rebounds well for his size and position.
Greg Jackson , Ridge View (SC) – Though the Ridge View team didn’t have its best showing from an overall standpoint, Jackson made sure to put his imprint as one of the best prospects in the event regardless of class or division. The 6-foot-9 wing/forward has all the makings of the blue-chip recruit that he is. Jackson has impressive mobility, athleticism and skill at his size, all of which allow him to operate inside or on the perimeter offensively. Jackson handles a good amount of the ball handling duties for his team and flashed the ability to create shots for himself off the dribble, but also recognized double teams thrown at him and made good reads on passes when the extra defender came over.
Keenan Bey, Bishop Gorman (NV) – Bey is more of a role-type player for Bishop Gorman this season, but that doesn’t lessen his impact on the game coming off the bench. The 6-foot-7 wing is an intriguing long-term prospect whose rangy 6-foot-7 frame and bouncy athleticism make us think he has the perfect canvas for a college program to build on. Bey is an instinctual defender and rebounder, gets out and runs the floor and slashes for finishes or offensive rebounds in transition and just seems to have a nose for the ball to make winning plays.