Tarkanian Classic: 2023 National Evaluations (Pt. 2)
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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
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.
Osiris Grady, Coronado (NV) – We’ve always liked Grady’s old-school, throwback type of game and the junior forward has only improved on those early post tools. The 6-foot-8 junior has advanced footwork on the low block which allows him to demand post touches and score in a variety of ways on the block. Grady hits defenders with shot fake step-through finishes, up and under moves and quick spins to the baseline to get good high percentage looks at the rim.
RJ Jones, John Paul II (TX) – Jones was one of the top scorers of the event regardless of division. The 6-foot-4 combo guard is a smooth shot creator at the three-point and mid-range levels and consistently knocks down both open and contested jumpers off the bounce. Jones has great feel with the ball in his hands in pick-and-roll action and flashed some playmaking skills with the pass throughout the tournament. Jones’ go-to move, a two-footed jump stop into a fading mid-range jumper, was nearly impossible to guard.
Sterling Knox, Durango (NV) – Knox isn’t the most flashy guy on the Durango High roster, but his impact on multiple areas of the stat sheet is important for the Trailblazers. The 6-foot-6 forward can stretch the floor to the three-point line out of pick and pop or drive and replace situations, but can also take advantage of a straight-line drive to the rim where he can finish through contact or above the rim. Knox provides toughness on both ends for Durango, as well, with his willingness to play physical defense and crash the offensive and defensive boards.
Thomas Holmes, Jr., Pebblebrook (GA) – Holmes is a two-sport athlete and his football background definitely comes through on the hardwood in the form of playing hard and welcoming physical play. The 6-foot point guard has great speed and body control in transition and in the half-court setting uses his quick twitch athleticism to blow by defenders and get into the lane to put pressure on the rim. Holmes did a nice job of pushing the pace offensively while staying under control and applying great on-ball defensive pressure.
Tylen Riley, Durango (NV) -Riley is a crafty playmaker and scorer who made plenty of high IQ plays throughout the event. The 6-foot-2 point guard is at his best when slicing his way into the paint where he looks to set up teammates for an open shot or hit a stop-and-pop jumper. Riley can knock down the open catch-and-shoot three-point shot, as well, and displayed a lot of patience, control and good decision-making when operating as the primary ball handler.