The Hardwood Invite: All-Tournament Teams (Pt II)

<p>Here we’re wrapping up the All-Tournament teams with 3rd Team All-Tournament guys. It was tough leaving guys off the list but these five were just a step above the rest and led their teams through some big moments to prove they deserved this designation.</p> <p><strong>All-Tournament 3rd Team</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="674435" first="DaeKwon" last="Watson"] (2022) 6-0 Guard Auburn</p> <p>Watson was a rock for Auburn throughout the tournament, stretching out defenses and providing consistent play every day. He was quietly one of the top on-ball defenders through the entire tourney.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="964543" first="Junior" last="Sleezer"] (2022) 6-3 Guard South Medford (OR)</p> <p>Sleezer was a killer from long range, going a perfect 8-8 in the tournament. He’s an excellent shooter with sharp eyes on the rim, who uses good bursts to create tiny openings for his shot. He led the Panthers in scoring and was their most efficient shooter in the starting five.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="931155" first="Kaden" last="Hansen"] (2022) 6-0 Guard Auburn</p> <p>The tiny lefty was one of the craftiest finishers among the tournament. He’s a deadeye from any range but continuously surprised defenses with his finishing over and around taller defenders.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="674437" first="Takeo" last="Sylvester"] (2022) 6-2 Guard O’Dea</p> <p>Sylvester is part of a three-headed attack for O’Dea. They’re a balanced group but Sylvester’s aggressiveness is irreplaceable for the Irish. He adds a different pace to O’Dea’s play and was instrumental in helping his squad lock down third place in the tournament.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="674423" first="Jayden" last="Stevens"] (2022) 6-7 Forward Gonzaga Prep</p> <p>The long forward is always working. Stevens is a tough offensive rebounder, staunch defender, and wants to be a part of every break, offensive or defensive. He was the clear-cut leader for the Bullpups and brought an attitude to the tournament that set him apart.</p> <p>These next fellas didn’t quite shine like a lot of the top players in the invite, but these young guns showed some grit and skills that put them on my radar. These underclassmen are guys I haven’t mentioned yet that deserve your attention now. They could be poised for big leaps next season.</p> <p><strong>All-Watch Team</strong></p> <p><strong>Legend Smiley</strong> (2025) 6-4 Guard Garfield</p> <p>The Bulldogs took home the championship and even among all the talent on their team, Smiley was able to show flashes of his potential. He’s only a freshman but he displayed a nice stroke and a quickness with the ball that is promising for someone his age and height. </p> <p><strong>Ishe Kanhukamwe</strong> (2024) 5-9 Guard Eastside Catholic</p> <p>Kanhukamwe got some decent minutes at the tournament and showed he can be a pest on-ball while also lighting up the mid-range and taking it strong to the cup. He’s one of the quicker underclassmen and should get a big boost in court time next season.</p> <p><strong>Adam Rawlings</strong> (2024) 5-9 Guard Eastside Catholic</p> <p>Rawlings could pair up with Kanhukamwe to be a gritty backcourt next season. Both guards are tenacious defenders, and Rawlings got significant playing time during the invite. He handles the ball with confidence and doesn’t turn it over. Watch out for this pair next season.</p> <p><strong>Jacob Cofie</strong> (2024) 6-9 Forward Eastside Catholic</p> <p>I’m not one to jump on a bandwagon but the Crusaders have a few underclassmen that caught my eye. Cofie is already on a lot of people’s radars. He has a ton of skill, but so much more to tap into. He depended on his size and strength a lot during the tournament, but he has a good-looking jumper too. If Cofie works on his handle and gets that jumper to fall consistently, he can make a huge leap into his junior year.</p> <p><strong>Miles Goodman</strong> (2024) 6-9 Forward O’Dea</p> <p>Goodman is a raw player, but he has something you can’t teach - size. His wingspan is huge, and he blocked multiple shots in the tournament barely leaving his feet. I would expect to see Goodman hit the weights and the court hard this summer as he has a chance to be a focal point for the Irish next season.</p>