Panthers Hoops Classic 2022

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Panthers Hoops Classic</strong> holiday event took place at Paradise Honors High School in Surprise on December 19-22nd. This event was comprised of various 3A, 4A and 5A teams from the west valley. The championship game came down to the host Paradise Honors and Phoenix Christian. The young Panthers had a lead at the end of the 1st quarter but the experience of the Cougars of Phoenix Christian began to take over. A big 2nd quarter for PC gave them a halftime lead that they never relinquished again throughout the rest of the game. Phoenix Christian finished the event 4-0 and the title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Here we take a look at some of the standout players from the event.</em></strong><br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1305181' first='Tommy' last='Randolph'] <strong>Phoenix Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The combo guard was named the <strong>Most Outstanding Player</strong> of the event. Randolph showed his all around skills in leading Phoenix Christian to a 4-0 record for the week. He was able to facilitate and get his teammates easy shots as well as getting his own shot. His penetrating ability was a thing of beauty as he got past defenders pretty much at will. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colin Cajthaml 6'2 PF 2023</strong> <strong>Phoenix Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The post player showed a variety of moves on the offensive end. His footwork is a thing of beauty and when his perimeter shot is on, like it was in this event, then he's a tough cover. His size allows him to create separation or to overpower the defender. He's a sneaky good passer who will catch the defense sleeping if you allow him to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591734' first='TJ' last='Harris'] <strong>Paradise Honors </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better freshmen in the state and he showed why by leading his team to a 3-1 record and a championship game appearance. He's poised beyond his years as shown by being one of the Panthers captains. Harris plays with a very nice pace and looks to make the right reads as opposed to constantly looking for his own shot. His length on the defensive side of the ball enables him to collect steals at a high rate. He's one that you'll want to track their progress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaac Molina PG 5'8 2025 Copper Canyon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The lefty guard showed a good looking outside shot. With him being the lead guard, as he goes so does the Copper Canyon offense. As he develops more consistency he will be more of a dangerous player. <br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2280482' first='Rico' last='Blassingame'] SG 6'2 2026 Tolleson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A nicely built guard is just a freshman but uses his body like an upperclassman. He doesn't force the action and lets his offense come to him. He showed a nice touch from mid range. He's also a very good rebounder for his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Wilson SG 5'10 2024 Glendale Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is a strong guard who scored it from all three levels. He also showed effort on the defensive end. Wilson was also his teams best rebounder during the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlos Soto PG 5'11 2023 Metro Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The leader for Metro Tech is a very savvy player who has a high IQ. He was their leading scorer for the event. He showed a good touch from all three levels and plays with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1542117' first='Jackson' last='Williams'] <strong>Tempe Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior guard did a little of everything for his team. He's obviously the leader for them due to him being very vocal on the floor. He shot the ball really and his length allowed him to be disruptive on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Colonna CG 5'9 2026 Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colonna is only a freshman but led the way for the Patriots. He was their leading scorer and showed toughness on the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danny Robles SG 6'2 2023 Goldwater</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior shot it from outside with confidence and showed some bounce when getting to the rim. He's a good passer who was looking to make the correct pass each play. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->