Tarkanian Classic: AZ Standouts
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December 16-20 I attended the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Nevada. Most games were at Bishop Gorman HS/NV. There was a prep division Dec 16-18 and a high school division Dec 19-22. I watched as many games as I could in…
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Continue ReadingDecember 16-20 I attended the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Nevada. Most games were at Bishop Gorman HS/NV. There was a prep division Dec 16-18 and a high school division Dec 19-22. I watched as many games as I could in five days.
Here were some of the Arizona Standouts:
Ryan Larson Ryan Larson 6'4" | SF Sandra Day O’Connor | 2023 State AZ Sandra Day O’Connor
A fluid wing is starting to handle the ball a little more then last week and he can drive and kick it to a teammate. He can shoot the ball and rattle triples in. In overtime he made clutch FT’s and a big three. He fills out the stat sheet with points, rebounds and assists.
Blake Colvin Blake Colvin 6'1" | SG Sandra Day O'Connor | 2024 State AZ Sandra Day O’Connor
A scoring guard is one of the team’s top shooters. He hit a big three under a minute and then hit a huge shot to go up 74-72 in regulation. On top of that, in overtime, he hit another three and multiple FT’s. He was cool under duress and had no fear to take the money shots. He smartly moves to open spots on the court and fires away.
Michael Simcoe Michael Simcoe 6'8" | PF Sandra Day O'Connor | 2025 State #217 Nation AZ Sandra Day O’Connor
A versatile forward can rip thru, shoot it, rebound, block shots and make plays. His ability to drive by defenders and go to work and then step out and hit a three makes him attractive. He slides his feet quickly in space to defend guards but will man up in the post to block or rebound. He earned his first D1 offer from Northern Arizona.
Caspian Jones Caspian Jones 6'7" | SF St. Mary's | 2025 State AZ St. Mary’s
A skilled forward was feeling it all week long. He can hit the three point shot, the mid-range jumper and he is a very good straight line driver using his size and strength. He gives hard ball fakes and will get to the basket. He is mostly a catch shooter but creates for himself as well. College coaches are starting to notice him.
Styles Phipps Styles Phipps 6'1" | PG St Mary's | 2024 State #182 Nation AZ St. Mary’s
A shifty point guard who changes speeds with the best of them. He has speed with the ball and the ball is on a string. He can thread the needle with some flashy passes and some perfect bounce passes to cutters. His handle with his left is just as impressive as his right. He has high usage as always and goes in streaks with his shooting during games.
Seydou Tamboura Seydou Tamboura 6'7" | PF St. Mary's | 2023 State AZ St. Mary’s
An explosive leaper throws down dunks with power and force. He runs the court well and rebounds high above the crowd. He stepped out and hit a three, showing some growth in that area of his game. He can score with his back to the basket somewhat but loves to be fed in the dunkers spot.
Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'3" | CG Dream City Christian | 2023 State AZ Dream City Christian
A scoring combo guard has a nice handle and can spray it around but he is wired to score. He made four catch threes in the game I viewed but he showed great passing skills and competed on defense. He has a quick first step and will drive past his defender and get to the basket.
David Tubek David Tubek 6'8" | PF Dream City Christian | 2023 State #254 Nation AZ Dream City Christian
An extremely strong face up four-man can rattle them off when in rhythm. He will shoot the three and from mid-range. He plays above the rim on the break and he will defend inside and out. When he is rolling, Dream City is hard to defend against.
Alejandro Aviles Alejandro Aviles 6'8" | C Dream City Christian | 2025 State #141 Nation AZ Dream City Christian
A highly skilled post player has elite hands and a very high feel for the game for his position. He plays with his back to the basket and has advanced post footwork and uses counter moves. He also will pass it out of high post or off of double teams about as well as you can.