Summer Tip-Off: Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday July 1st I attended the <em>West Coast Elite/Hoopers On1y</em> <strong>Summer Tip-Off</strong> at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mainly focused my attention on 17U Gold Division and 15U Boys. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were some of the Newcomers that stood out:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052364' first='Nitai' last='Buchler'] The Gregory School (Apex Athletix 15) (Pictured) &nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented power forward who rebounds well in his area and has good post footwork to utilize. He can step out and hit the three, put the ball on the ground a little and use his long arms to grab out of area rebounds. He has great body control in the paint and can rip thru and score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052365' first='Braden' last='Shellenbarger'] Mica Mountain (Apex Athletix 15)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long combo guard can score and make some plays.&nbsp;He can hit the catch three, use the floater or runners and has a decent burst to get to the basket. He can drive and kick and play an unselfish brand of basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052366' first='Teddy' last='Fruean'] Buena (Apex Athletix 15)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lefty is a specialist from the stripe. He can hit the three point shot with a very quick release. He sets his feet and lets it go. He is fast in transition and is a sneaky good passer.&nbsp;Another who plays within the flow of the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052367' first='Curtis' last='Traylor'] Desert Sunrise (AZ Grassroots 15)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A power forward who rebounds well, runs the court and will block shots. He is a good looking player who is just scratching the surface for the new school&nbsp;and look for him to make a big leap in a year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052370' first='Jackson' last='Harrison'] Scottsdale Christian Academy (AZ Select 15 UAA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A highly skilled shooting guard who can step into the three off the dribble or the catch. He is best as a stationary shooter with a very clean fundamental shot. He squares quickly and gets it off of his hands. A surprisingly good incoming freshman for the Eagles to compliment the 2026 standout Webber. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052368' first='Makhi' last='Anthony'] Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select 15 UAA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A scoring lead guard can hit the catch three, he has good speed in the open court and can turn the corner on his defender and get downhill. He can get to the rim with either hand using his tight handle and speed. He finds teammates in stride and plays with next level pace.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052392' first='Mihail' last='Kostadinovski'] Corona del Sol (La Vieve Vamps)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough rising senior handles it well, rebounds in and out of his area and shows toughness. He uses his thicker frame to get to the rim and score thru contact but he can also shoot it. He comes with some&nbsp;deeper three point range and plays with some moxie. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052369' first='Cobey' last='Bucco'] Mountain Pointe (Zona Nation 15)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A thicker wing forward who can hit the catch three with deep range. He handles it decently and changes speeds well. He has a stronger frame and cuts when he should. He rebounds in his area and will throw a touch pass down the court to a running teammate. He definitely plays the game from the neck up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->