2023 Tarkanian Platinum Division All-Tournament Team: Guards
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The 2023 Tarkanian Classic wrapped up on Thursday afternoon at Bishop Gorman High School as the championship games in each bracket took place pitting top teams against each other. Some of the best games included St. Pius X St. Matthias…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 Tarkanian Classic wrapped up on Thursday afternoon at Bishop Gorman High School as the championship games in each bracket took place pitting top teams against each other. Some of the best games included St. Pius X St. Matthias (CA) vs Desert Mountain (AZ) (Platinum Championship), Weston Ranch (CA) vs Liberty Magnet (LA) (Ball Dawgs Championship), and Carlsbad (CA) vs Riverside Poly (CA) (Spalding Championship).
David was excellent throughout the week in wins over Coronado (NV), Alta (UT), St. Augustine (CA) and Desert Mountain (AZ) en route to Pius winning the Platinum bracket championship. Mack provided a steady presence at the point for the Warriors and was able to find a balance between creating shots for himself off the dribble and off the pick n’roll and setting up teammates. He uses a quick first step and a tight handle which he uses to get into the paint.
Javon was a very consistent all-around contributor this week (15 points per game) for Desert Mountain in their wins over Campbell Hall (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV), and The Branson School (CA) on a run that ended in the Platinum bracket semifinal game in a loss to St. Pius x St. Matthias (CA). Bardwell utilizes his length well to contribute on the glass at both ends, to get into passing lanes to create turnovers, and to shoot over smaller defenders on the perimeter and in the paint.
Kaden was the high scorer of the Platinum bracket this week as he averaged 30 points per game in Desert Mountain’s run to the semifinal game of the Tarkanian Classic. In each of Desert Mountain’s wins (Campbell Hall (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV), and The Branson School (CA)) House was relentless in attacking the basket, getting paint touches, and pushing the ball to increase the pace of the game. Very few defenders this week had even a slight chance to stay in front of or contain Kaden anywhere on the court as he showed why he should be considered as one of if not the best guard in the West.
Kalek averaged 17.3 points per game this week for Desert Mountain in their wins over Campbell Hall (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV), and The Branson School (CA) on a run to the semifinal game of the Platinum bracket. House brought a physical presence on the perimeter and interior as he defended multiple positions, attacked the glass at both ends, punished smaller defenders down low. He also exhibited a solid perimeter shooting stroke and provided floor spacing for the Wolves.
Jase was excellent throughout the Tarkanian Classic this week for The Branson School and particularly in their wins over St. Bernard (CA) and Calvary Christian (FL). Butler averaged 22.3 points per game and was incredibly efficient at all 3 levels. He also made several clutch plays throughout the week including 4 consecutive threes in the 4th quarter against Calvary Christian (FL) to the swing the momentum of the game. Butler is a tremendous competitor and composed leader who looks like he will certainly impact winning at the next level.
Semetri really showed off his scoring ability this week for The Branson School in their games against St. Bernard (CA), Calvary Christian (FL), Desert Mountain (AZ), and St. Augustine (CA). Carr was surgical in the mid-range area and showed impressive efficiency off the dribble, consistent scoring ability with either hand around the basket, and the athleticism to finish above the rim.
Jaden showed his effectiveness as a scorer this week for St. Augustine and averaged 19 points per game in their contests against Mater Lakes Academy (FL), Arbor View (NV), St. Pius X St. Matthias (CA), and The Branson School (CA). Bailes was a great catch and shoot option for the Saints and provided spacing for their offense as well as attacking over zealous close-outs to get to floaters and layups in the paint.
Lawrence (“Lolo”) was a consistent contributor on both ends for St. Augustine in their games against Mater Lakes Academy (FL), Arbor View (NV), St. Pius X St. Matthias (CA), and The Branson School (CA). Rudolph’s strong build, length, and athleticism enable him to be a versatile defender and scorer for the Saints who always seems to impact winning regardless of the numbers that show up in the box score.
Josiah averaged 19 points per game for Coronado this week in their games against St. Pius X St. Matthias (CA), Clovis West (CA), Mater Lakes Academy (FL), and St. Bernard. Cunningham really excelled as a scorer in the paint as he repeatedly hurt defenses with athletic and dynamic drives to the basket that saw him finish with either hand and above the rim.
Eric averaged 18.5 points per game across Corona Centennial’s games against Calvary Christian (FL), St. Bernard (CA), Sagemont Preparatory Academy (FL), and Bishop O’Connell (VA). Freeny was a consistent all-around contributor for the Huskies this week as he has been their primary creator during this early part of the season and has been distributing the ball very well along with the contributions he usually makes — moving effectively without the ball, shooting the 3, and defending tenaciously. The thing that always sticks out about Eric when you watch for him for multiple games in a row is how often he makes the right play and how he always knows where to be on offense.
Aliaun averaged 20 points per game in Campbell Hall’s matchups against Desert Mountain (AZ), Sagemont Preparatory Academy (FL), St. Bernard (CA), and Mater Lakes (FL). Iscandari provided a steady scoring presence for the Vikings and was able to consistently attack the basket with either hand confidently and efficiently. He thrives in transition due to his athleticism and quickness which enables him to finish over and around most defenders of similar size.
Nick averaged 19 points per game in Bishop Gorman’s games against Sagemont Preparatory Academy (FL), Desert Mountain (AZ), Calvary Christian (FL), and Alta (UT). Jefferson provided a dynamic presence for the Gaels this week as he was constantly making exciting plays all over the court whether it was jumping a passing lane to get a steal, drawing a charge, or attacking the basket aggressively.
Highlights
Jordyn acted as the main engine and distributor for Sagemont Preparatory Academy in their games against Bishop Gorman (NV), Campbell Hall (CA), Corona Centenial (CA), and Clovis West (CA). Kee has great vision, patience, and awareness and he uses it on the offensive end to orchestrate his teams offense effectively and has a great sense of when to throw hit ahead passes or increase the pace of the game.
Bryson averaged 24.5 points per game for Bishop O’Connell this week in their contests against Arbor View (NV), Mater Lakes Academy (FL), Clovis West (CA), and Corona Centennial (CA) as the Eagles were able to win the consolation championship of the Platinum bracket. Tucker is a remarkably consistent and steady player. He always seems to get to his spots on offense, competes hard on the defensive end including utilizing his length to get steals and rebounds, and maturely understands when to get others involved.
Highlights
DJ Stickman
DJ Stickman
DJ continued his strong start to the season for Clovis West in their games against Alta (UT), Coronado (NV), O’Connell (VA), and Sagemont Preparatory Academy (FL). Stickman flies around the court for the Eagles and consistently makes an impact on both ends with his heightened awareness and his athleticism, quickness, and length which enable him to be versatile on offense and defense.