Tarkanian Platinum Division All-Tournament Team: Wings/Bigs
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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).
Tyrone was excellent throughout the week and averaged 22 points per game in matchups against Coronado (NV), Alta (UT), St. Augustine (CA) and Desert Mountain (AZ) en route to Pius winning the Platinum bracket championship. Riley consistently played within himself, took good shots, and delivered efficient scoring performances along with being a large factor in the Warriors controlling the glass each time out. He also led by example by consistently working hard on the defensive end. Riley was named MVP of the Platinum bracket after scoring 31 points in the championship game against Desert Mountain (AZ).
Douglas averaged 15 points per game and close to 10 rebounds per game in matchups against Coronado (NV), Alta (UT), St. Augustine (CA) and Desert Mountain (AZ) on St. Pius X Matthias’s run to winning the Platinum bracket championship. Douglas anchored the Warriors throughout the week providing a consistent physical presence as he was able to use his body, length, and intuition to defend/rebound effectively and without fouling. He provided his team with a countless number of second and third chances on the offensive end and was often able to finish them himself but also has the vision and ability to setup teammates for easy shots.
Shon competed hard on both ends for Calvary Christian and averaged 18.8 points per game in their games against Corona Centennial (CA), The Branson School (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV), and Arbor View (NV). Abaev showed great grit and tenacity this week as he struggled offensively at times but his effort level never wavered at either end. He is also an extremely willing passer who makes on target passes when finding teammates who are open or cutting to the basket. He can score the ball at all 3 levels and shoots the ball confidently off the dribble, coming off screens, and from the post.
Pharaoh averaged 16 points per game as well as a couple of blocks and close to 10 rebounds in games against Bishop O’Connell (VA), St. Augustine (CA), Alta (UT), and Calvary Christian (FL). Compton showcased all of what he brings to both ends this week as he was a major factor on the glass, creating a bounty of second chance opportunities and putting constant pressure on defenses. His motor and effort level defines his ability to succeed as Compton’s length and strength allow him to be effective whenever he his heavily involved and engaged in the game.
Jaxon was dominant this week and ended up averaging 19.8 points per game in matchups against Clovis West (CA), St. Pius X Matthias (CA), Arbor View (NV), and Bishop Gorman (NV). Johnson controls both ends of the court as both the focal point of the Hawks’ offense and the anchor of their defense — he has tremendous awareness, basketball IQ, and the skill to take advantage of his mature understanding of the game. Jaxon impacts the offensive end by being a threat from beyond the arc, by being able to pass over and out of double teams, and by having soft touch in and around the basket. Defensively, he utilizes his length to deter opponents at the rim and make jump shots more difficult.
Kendyl averaged 16 points per game for St. Bernard this week in their games against The Branson School (CA), Corona Centennial (CA), Campbell Hall (CA), and Coronado (NV). Sanders scored the ball efficiently all week in and around the painted area — he also continued to succeed scoring the ball with either hand as he is able to keep defenders off balance by being a right handed player that performs well with his left.