Classic at Damien Platinum Div.: Do-It-All Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LA VERNE — The 8th annual Classic at Damien tournament tipped off Thursday with 128 teams competing over four days and eight divisions. The event is regarded as one of the top post-Christmas tournaments in the country and drew teams from across the country. In this piece we take a look at the prospects who did a little bit of everything to help their team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1590876' first='Antoine' last='Almuttar'] | 2026 | Parish Episcopal (TX)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There really is nothing that Almuttar doesn't do for the Panthers. He's one of their best and most versatile defenders, uses his physicality and strength to score inside on cuts, post-ups and drives in transition or half-court and can step out and knock down open three-point shots. The 6-foot-3 forward is a high energy guy who brings toughness and verbal leadership to both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2436266' first='Chris' last='Sanders'] | 2027 | Redondo Union</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best player comparison I can draw for Sanders is former Chino Hills and Loyola Marymount standout Eli Scott. Sanders, a 6-foot-4 forward isn't the first, second or even third offensive option at times but his ability to impact the game without the ball in his hands is what stands out most about his game. The sophomore rebounds in and out of his area on both ends of the floor, can push the break and make decisions and is a high level finisher with either hand around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">CJ Richardson | 2026 | Corona Centennial</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Centennial's youth movement has its wins much lower than the program is used to, but there have been some bright spots that have emerged and Richardson is one of them. The 5-foot-10 junior is considered one of the Huskies' veterans and his poise and decision-making at the point guard spot has enabled Centennial to remain organized, efficient and competitive against other top programs. Richardson scored a team-high 17 points, including five three-pointers in a loss to Heritage Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">McKae Amundsen | 2026 | Clovis North</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amundsen has a knack for making the right play at the right time. Offensively he can knock down open shots, earn paint touches and find open shooters or push the tempo and get to the rim himself. He's also a scrappy defender with quick hands, good instincts and a toughness and competitive streak that allow him to make up for a lack of size in certain matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2323689' first='MJ' last='Smith'] | 2025 | La Mirada</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is flanked by two high level scorers, so while he's shown the ability to put points on the board himself, he's best as a utility guy who impacts multiple areas of the stat sheet. The senior is a 6-foot-5 playmaking wing whose feel for the game are point guard-like and his ability to guard multiple positions shines a light on his versatility. Smith is a rebound, assists, steal and blocked shot contributor each game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1630660' first='Myles' last='Walker'] | 2025 | Eastvale Roosevelt</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we've noted multiple times over the course of his high school career, Walker remains one of the most under-appreciated guards in the state. The 5-foot-9 lefty is one of the toughest and highest IQ players you'll find and his leadership is on that same level. Walker is an elite on-ball defender, possesses true playmaking feel at the PG spot and flip the switch and fill the scoring column when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->