Nike Tournament of Champions: Day 1 Best AZ Performers

(Saguaro Bracket)   From January 2nd-4th, I had the privilege of attending the Nike Tournament of Champions featuring Hoophall West here in Phoenix, Arizona. This tournament brought out some of the biggest stars in the country, as it always does. The event featured over 100 high school teams across various levels. Not only did it showcase the best talent in the country, but it also highlighted many under-the-radar players. I started off at Skyline High School, which featured the Saguaro bracket with 8 total teams from Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Check out some of the Day 1 Arizona talent that caught my eye.    A superb athlete that rebounds the ball well, Great motor and ability to play high post and hit mid-range. Leonard excels at attacking the paint in transition. A work horse. Does not get tired, a solid post defender. A physical player that runs the floor well in transition. He finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds vs a good Corona centennial team from California.       Magee is a very patient ball handler that you can't speed up and a shot maker who can score from all three levels of the court. He's a hard guard for anyone and super creative off his pivot foot. He's a really good play maker who always makes the extra pass and manages the clock well. For his size, he can really fly and is a threat in transition on defense, he can hawk you down for a chase-down block. This kid is a real gamer—super gritty! He attacks the paint hard and can finish above the rim.       He can create his own shot whenever needed and plays well off contact, never shying away from it. He's a good decision-maker in transition. He can pull up on a dime from mid-range or dish it out to the open man or trailer. A skilled ball handler, he can get downhill and finish with either hand. A true gamer!     A sniper from 3! He's a big time shot maker from 3 that can elevate above the rim as well in transition. Put up 5 3 pointers on a very good La Mirada team. A really good athlete that can guard on perimeter.     He attacks the rim fearlessly, always ready to get downhill. He has a solid handle and good vision; he sees the court well. His frame helps him absorb contact when driving, and he's got good range and a nice floater in his bag. What really stands out is his defense; he's only a sophomore, but he's right in your chest, making it tough to get anything going.     A highly versatile athlete standing at 6'6” who can fulfill any role your team needs. He's an excellent rebound chaser and high jumper, capable of scoring from mid-range and beyond the arc. In transition, he's a superb passer and plays through physicality really well. He defends effectively and moves well on the perimeter.     The number one shooting guard/combo guard in the class of 2028 put on a shooting performance hitting 4 3's the first game. A 3-level scorer that can get any shot he wants at any time. Has a really good fade and great handle on the ball. One of the most talented players in the state regardless of class.     A really versatile player at 6'10, he can do it all. He showed his ability to stretch the floor against a really good Redondo Union team. He operates very well in the high post area with his mid-range shot. He attacks the rim with ease and can rise up and finish over the defenders. He defends well on the perimeter and in the post; with his length, he alters and blocks a lot of shots.

(Saguaro Bracket)