Nike Tournament of Champions: Hidden Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Saguaro Bracket, Jackrabbit Bracket, </em></strong><em><strong>Grand Canyon</strong> <strong>Bracket, Pioneer Bracket</strong>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From January 2nd to 4th, I had the privilege of attending the Nike Tournament of Champions featuring Hoophall West in Phoenix. I attended all three days and discovered lots of different talent from Arizona. I watched a total of 18 teams from various states, with the majority being Arizona teams. This tournament, as always, showcased some of the biggest stars in the country. The event featured over 100 high school teams across various levels. I saw a lot of talent and some hidden gems from Arizona that really stood out. The players highlighted below definitely made a name for themselves at this Nike tourney and will be key contributors to their program's success this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1366582"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6780285c070c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> A good catch-and-shoot player with a quick release on his jump shot. He can step out and defend on the perimeter and in the post. Sets hard screens and runs the court well. A good decision-maker on offense, doesn't force anything. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2717233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678056a580846"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Darby gets downhill with ease and can score at all three levels on the court. He showcased a strong handle on the ball, using a nice hesitation move that allows him to get downhill effectively. He does not get bumped off the dribble easily and can handle contact while maintaining control. His performance was a key factor in Red Mountain's victory over Deer Valley in this tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1150903"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6780285c071a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has a good touch inside and operates well in the half-court setting. He's a really good passer in the half-court, playing within the offense and making the right plays. He's also a good passer out of the post. In this tournament, he showed some ability to step out and hit the 3. Additionally, he can defend on the perimeter and is a good rebounder.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2313543"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678159e77e504"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has great pace to his game, with a solid handle and strong finishing ability inside. He consistently makes the right play and fits well within the offense. His ability to step out and hit the three-pointer makes him even more of a threat on offense. Defensively, he guards well on the perimeter and can apply pressure across the full 94 feet of the court.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1482164"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6780285c07145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Does all the dirty work inside, can hit mid-range shots in the high post area, and stretch the floor from three. He's a strong rebounder and finisher inside, with the ability to alter many shots due to his length. A solid shot blocker. Runs the court effectively. A star in his role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2147243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6781697b7c10a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Puts pressure on the defense all game by attacking gaps and getting paint touches. He can get downhill and finish with high layups or above-the-rim finishes. Jaden is an athletic wing who can guard positions 1-3 and even some 4's. He has a really good motor and plays with energy all game.<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337274"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6781697b7c0a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An effective post defender and rim protector, utilizing his size and length to disrupt and block many shots inside. He demonstrated all tourney his soft touch around the basket and his ability to move up and down the court in transition, while also rebounding the ball well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->