Top Dawgs: Bash in the Desert’s Best Pt 1

There was no shortage of talent at this year's Bash in the Desert, with standouts emerging across all levels of competition. But now it's time to highlight the ones who truly separated themselves — the best of the best, the elite of the elite.    One of the better probe handlers at the entire event. Played with great poise and rarely picked up his dribble unless it was to make a pass or score it. Showed impressive control and feel—he was never sped up and dictated the pace on his terms. A pass-first guard with excellent change of speed, he conducted the offense with maturity and made smart, timely decisions. Defensively, he brought toughness and effort, making plays as a scrappy on-ball defender. Offensively, he showed a smooth mid-range game with real elevation on his pull-ups—can rise up off the bounce or hit shots on the move.     A well-rounded scoring threat who spaces the floor at a high level. He shot it efficiently off the catch with a quick release, consistently knocking down spot-up threes—especially from the corners. In transition, he attacked the rim with purpose and finished well in stride. Also showed comfort scoring with movement, using mid-range pull-ups to keep defenders off balance.     Arguably the top forward in the event. He was a reliable finisher around the basket with soft touch and strong body control. Ran the floor hard in transition and consistently put himself in scoring position—serving as a major lob threat on the break. Showed the ability to stretch the floor, making defenses respect him beyond the paint. Defensively, he protected the rim well with timely shot-blocking and wasn't afraid to finish above the rim through contact. A physical, mobile presence who impacted the game on both ends.     One of the most complete guards in the event. A true two-way player with good size and a polished skill set. He controlled the tempo with ease and was rarely rattled—played with a calm, steady presence and was nearly impossible to speed up. Consistently made high-IQ decisions as a passer, finding cutters, hitting shooters in rhythm, and keeping the offense flowing. Scored it at all three levels—knocked down open threes, pulled up confidently in the mid-range, and finished through contact at the rim. Also stood out as arguably the best rebounding guard in the gym, using his frame and instincts to impact the glass.     A true two-way combo guard who lit it up throughout the event. He was an elite floor spacer, knocking down shots from deep and consistently stretching the defense. Played with confidence and rhythm, making teams pay when given any space. On the other end, he competed defensively—showing good instincts, lateral quickness, and the ability to guard multiple back court positions.     A skilled guard with a tight handle and strong feel for the game. He shot it well from three with a quick release and showed the ability to score off both the catch and the dribble. Moved well without the ball, constantly relocating to open space and staying ready to shoot. In transition, he excelled as a passer—pushing the pace and delivering accurate passes on the move.     One of the most athletic guards at the event and a blur in the open floor. A true transition threat with speed, explosiveness, and body control. He was crafty with the ball in his hands and consistently put pressure on the defense by pushing the tempo. Scored with acrobatic finishes at the rim and showed the ability to absorb contact and still convert.

There was no shortage of talent at this year's Bash in the Desert, with standouts emerging across all levels of competition. But now it's time to highlight the ones who truly separated themselves — the best of the best, the elite of the elite.