Spencer’s Takes: BIBSI Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I (Spencer) was able to attend the 18th annual <strong>BIBSI tournament </strong>at Mesquite HS this past weekend. I tried to watch all of the teams play throughout the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here are some of the players that caught my attention:&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1482165' first='Rider' last='Portela'] Sunnyslope</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was the tournament's<strong> MVP</strong> in my opinion. Rider consistently got downhill and finished at the rim with authority, using his long wingspan to throw down impressive dunks. He also shot the ball exceptionally well all weekend, knocking down multiple threes with confidence. With the way he's playing, expect him to have a huge summer and see a significant boost in his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1741167' first='Kade' last='Snyder'] Sunnyslope</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kade had some big performances this weekend. He had phenomenal footwork, which he used to his advantage, scoring easily inside. He also works hard on the glass and gets a ton of rebounds on both ends of the court. With a relentless motor and a polished inside game, it's no surprise he's recently picked up a few new offers, and more are likely on the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1555179' first='Darius' last='Wabbington'] Sunnyslope</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was part of this Slope trio that was so dominant over the weekend. Darius can score on all three levels with his big frame. His offensive game demands multiple defenders, and when they collapse on him, he consistently makes the right read, picking up numerous assists throughout the tournament. However, the big man continues to improve his skill set and gets better every time I see him. And picked up an offer from <strong>Arizona</strong> right after this tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1900362' first='Colby' last='Jessup'] Valley Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This guard has an elite level shooting ability. Colby was able to use this all weekend for Valley Christian to help them win. He seems to have gotten stronger this off season, and has more of a rhythm to his game. He has elite level range, and can make threes from anywhere on the court. He is poised to have another great season for Valley Christian.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2318334' first='Karson' last='Reid'] Williams Field</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Karson is another player who is going to have a breakout year. With Williams Field having six players transfer Karson is going to take the lead role. He can shoot the ball well, but can also drive to the hoop aggressively and finish. Karson is going to take a huge jump this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2625032' first='Donovan' last='Richard'] Mesquite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This athletic wing player has a super high motor. Donovan was able to get loads of rebounds in crowded areas of the paint. Once he got the rebounds he went right back up and most of the time got fouled. Donovan knows how to position himself inside and finishes strongly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2332290' first='Amir' last='Kendrick'] Cesar Chavez</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amir is a physical combo guard, who defends his opponents and gets rewarded with steals. Amir has a quick jumper and can get it past outreached hands. He is an energetic player and plays hard. His skill set fits well with the uptempo Cesar Chavez program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2337138' first='Jadd' last='Agha'] PCDS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jadd is one of the best shooters in his class. At 6'8 he is capable of shooting over most defenders. His team only had 5 players most games, regardless, he was still shooting the ball extremely well. Showing he knows how to fit in well with others. He had one game where he finished with 34 points. He also has improved on crashing the glass and rebounding at a higher level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1323296' first='Matt' last='Delgado'] Boulder Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a standout for Boulder Creek all weekend long. He has great touch around the basket, and can shoot from outside well. His nice jumper was on display. He rebounds well and is a very fundamental player. He can attack off of the dribble and finds his teammates well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2295695' first='Matt' last='Crowder'] Casteel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matthew had a strong showing at the BIBSI event. The 6'3 guard is able to get downhill and finish around the rim nicely. He is a strong guard and uses it to his advantage. He also can catch and shoot nicely within the flow of the offense. Matthew should be a key contributor for Casteel this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571924' first='Sir' last='Myles'] Casteel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sir was another standout for Casteel. The guard is a little undersized but makes up for it with his quickness and high basketball IQ. He pressured the ball well, had many steals throughout the games which led to easy buckets. He attacks his defender 1on1 aggressively and can score from there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2457665' first='Viktor' last='Babic'] Perry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'7 wing is someone to keep your eye on. Viktor shot the ball extremely well this past weekend, hitting numerous three pointers. It's very 'Perry' to have another young talented player in their system who is going to make big moves!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2291974' first='Nick' last='Reber'] Highland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nick plays a crucial role for Highland and helps lead them to a lot of success. Nick has a strong, big frame, for being a PG. Along with distributing the ball to his teammates he is able to get his own shot off, which is good, because it's has a pretty one. Nick made many 3's and played off two feet nicely in the mid-range area. It's impressive to see how he attacks downhill in either direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249943' first='Lleyton' last='Leonard'] Basha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lleyton has been a standout wing player early in his HS career. He continues to work hard, not resting on his early successes, and it showed at the BIBSI event. He continued to run in transition and dunk the ball with authority; literally trying to punish the rim! He was also stepping out and hitting outside jumpers with an improved jump shot. He is going to have a big end of June and July playing with Arizona Unity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->