Spencer’s Takes: NIKE TOC Day 1 Standouts

I ([player_tooltip player_id='2716510' first='Spencer' last='Goldberg']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/spencer-goldberg/"></a> ) had the chance to head out to Mesa Mountain View to check out the Nike Tournament of Champions. The tournament lasted three days and here were my 15   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Day 1 Standouts</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1956218' first='Marcus' last='Isaac'] Mountain Pointe   The lengthy and mobile big man is rapidly improving, as evidenced in Mountain Pointe's game against Pinnacle, where he displayed elite flashes of potential. Isaac was active on the boards, securing rebounds and occasionally pushing the ball himself in transition. Offensively, he finished well around the basket and showed a good feel for the game, sensing the double team and passing out of it nicely. I'm excited to see his development over the next couple of years; it also seems like he might still be growing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2194481' first='Justin' last='Kimbrough'] Mountain Pointe   A super quick and shifty guard made his presence felt in Mountain Pointe's round 1 game. He finished this contest with 24 points and four made threes. Besides making all of those threes, he had a span of 3-4 possessions where he was able to break down his defender and score. Justin is super crafty around the rim and has several go-to finishes. Justin is the engine that will drive Mountain Pointe deep into the playoffs.    [player_tooltip player_id='2470696' first='Tyonne' last='Brown'] Pinnacle   The wing showcased his abilities to stretch the floor and be a key contributor for Pinnacle. He attacked the basket well, but can also stop on the dime and shoot the mid-range. He has a very smooth cross-jab that he uses to get past defenders. Defensively, Tyonne uses his wingspan to affect passing lanes while guarding the ball exceptionally well. He is someone I expect to get better and better over time. Excited to see how he progresses throughout the 2nd half of the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2407206' first='Cameron' last='Hurt'] Pinnacle   Pinnacle's PG, [player_tooltip player_id='2407206' first='Cameron' last='Hurt'], was in his bag for Pinnacle's first game. He started the game as a playmaker, getting everyone involved, but shifted gears when it mattered most. A second-half scoring tear—including four straight buckets — proved he can take over at will. Whether it's crafty layups or defensive stops leading to easy transition points, he is the X-factor for this team's deep playoff hopes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1986845' first='Mason' last='Kendrick'] Arcadia (Featured Image)   A hard-nosed guard was doing it all for his team against Arcadia (CA). In the game I watched, he had 27 pts against one of the top CIF teams. He got those points in a variety of ways. Mason's three-point shooting has made significant strides compared to previous years, and he has one of the best mid-range pull-ups in the entire AIA. His motor doesn't stop, allowing him to grab numerous rebounds and get out in transition by creating turnovers. Right now, he is committed to Pima Community College, but we expect him to continue pursuing other college options at the D2 or D3 level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2767903' first='Jacobi' last='Thompson II'] Arcadia   Jacobi, a physical lefty, was able to get downhill with ease all night. Despite only being a freshman, he plays with the poise of an upperclassman and has a natural knack for drawing contact and getting to the line. While his scoring stands out, his best attribute might be his on-ball defense; he has the lateral quickness to lock up high-level guards and the strength to battle in the post against bigger opponents. Expect to see significant leaps in his game every time you watch him, as he puts in the work.   [player_tooltip player_id='2146268' first='Brock' last='Knee'] Arcadia   Standing at 6'4, Brock has solidified his reputation as a premier marksman for Arcadia, stretching defenses with his elite range and his ability to utilize the offense to get good looks. In their matchup against Arcadia (CA), a top team in the CIF, he showcased his gravity by knocking down a flurry of triples. Brock also displayed a high basketball IQ, utilizing shot fakes to keep defenders off-balance and consistently drawing contact. Perhaps most impressive is his defensive growth; he's made significant strides since last year and possesses the frame to become even more disruptive as he continues to add strength. Averaging 15.8 PPG, Brock is the offensive engine Arcadia needs to help stretch the floor, fueling the Titans to a deep postseason run.    [player_tooltip player_id='2194805' first='Marquice' last='Pless'] Higley   Marquice stands 6'4, and is already the heartbeat of this young Higley squad. Facing off against a massive front court from Austin Prep Academy (TX), the freshman showcased elite rebounding instincts, consistently high-pointing the ball, and elevating over taller defenders. He attacks the rim with a 'score-first' mentality, as evidenced by his efficient 11 field goals on the night. While Higley has faced some early-season hurdles, Marquice's emergence as a dominant force makes them a dangerous 'dark horse' that nobody will want to see on their schedule come February and March.   [player_tooltip player_id='2297971' first='Hale' last='Hansen'] Brophy   The hyper athletic wing had his whole bag on display against Chandler. Hale started the game off hot with Brophy's first 11 points. He finished with 24; he was hitting jumpers, which looked pretty. His athleticism was on full display as he threw down some nasty dunks that had the gym in awe. He has terrific body control when he elevates, and always finds a way to finish around the rim. When Hale gets after it defensively, he can guard 1-4. In this game, he had a few impressive blocks that most people just couldn't get to. The Montana State signee is in for a big second half of the year for Brophy College Prep.   [player_tooltip player_id='1150903' first='Rocket' last='Schwertley'] Brophy   The big fella has had an impressive showing. His high basketball IQ helped control the tempo for the Broncos. The majority of his baskets are from 18 feet and in, but if you forget about him on the perimeter, he can step out and make threes. Rocket has elite footwork and uses his body effectively; he's a difficult match-up for most teams when he gets into the paint. One of his best attributes is that he boxes out every time. Rocket is the X-factor for this Brophy team and will help this team be sneaky good.   [player_tooltip player_id='1734005' first='Grady' last='Crandall'] Highland   The dual sport athlete was an energy spark for the Hawks. He made four threes all back to back. His jumpshot is very pure, it has fantastic rotation, and he can stretch the floor. In addition to shooting a high 3-point percentage, he also attacked the basket and got to the rim. Grady finished well in transition and also got his buckets in the half-court. He'll continue to shine for Highland on the defensive side of the ball, too.    [player_tooltip player_id='2291974' first='Nick' last='Reber'] Highland   Nick is a versatile, high-IQ guard who impacts the game in multiple ways. He uses his strong frame to absorb contact and finish efficiently around the rim, often setting up defenders with his well-time fakes. His footwork and patience in the paint make him a tough cover. Nick can also stretch the floor, knocking down shots when defenders sag off of him. With his all-around skill set and intelligent decision-making, he consistently puts himself in positions to make winning plays for Highland.    [player_tooltip player_id='2146175' first='LJ' last='Diamond'] Perry   Lj is a hyper-dynamic point guard who completely took over stretches of the game for Perry. His continued growth is evident as he's developing into a true floor general, but he still maintains his natural scoring mentality, and it shows. LJ has one of the quickest first steps you'll see, consistently blowing by defenders and creating advantages. If defenders give him space, he can punish them from three. His elite athleticism was on display late in the game when he elevated from just a couple of steps beyond the free-throw line and nearly threw down a massive dunk. LJ's rare explosiveness, improving playmaking, and ability to apply pressure on defenses make him a significant problem for opponents.    [player_tooltip player_id='2223522' first='Kolby' last='Barnes'] Perry   Kolby made his presence felt on the offensive end. His shooting has significantly improved since I last saw him. He rattled off five threes in this one and set the tone for Perry. Kolby was injured for the majority of his sophomore year, and I'm glad to see him back on the court playing well and making an impact. Kolby is a great defender thanks to his hard work and willingness to play defense. Perry is only on the rise with some of their key transfers becoming eligible, so expect Kolby to be a key contributor for them.     [player_tooltip player_id='2574815' first='Garrison' last='Bambolo'] Willow Canyon   Garrison, who is a 6'7 wing, has improved tremendously. On the offensive side, he is starting to look for his shot more. Whether it is a catch-and-shoot three or something near the basket, it is good to see him becoming more ingrained in the Willow Canyon offense. Garrison uses his athleticism to snag rebounds, and he gives his team plenty of second-chance scoring opportunities. He can guard 1-5 because of his quick feet on the perimeter. He will continue to improve rapidly as he is only a junior. Right now, he has a Division 2 offer, with many coaches inquiring about him; expect him to rack up more if he continues on his upward trajectory.

I ( Spencer Goldberg Spencer Goldberg 6'3" | SF Arcadia | 2028 State AZ ) had the chance to head out to Mesa Mountain View to check out the Nike Tournament of Champions. The tournament lasted three days and here were my 15