Spencer’s Takes: Standouts from the Week of 2/1

During the week of February 1, I ([player_tooltip player_id='2716510' first='Spencer' last='Goldberg']) had the opportunity to attend some high-level match-ups! It began Tuesday night (2/3) with Cactus Shadows at Arcadia, followed by Boulder Creek at Pinnacle on (2/5). I wrapped up the week on Friday, the 6th, with St. Mary's at Arcadia. All of these match-ups remained competitive throughout and showcased numerous future Division 1 talent.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standouts from the Week of 2/1</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1612468' first='Cameron' last='Williams'] St. Mary's (Featured Image)   Fresh off being named a McDonald's All-American, Cam continued to prove why, as he had a great game against Arcadia. He finished this contest with 29 points, earning them across all three levels; he was hitting off-the-dribble 3s and attacking closeouts, making tough mid-range pull-ups. Along with the contested jumpers he was hitting, he was able to get out in transition for some powerful dunks! Cam also attacked the glass hard, finishing this game with 12 rebounds that came from both ends of the court. He also used his 7'2 wingspan to block everything around the rim. In this game, he showed why he is a Duke commit and continues to impress all season long. Excited to see what Cam and his team can do in the playoffs.    [player_tooltip player_id='1694989' first='Brody' last='Postorino'] St. Mary's   Brody was showcasing his abilities in this game. He was knocking down open shots and attacking the rim. His help defense was very impressive, which allowed him to get out and run in transition. He was able to get easy buckets in transition but also could attack the basket in the halfcourt. Brody will be a key factor in St. Mary's success this postseason.    [player_tooltip player_id='2315516' first='Max' last='Straus'] Arcadia   The point guard for Arcadia has kept this team undercontrol throughout all their games this year. He is getting better and better as the year progresses. He is able to knock down 3's at a high percentage, but can also attack the basket with a great first step and elite lateral agility to get past perimeter defenders. He not only attacks the basket hard but can also kick it out to open shooters. He is a very crafty finisher around the rim, using the rim to negate the long-armed bigs. His relentless on-ball pressure enables him to showcase his IQ and pick up a few easy steals. Max will continue to lead Arcaida night in and night out as they go into their postseason run.   [player_tooltip player_id='1986845' first='Mason' last='Kendrick'] Arcadia:   Mason is a senior leader who is showcasing his abilities this season, surpassing school records in both rebounding and scoring. Playing in the toughest region in 4A, he continues to put up strong numbers every night. He has one of the best mid-range games in all of the AIA; he elevates extremely well on his pull-up. And he is starting to expand his game to behind the three-point stripe. Along with his ability to score, he is a double-double machine. It seems like he gets one almost every game. Through 23 games, he is averaging 15.6 ppg and 7.7 rebounds per game. Mason is the heart and soul of this Arcadia team; they will only go as far as he takes them.    [player_tooltip player_id='2146268' first='Brock' last='Knee'] Arcadia   In his first game back after an ankle injury, Brock was showing out against St. Mary's. Despite facing constant ‘in-your-grill' pressure, he effectively used his frame to finish inside the arc and began showing flashes of shot creation from the perimeter.  He was aggressive in drawing contact, earning trips to the foul line, where he is a relialble 80% foul shooter on the year. With a defense ceiling that continues to rise, it will improve further going into the playoffs and over the summer. Expect Brock to play a pivotal role in Arcadia's postseason success.    [player_tooltip player_id='2470696' first='Tyonne' last='Brown'] Pinnacle   This sophomore wing has been improving rapidly throughout the season and is starting to come into his own. He has the ability to get his shot off over anyone with his tall frame and ability to rise up on his pull-up jumpers. In their game against Boulder Creek, he hit his catch-and-shoot threes. And if defenders ran him off the line, he is able to hit the middy pull-up consistently. When he gets loose on the fast break, he is able to slam it with ease. His rebounding has improved, and he is looking to attack the glass more. Tyonne will help his team in the postseason and give them a chance to bring home the 6A championship if they don't advance past the second round in the competitive open division.    [player_tooltip player_id='2301235' first='Rhys' last='M. Robinson'] Pinnacle   Rhys, another rising sophomore star, is starting to look better as his young career is just getting started. Not only is he a force inside the paint, but he also uses his strong, wide frame to get into good positioning, both offensively and defensively. In the game against Boulder Creek, he affected the game on the defensive side of the ball. His long wingspan protects the basket, and even if he didn't get a block, he still affected the offensive player and forced a bad shot. His on-ball defense is impressive, too, as he can stay in front of 1-5. On offense, Pinnacle ran many actions to get him into mismatch situations and into the low block. Rhys is starting to hit his stride at the right time, as they just completed the upset win against Sandra Day O'Connor earlier in the week. Rhys will play a big role in their playoff run.     [player_tooltip player_id='2407206' first='Cameron' last='Hurt'] Pinnacle   Pinnacle's true guard showed out in his game against Boulder Creek, showcasing elite scoring touch and the ability to knock down tough shots. He is a high-level ‘bail-out' creator late in the shot clock; one of his best attributes will be invaluable in the playoffs. His point-of-attack defense was equally impressive. He defended the other point guard extremely tough, making it hard for them to get into their sets. Expect him to continue to be a shining point for Pinnacle as they head into the playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='2506524' first='Colin' last='Godfrey'] Cactus Shadows   This freshman guard has become a shining spot for this Cactus Shadows team. He started in the game on Friday night (they were without Ethan) and provided an immediate spark. He played great defense on every possession and turned some of it into offense; he's a strong young man and has quick hands. Colin continues to get better and is becoming a more impactful player for this Cactus Shadows team. As this team heads into the playoffs, it'll be interesting to see what role he plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='2133646' first='Myles' last='Godfrey'] Cactus Shadows   Myles has been impressive all season; he is the true engine for this Cactus Shadows team after losing some key senior players from last year's talented team. Against Arcadia, he controlled the offense throughout the game, attacked the basket effectively, and used a variety of finishes around the rim. His pump fake remained effective in getting him to the foul line. With a lack of size on the Cactus Shadow's roster, Myles was aggressive in getting numerous boards and was able to push the ball in transition whenever he got them. He is the heart and soul of this Cactus Shadows team and is hoping to lead them to the promised land this postseason.

During the week of February 1, I ( Spencer Goldberg Spencer Goldberg 6'3" | SF Arcadia | 2028 State AZ ) had the opportunity to attend some high-level match-ups! It began Tuesday night (2/3) with Cactus Shadows at Arcadia, followed by Boulder Creek at Pinnacle on (2/5). I wrapped up the week on Friday, the 6th, with St. Mary's at Arcadia. All of these match-ups remained competitive throughout and showcased numerous future Division 1 talent.