Tarkanian Classic Semifinals Preview: Key Players

<p>The Tarkanian Classic is underway this week. One of the most prestigious holiday tournaments, the event, hosted by recruiting legend Dinos Trigonis features teams from around the globe. The high school division got underway on Friday, with teams vying for championships in 9 different brackets. With so many different teams, players, and locations to remember the event can be overwhelming, luckily I’m here to help. We are now getting down to Championship time, with every bracket reaching the Semifinals. Local teams have had a good showing, with several squads reaching the Semifinals, for them to continue their winning ways however, they will need contributions from these key guys. In this article, we take a look at the Key player for each local semifinal team. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="986954" first="Taj" last="DeGourville"] <em>6’2 PG Durango 2025 (#1PHN 2025)</em> - The site of Gorman should be more than enough to keep the talented sophomores attention. He will have to play well for the Trailblazers to have any chance to pull off the upset. Degourville impacts games with his tough shot-making, and playmaking for teammates. He will have to do both at a high level on Monday night. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859642" first="Ryan" last="Abelman"] <em>6’3 SG Bishop Gorman 2022 (#6PHN 2022)</em> - When Abelman is making shots it’s very difficult to beat Gorman. The senior has not only been making shots but making them from distance. He’s playing like a guy wanting to take advantage of his senior season and a Tarkanian Classic Championship would make for a nice addition to his growing trophy case. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] <em>6’7 PF Liberty 2022 (#8PHN 2022)</em> - Price is going to need to bring it in the Semifinals. He will be matched up against a big athletic Faith Family team. The Patriots will need his rebounding and defense to neutralize, the interior play of FF, whose front line includes UT Arlington Signee, Brandon Walker. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1265400" first="Alijah" last="Conway"] <em>6’0 PG Canyon Springs 2022</em> (#78PHN 2022) - CS will take on Silverado in another local v local semifinal matchup. Conway who is known as a terrific on-ball defender will probably have the challenge of defending Silverado star guard [player_tooltip player_id="1286525" first="Kenyon" last="Giles"]. His ability to limit the PG will go a long way to determining the success of the Pioners in their matchup. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1105245" first="Kollin" last="Ngo"] <em>6’1 SG Silverado 2023 (#31PHN 2023)</em> - The junior snipers ability to make open 3’s will be key. Silverado has two great slashers in Giles and freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id="1281194" first="Julius" last="Robinson"]. If he can keep defenders attached, spacing the floor for the other two, the Skyhawks have a great opportunity to advance. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1349704" first="Josiah" last="Jackson"] <em>6’4 PF Desert Oasis 2022</em> - My first time seeing Jackson was on Saturday, but I loved his activity and energy. He did a good job of scoring around the bucket and protecting the rim for his squad. If he brings it like that on Monday, DO has a good chance to advance. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="800966" first="Andrick" last="Santillan"] <em>6’4 SG Cheyenne 2022 (#23PHN 2022)</em> - Santillan could be the X-factor in the game. The senior guard has the ability to impact the game with his scoring and playmaking. I’m looking to see how aggressive he will be, if he mixes in some drives to the cup, with his outside shooting, he will be tough to stop and the Desert Shields should have a good chance at advancing. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1032085" first="Malachi" last="Richardson"] <em>6’4 PF Somerset Losee 2024</em> <em>(#31PHN 2024)</em> - Richardson is a matchup nightmare who should be the one player on the floor no one has an answer for. Losee is one of the best defensive teams left in the Gatorad bracket and the 6’4 forward is their anchor. I don’t care how much he scores, if he can rebound and defend at a high level, the Lions have an excellent chance of remaining unbeaten and advancing. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1253132" first="Cyrus" last="Hutchison"] <em>6’5 PF Meadows 2025</em> <em>(#21PHN 2025)</em> - It would be fun to watch Richardson and Hutchison matchup in the championship game. As it is, the freshman will need to perform against a good Queen Creek squad. He will have to help on the boards as well as provide some offensive if the Mustangs are to advance. </p> <p><em>Follow</em></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>