Phil Griego Invitational: Winner Bracket Analysis
In this article:
1st Place: Volcano Vista Hawks (Team MVP: Kenyon Aguino Kenyon Aguino 6'7" | PF Volcano Vista | 2025 State #257 Nation NM ) Volcano never seemed to have a true struggle in this tournament. They handled their first round opponent…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading1st Place: Volcano Vista Hawks (Team MVP: Kenyon Aguino Kenyon Aguino 6'7" | PF Volcano Vista | 2025 State #257 Nation NM )
Volcano never seemed to have a true struggle in this tournament. They handled their first round opponent with ease, grinded out a tough win against Sandia in the semifinals, and dismantled Cleveland in the second half of the Championship game. Kenyon Aguino Kenyon Aguino 6'7" | PF Volcano Vista | 2025 State #257 Nation NM was able to force his will upon his opponents, putting up back-to-back double-doubles in the winner bracket rounds. David Lunn David Lunn 6'4" | SF Volcano Vista | 2027 State NM showed out in the championship game, showcasing his athletic ability and strength en route to a near double-double, mostly in the second half.
2nd Place: Cleveland Storm (Team MVP: Daniel Steverson Daniel Steverson 6'2" | SG Cleveland | 2025 #315 Nation NM )
Cleveland was looking like the team to beat in their first two games, winning by a combined margin of 75 points against Miyamura and Roswell. They looked even-keel with the Hawks in the championship game in the first half, but just simply fell apart in the second half to land themselves in second place. Daniel Steverson Daniel Steverson 6'2" | SG Cleveland | 2025 #315 Nation NM looked like the best player on the floor at times, lighting up the score sheet with his shooting ability, and punishing defenders one-on-one with his athleticism. Noah Padilla Noah Padilla 6'0" | CG Cleveland | 2024 State NM showed his patience and leadership skills in times of need for the Storm.
3rd Place: Sandia Matadors (Team MVP: Thomas Adams Thomas Adams 6'2" | SF Sandia | 2025 State NM )
Sandia was a quarter away from potentially earning their spot in the championship game. They couldn’t get passed the eventual-champion Hawks, but they showed exactly what they can do as a team to compete with the highest level of teams. Thomas Adams Thomas Adams 6'2" | SF Sandia | 2025 State NM was a menace on both sides of the ball, grabbing 7 steals in his two winner bracket games, and scoring double-digits in both matchups. Zaire Ndyabagye Zaire Ndyabagye 6'5" | SF Sandia | 2025 State NM showed how much of a double-double threat he is, using his length and speed to create for himself on both ends of the floor.
4th Place: Roswell Coyotes (Team MVP: Rylan Sarracino Rylan Sarracino 5'10" | CG Roswell | 2025 State NM )
Roswell struggled outside of the first round, but almost came together to beat Sandia in the 3rd place game. They showed their shooting prowess, and what they can do when they’re making shots. Though he didn’t earn an All-Tournament team bid, Rylan Sarracino Rylan Sarracino 5'10" | CG Roswell | 2025 State NM was the most efficient player on the team. He put up 20+ points in both of their winner bracket games and averaged 1.5 steals between the two games. Steven McCaskill Steven McCaskill 6'5" | PG Roswell | 2024 State NM showed two different sides of his skillset in the two games. First game he showed his versatility, second game he showed his volume scoring ability.