Bash in the Desert: 17U All-Tournament Team
The Bash in the Desert featured some of the best talent in the state for the 2nd year in a row. The following prospects were the top performers from the 17U division.
17U All-Tournament Team: MVP
Evan Nelson 6’1 PG 2020 Salpointe (Powerhouse Tucson)
Nelson was on another level all weekend. He dropped 7 threes in the championship game en route to Powerhouse Tucson taking down Blue Chip Nation, who looked solid all weekend. In addition to shooting the basketball extremely well, he attacked the rim and created for himself and others. His basketball IQ is off the charts as he kept making great read after great read. Without a doubt, Nelson was highest performing prospect at the event. His performance in the championship was merely the icing on the cake.
17U All-Tournament Team: 1st Team
Jackson Ruai 6’3 PG 2019 Amphitheater (Powerhouse Tucson)
Ruai was solid on the first day. However, he was far more productive on the 2nd day. He has a knack for getting into the passing lanes which enables him to generate easy buckets for himself and his teammates. His length is a huge commodity that affords him the opportunity to be an elite on ball and help side defender at the point guard spot. Offensively, he created better on the second day as he was able to get by his defender and have a couple of highlight reel type plays.
Jalen Williams 6’3 PG 2019 Perry (Blue Chip Nation)
Williams stood out the most out of any of the prospects on the 1st day of action. He is extremely long and looks like he will continue to growth. Further, he has a good first step and lateral movement. Further, he shoots the basketball at a high level from deep. His basketball IQ is also exceptional. Williams has everything that a college coach would look for in a Division-I prospect as far as skill and uncoachables are concerned.
Blaise Threat 6’2 SG 2019 Chaparral (Blue Chip Nation)
Threat did most of his damage on the 2nd day of action. He either scored or assisted on the vast majority of Blue Chip Nation’s points early in the 1st half of the championship game. He finished well around the rim and created well for his teammates. Further, He is strong and wide which can make him a mismatch on the offensive end. Further, he moves well laterally which enables him to be a top tier on ball defender. In fact, he drew the assignment to guard Nelson for much of the 2nd half.
Kiimani Holt 6’3 SG 2020 Rancho Solano (Powerhouse Ortega)
Holt’s athleticism is through the roof. He is really fun to watch as he is smooth, skilled, and athletic. His ability to generate offense at will made him one of the toughest prospects at the event. He is shifty and strong which affords him the opportunity to get passed the first defender at will. Further, his decision making when he reaches help side defense, he makes good reads.
Chris Jackson 6’3 SG 2019 Northwest Technical Academy (702 Select)
Jackson is very explosive and finishes well around the rim. Further, he is a capable shooter from deep and in mid-range situations. Jackson was very impressive this weekend due to his feel for the game, skill set, and ability to move vertically as well as laterally. He has a really high ceiling.