San Diego Tip-Off Classic: Day 1, Five Takeaways

<p>For a second year, Montgomery head coach Ed Martin has delivered an impressive season kickoff event in the San Diego Tip-Off Classic. Fueled by the hysteria surrounding the event's marquee team, LA-based Sierra Canyon, the event has been sold out and heavily covered by major media outlets, including ESPN.</p> <p>What were some of the key takeaways from the first day? We break down some of the standout performances by teams and players.</p> <h3>Helix could be an Open Division Team</h3> <p>I have them ranked just outside of my Top 10, but if the Highlanders effort against St. Augustine is any indication, they could move up the rung in short order. </p> <p>The team's top prospect, Maurice Holmes, led the team with 18 points and got going in the second half, knocking down jump shots and scoring off of straight-line attacks. But he had help. 2020 PG Jadyn James carved up the Saints defense en route to 14 points, getting into the paint and finishing through and over contact. Seniors Keishon Trice and Xavier Otis (Morse transfer) were relentless on the boards. Sophomore guard Markees Williams also had solid flashes in the second half, when the Highlanders cut a 20-point lead to 5 before falling short 76-70. </p> <p>Once this team gets two key pieces back from the football team, including two-year starter Sam Stewart IV, watch out. </p> <h3>Terren Frank is Sierra Canyon's most valuable player</h3> <p>A lot of attention has been paid to the Trailblazers newcomers, especially the players with professional namesakes, Zaire Wade and Bronny James. But in my opinion, it's one of the team's holdovers, Frank (who also happens to be a son of an NBA player), that is the most valuable piece on the loaded team. </p> <p>Frank is a steadying influence at the four position, can score facing the basket and on the block, and makes excellent passes out of the double team. For good measure, he shows the ability to step out and hit the three from the college distance. TCU has a good one coming. </p> <h3>Chibuzo Agbo is on a mission</h3> <p>With the Saints shorthanded on opening night, Agbo put together a tremendous second-half effort against Helix. He finished with 38 points and 16 rebounds, scoring in every way imaginable. A beefy force at the four position, Agbo knocks down the three with regularity and can power his way through contact off the bounce. Defensively, he's made strides guarding the wing and guards on switches, a big improvement from his junior season.</p> <h3>Montgomery doesn't back down</h3> <p>Playing in the harsh light of the marquee game, the host fell by nearly 50 points, but did not back down from the challenge of Sierra Canyon. 2021 G Eddie Magdalena and 2023 G Nico Reyes both had standout performances, and 2022 G Tedrous Teshome continued to show why he's one of the region's most improved prospects.</p> <h3>Mission Bay's youth prevails </h3> <p>The Bucs suffered a ton of defections during the offseason, but appear to be capable of righting the ship, if the opening win over Sweetwater is any indication. I was impressed with the poise and playmaking of 2023 PG Gelo Rodriguez-Gil and the pure scoring ability of 2022 G Jaysten Ramos, who at 5-7 can finish in the paint with a crafty array of layups. </p>