Leading an otherwise younger Cristo Rey group, particularly in the backcourt, Tolbert stepped up with his high school career hanging in the balance and delivered a clutch 19-point effort to overcome an early deficit. Tolbert was tough to contain attacking off the bounce, operating both as a lead ballhandler and attacking from the wing in a multiguard alignment. He was efficient covering ground with his handle and showed polished footwork getting into both rim finishes and pullup jumpers. His midrange pullup to break a tie and beat the third-quarter buzzer was key toward establishing momentum to set up a 17-1 run that shut the door for good. Tolbert is a hidden gem for the small-college level and is worth a real look for local D2’s.

While Cristo Rey primarily embraces a youth movement led by a deep sophomore class, Tolbert remains in tow as a senior leader, living up to that billing with a clutch late-game effort on Tuesday. Tolbert scored all of his team-high 11 points in the second half, saving 8 of them for the decisive fourth quarter that saw the Blue Pride break open a one-possession game. A true lead guard, he was consistent in pressing the right buttons as both a scorer and playmaker, taking good care of the ball while picking his spots to score whether at the rim or from the midrange. His game isn’t the splashiest, but Tolbert’s rock-solid two-way approach should have him on the radar of a long list of D2, D3, and JUCO programs over the rest of the winter.

Tolbert touched the game in many different facets for his Cristo Rey squad. He was assertive on the glass shagging double digit rebounds. He connected on three 3 pointers in the win. Tolbert was in good spots on the floor to score on offensive chances. He plays with an immense deal of energy and is a veteran of the Cristo Rey group. Tolbert used his quickness to get steals and turn defense to offense. He would be a great pickup at the junior college level and the small college level.

Tolbert is active on the defensive end coming up with steals. He does a good job getting downhill on the attack. Tolbert can score around the bucket. Tolbert can play the two-man game with his bigs and set them up for easy scoring chances. He does a nice job breaking the game down in the half-court.