Small guards show up big on final day of Las Vegas Classic
LAS VEGAS – Thirty-six varsity level boys’ teams from throughout the western portion of North America traveled to the Las Vegas Convention Center this week to compete in the 2019 Las Vegas Classic. Just three of those squads hailed from…
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Continue ReadingLAS VEGAS – Thirty-six varsity level boys’ teams from throughout the western portion of North America traveled to the Las Vegas Convention Center this week to compete in the 2019 Las Vegas Classic. Just three of those squads hailed from Nevada, getting the chance to face competition from Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, and many from the western United States.
All of the Nevada teams took their lumps, ending their runs in consolation games. But there were still some bright spots for players, including several guards under 6-feet, looking to prove themselves with big seasons ahead.
Here are some players who impressed on the final day of the Las Vegas Classic:
Bryson Baliza, SBLV / Liberty High 2021, 5-foot-6 guard
At 5-foot-6, Baliza (pictured above) isn’t afraid to drive and draw contact from the trees down low. He uses his speed and handles to go where his team needs him to be, to make the right plays. His team, SBLV, a split squad comprised of Liberty High School players finished the Las Vegas Classic with a 2-3 record, ending Thursday with a nine-point victory over El Dorado of Brea, California.
Justin Frondarina, Sandy Valley 2021, 5-foot-7 guard
Justin Frondarina, Sandy Valley 2021Coming from a small high school in a tiny town 45 miles southwest of Las Vegas, the 5-foot-7 Frondarina came up big for Sandy Valley, creating his own shots and attacking the rim. Coach Kale Robinson said Frondarina is his best rebounder, starts the offense and is a court manager for his squad. He can knock down threes, knows how to find the open man, and uses his quick hands on defense to create more scoring opportunities.
Logan Nagamine, Sparks Basketball Las Vegas / Maui High 2020, 5-foot-8 guard
Nagamine sets the pace and finds open teammates with ease. The floor general can do it all, showcasing his shooting, defense, handles, rebounding and passing this week. He and his Maui High School teammates combined with players from Vegas to compete in this year’s Classic.
Max Bautista, Sparks Basketball Las Vegas / Desert Oasis 2020, 5-foot-11 guard
Bautista plays bigger than his frame would suggest as he gets himself to the right spots around the rim, and has good hands. The slasher says his playmaking is his biggest stength, and he’s working on becoming a better shooter.
Jalen Thomas, Sparks Basketball Las Vegas / Desert Oasis High, 6-foot-1 guard/forward
Thomas proved he can get to the rim and finish, hit the floater above taller defenders and knock down jumpers. He says his biggest strength is his defense and shooting, and he’s working on his ball handling this summer.
The Jam On It 2019 Las Vegas Classic crowned three boys’ 17U champions: Calgary Storm Basketball, Santa Fe Style and LevelUp.