Phoenix Futures Tournament: 8th grade standouts
This weekend myself and Justin “The Show” Vargas ran an incoming freshman AAU tournament at Apollo HS. 9 strong teams played 4 games each. 2 in pool play and then 2 in bracket play. Just Us/PHH defeated a tough 2023…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend myself and Justin “The Show” Vargas ran an incoming freshman AAU tournament at Apollo HS.
9 strong teams played 4 games each. 2 in pool play and then 2 in bracket play. Just Us/PHH defeated a tough 2023 Elite team in an exciting finish. Blue Chip Elite and GGB made it to the Final-4.
Here are some more of the top players from the tourney: (All incoming 8th graders)
D’Andre Harrison SF 6’1 (will attend Gilbert) (Team Harden Legends)
-Long lefty was one of my favorite long term 8th graders. Great length is skilled, defends multiple positions and can shoot it from inside and out. Looks to be a bigger wing when he is older.
Kallai Patton G 6’0 (will probably attend Mesa) (2023 Elite)
-Good size and handle for his position. Makes great reads and can score it getting downhill and shoot it. Has good length and looks to be a nice upside player.
Christian Warren SF 6’0 (will attend Sunnyslope) (Blue Chip)
-Arguably the top catch shooter or top-3 regardless of age. Has great strength, super quick shooting release and good length. Plays the game with a high IQ and just knows the game. Knows his role, never forced the issue and played hard.
Preston Lee CG 6’0 (Will probably attend Corona del Sol) (Team Harden Legends)
-Good passer and ball handler plus hesitates well to get defenders off of him. Can shoot it from deep but likes getting in the lane and making plays.
Santino Esquivel SG 5’9 (will attend Cesar Chavez) (Team Harden Legends)
-Quickest hands in the tourney will be a top-tier defensive player. More of an attacking guard/wing currently and has a streaky perimeter jumper. Good passer.
Jordan Howard PF 6’2 (Will probably attend Eastmark) (Team Harden Legends)
-The strongest player at the event and it wasn’t really close. Has a true football type of body and is athletic to grab rebounds and had multiple blocks from behind on sheer hustle and athleticism.