Standout Performers: The Fantastic 40 (Day 1)
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The inaugural Las Vegas born tournament The Fantastic 40 kicked off on Thursday at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. Here is a look at the top performances that I saw. Nick Blake (IMG PG/Las Vegas Knicks) Right from the jump, 2020…
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Continue ReadingThe inaugural Las Vegas born tournament The Fantastic 40 kicked off on Thursday at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy.
Here is a look at the top performances that I saw.
Nick Blake (IMG PG/Las Vegas Knicks)
Right from the jump, 2020 6’6″ IMG PG guard Nick Blake took full command of his Las Vegas Knicks squad and never looked back. The UNLV commit and former Las Vegas Durango standout is a confident outside shooter, who pushes the ball up the floor with ease. He rarely comes off the floor and can absolutely fly as a dunker. He had 25 points in a win over E1T1 United.
Note: 2021 6’5″ Athens Prep guard Isaac Spears was really good as well for the Las Vegas Knicks with 14 points, attacking, distributing and running the floor.
Ziaire Williams (Sierra Canyon/BTI Hoops)
Duke represents the most recent offer for 2020 6’7″ Sierra Canyon forward Ziaire Williams. He certainly didn’t disappoint in a loss to Team Parsons. Williams certainly passes the eye test with his length and pure endless upside. He attracts a lot of attention defensively and that opens up better shots for his teammates. Williams had 20 points in the game including a dunk that he had right on a defender (VIDEO).
Jordan Sears (Mainland/Team Parsons)
When you talk about being tough and scrappy, those are always two words that describe 2020 5’11” Mainland guard Jordan Sears. The downhill point guard is both fast and strong and he carried his Team Parsons group back to victory after a slow overall start with a team-best 26 points. Sears was determined to get the win, drawing contact often and frequent trips to the free throw line in the second half. He is also a crafty defender who will get in your face and dive for loose balls.
Jadan Coleman (Bob Jones/Nike Elite Stars)
Shooting is a major skill that will get you a spot at the next level and 2020 6’4″ Alabama Bob Jones guard Jadan Coleman knows a thing or two about that. He dropped 26 points in a late night win over Team Parsons 2021 including the game-winning 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left. Coleman hit seven 3’s and really energized his side all game long.
Darius Johnson (Episcopal/Team Parsons)
Going to the rack often and looking to score, 2021 6’0″ Virginia Episcopal guard Darius Johnson always impresses me when I watch him play. He recorded 30 points in the loss to the Nike Elite Stars and was by far the best player on his side for the night. Johnson has a knack for the crafty finish and frustrates defenses with his elusiveness but he also has an improved outside jumper.
Kario Oquendo (Team Parsons)
Alongside Sears, 2020 6’5″ guard Kario Oquendo led the comeback for Team Parsons. He woke up in the second half with 15 total points to finish with 20 for the game. He is a boomer as a dunker and I’m shocked that he hasn’t taken down a rim at some point in his career. His push in transition is hard to stop and I don’t blame defenders who don’t want to get in his way. He is a strong and dangerous athlete.
2020 guard Kario Oquendo (@kario_oquendo) seems to always dunk on people wherever he hoops.
???? by: @Ballislife @hoops_florida @CP25CoachJemel @thefantastic40 pic.twitter.com/ECc6RJxt8G
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) August 2, 2019