Francisco’s Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Glue-Types)

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;color: #ff0000"><b>Francisco's Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Glue-Types)</b></span></p> <p>PLAYA DEL REY, CA—I've been to a number of Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classics, but this year's version of it was the deepest in many years. The semi-finals were scintillating as Heritage Christian defeated Etiwanda in overtime while St. Bernard survived the backyard tilt against neighboring Westchester. At the end of the day or Saturday night for that matter, <b>Nick Bowden</b> would hoist the MVP trophy as he lead St. Bernard against upstart Heritage Christian.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>Damion McDowell (St. Bernard)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>2021, PF, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: While his teammates Reece Dixon-Waters and Nick Bowden take care of the scoring, McDowell is the catalyst to many of their victories due to his motor and intangibles. He is a terrific rebounder in and out of his area, gets numerous tip-ins and putbacks, and he sprints the floor for finishes. He can knock in an occasional 3-point shot, but his mechanics need to tighten up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>Marland Harris (Westchester)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>2020, C, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> One of the better rim runners I've seen this fall. The Comets suffocate their opponents with their devestating pressure and Harris is there to protect the rim due to his nimble feet, length, and bounce. He sprints the floor for strong finishes and his motor never runs low. He needs to improve his scoring skills in the post, but he's productive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>Mathew Mayes (Westchester)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>2020, PF, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds</i></b></span></p> [caption id="attachment_892012" align="alignleft" width="300"] <em><strong><span style="color: #ff0000">Mayes is a high-motor wing-type with developing skills</span></strong></em>[/caption] <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Mayes is a transfer from neighborhood rival St. Bernard and he has made an immediate impact due to his assertiveness at both ends. He is an electrifying athlete who sprints the floor in transition and can finish well over the rim. His wiry frame and excellent lateral quickness make him a multi-positonal defender that fits in well with what the Comets want to do defensively. His skill levels is still quite raw, but he does have solid ball skills.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>Ethan Berks (Santa Monica)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>2020, C, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> While Quincy McGriff is the main cog offensively for the Vikings, Berks does all the dirty work. He has a strong frame, excellent bounce, and solid feet. He plays with a hot motor that translates into fastbreak points, tip ins, and defensive deflections. He has a nose for the ball, good hands, and as a result his rebounding is well noted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>Marcel Hayes (Long Beach Poly)</i></b></span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff"><b><i>2022, PF, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds</i></b></span></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> Hayes may be the best undersized rebounder in So-Cal area. He is a beast in the paint area and a tremendous athlete. He is a quick jumper with good hands and he has a nose for the ball. The combination of his instincts and athleticism are awe-inspiring. His skill set is still quite raw and he needs to improve his shooting touch, but he is a warrior.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>