Francisco’s Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Standouts/Part 1)

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;color: #ff0000"><b>Francisco's Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Standouts/Part 1)</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><b>MVP</b></p> <p><b><i>Nick Bowden (St. Bernard)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2020, CG, 5-foot-11, 165 pounds</i></b></p> [caption id="attachment_889896" align="alignleft" width="300"] <span style="color: #ff0000"><em><strong>Bowden earned MVP Honors at the Trevor Ariza Tip off due to his skill and moxie.</strong></em></span>[/caption] <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: Bowden is the heart and soul for the Vikings and his combination of moxie and skill would vault a underclassmen dominated squad to victory. He can knock in 3s from deep, attack with relentless abandon off the dribble, and defend at a high level. There is room for a scholarship somewhere at the next level. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b><i>Kymani Pollard (Westchester)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2020, PG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds</i></b></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b>:</span> This slick guard was hard to handle in the open court with his speed and quickness. He was the catalyst for the Comets as he converted deep jump shots and broke down the defense to set up open teammates. He looks to be one of the better sleepers emerging in the Southland.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Michael Frankling (Gardena)</b></p> <p><b>2020, PG, 6-foot-1, 170 pounds</b></p> [caption id="attachment_889895" align="alignleft" width="150"] <em><strong><span style="color: #ff0000">Frankling is one of the better senior guards in So-Cal</span></strong></em>[/caption] <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: Frankling is the owner of the classic “old school” mid-range game. He can score from all three levels and his toughness is noticeable at both ends of the floor. He is equally potent at snapping passes to open teammates as he is at scoring in a variety of ways. His pull-up game is a thing of beauty and he has a lot of dexterity while finishing in the paint area. One of the fastest rising seniors in the senior class. Big West? WAC? Big Sky?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><i>Peyton Watson (Long Beach Poly)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2021, WF, 6-foot-6, 175 pounds</i></b></p> <p><b><span style="color: #ff0000">Joel's Take</span>:</b> Arguably the best junior coming up through the ranks in Southern California is Watson, but he showed some kinks in the armor. He has the length, athleticism, and offensive skills to take over a game—and he did that in spurts. Whether it was a pull-up 3-pointer off the bounce or a slashing drive to the basket, he showed glimpses of his evolving talent. However, his motor fluctuates a bit much and he can get sloppy with the ball in his hands. He is young though and there is plenty of time to tighten up those areas of the game.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Reese Dixon-Waters (St Bernard)</b></p> <p><b>2021, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds</b></p> <p><b><span style="color: #ff0000">Joel's Take</span>:</b> The multi-skilled Dixon-Waters has a terrific frame with good length and he's explosive in the open court. He has tight ball skills in traffic and he can either explode to the rim for the finish or drop off a nifty pass. His jump shot was a bit erratic, but his release looks tight. Squaring up and getting on balance should help his efficiency as should his shot selection, but he's an up-and-coming national talent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>