Francisco’s Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Standouts/Part 2)

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;color: #ff0000"><b>Francisco's Finest: Trevor Ariza Tip Off Classic (Standouts/Part 2)</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><i>Camren Pierce (Etiwanda)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2020, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds</i></b></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: Pierce has improved exponentially each and everys season—that shouldn't be surprising considering who is coach is—that being Dave Kleckner. He is a true point guard who has a strong built, plays at a good pace, and he can knock in shots. His ability to break down the defense, get into the lane and make plays is impressive. Cal Poly got themselves a winner right here.</p> <p><b><i>Koat Keat (Renaissance Academy)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2022, WF, 6-foot-8, 190 pounds</i></b></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: When you watch Keat play—think of former NBA standout Luol Deng. Rangy frame, nimble feet, and long arms. He has solid ball skills, a quick 1st step, and he can finish with either hand. While attacking in the open court he is tough to deal with due to his tight handle and nifty finishing skills. His jump shot needs to tighten up, but his release looks solid. Once he gains more strength and learn to play at different speeds his efficiency will improve.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b><i>Skyy Clark (Heritage Christian)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2022, PG, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds</i></b></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: One of the better looking sophomore guards in the West is definitely Clark. He is a scoring point guard who has a potent pull-up game. He gets great lift on his shot and can pull up in traffic. The strength, burst, and skill is there to carry defenders on his hip and his ability to snap passes to open shooters was impressive.</p> <p><b><i>Isaiah Johnson (Bishop Montgomery)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2020, PF, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds</i></b></p> [caption id="attachment_570218" align="alignleft" width="300"] <em><strong><span style="color: #ff0000">There are few players who have more defensive versatility than Bishop Montgomery forward Isaiah Johnson.</span></strong></em>[/caption] <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take</b></span>: The bouncy 4-man that is headed to Oregon State should be a nice piece to the puzzle for the Beavers. He has limited skills while operating in the post and his jump shot is not a weapon, but he impacts the game in many other ways. His motor never stops at both ends and he is a formidable rebounder and shot blocker due to his energy and timing. Think a less skilled Jamal Boykin (Duke/Cal).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><i>Max Allen (Heritage Christian)</i></b></p> <p><b><i>2021, C, 6-foot-7, 240 pounds</i></b></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000"><b>Joel's Take:</b> </span>Allen is a big-bodied 5-man with good feet and soft hands. His nimble feet allows him to pivot and convert over most bigs despite being a below the rim finisher. He can use his right or left hand and is overall touch is feathery in the paint area. Going forward he needs to improve his stamina and tighten up his fundamentals as there was time he brought the ball down and became turnover prone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>