Torrey Pines Holiday Classic, Day 1: Burning questions
The Torrey Pines Holiday Classic is perennially one of the top post-holiday tournaments in the country. This year is no different. Held at five sites sprawled across the San Diego region, the tournament attracts teams large and small from across…
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Continue ReadingThe Torrey Pines Holiday Classic is perennially one of the top post-holiday tournaments in the country. This year is no different.
Held at five sites sprawled across the San Diego region, the tournament attracts teams large and small from across the country competing for one of five divisional titles.
On Thursday, I had a chance to watch games in three of the divisions: Senators (3rd), Governors (4th) and Mayor (5th). What did I takeaway from the day?
In the spirit of mixing things up, I give you my takeaways in the form of “burning questions.”
Torrey Pines Holiday Classic, Day 1: Burning questions
2021 F Nolan Naess is evolving into a D1 forward prospectGame 1: Laguna Beach def. Patrick Henry
Question: Is Nolan Naess a D1 player?
Answer: Yes. A Division 1 coach inquired about Naess’ after his 27-point, 9-rebound effort in a big win over Patrick Henry. Personally, I think Naess has a chance to make a difference at the D1 level. He is a long, skilled four-man who can face up and score off the bounce, and step out and hit the corner three, critical for today’s four man. But in this game, what stood out was his ability to beat the defense in transition with his rim running, which resulted in easy basket after easy basket. Naess might be one of the more underrated prospects in Southern California. I could see him thriving at the low- to mid-major level.
Marqui Worthy finished the win over Parker with a 12-point, 10-rebound, 9-assist performanceGame 2: Sonora 70, Francis Parker 65
Question: How was this game a first-round matchup?
Answer: Your guess is as good as mine.
When I saw this game on the schedule, it surprised me, because I could envision this being a Senator’s Division semifinals matchup. And the game lived up to the billing. Parker led for most of the game, keyed by its five-guard lineup that speeds you up and plays aggressive halfcourt defense. 2022 Vinny Ferrari had a very good game, as did his fellow 2022, 6-2 Camden McCormick, who is becoming a nice prospect, and 2021 G Daryl Sledge. But Sonora, paced by 2021 G Daniel Esparza (a mid+ PG prospect) and his 17-second half points, and 2022 W Marqui Worthy’s near triple double, erased a five-point deficit with 10-0 run to close the game. I was especially impressed with Worthy’s ability to draw doubles off the drive and locate the open man while in control.
Game 3: Christian def. Mira Costa
Question: Will the real Christian show up?
Answer: We hope so. Christian on paper is one of the most talented teams in San Diego, but has struggled at times this year with inconsistent scoring and rebounding. Today was a microcosm of their season, as they raced to a 23-7 lead only to cede most of it by halftime, and finally run away with the game in convincing fashion. The lone constant has been Cal Poly signee Kobe Sanders, who scored a game-high 19 points and filled the stat sheet. The 6-7 shooting guard might have the best long-term upside of any of the D1 prospects in San Diego.
But in order to reach its potential, this team needs more consistency from senior standouts Jake Tawhiao and 6-9 C Patrick Roberts, who had a 12-point, 10-rebound double double but is inconsistent catching the ball in the paint and rebounding in traffic.
Game 4: Santa Margarita defeated Saugus
Question: How many So-Cal players are better passers than 2021 G Jake Blazona?
Answer: We can probably count them on our hand. Blazona won’t wow you with his measurements, but the heady feisty lead guard can pick apart a defense without scoring, delivering crisp passes into shooter’s pockets, runs the pick-and-roll efficiently and makes the weakside reads that many high-school guards miss. My colleague Joel Francisco opined earlier this year that Blazona could lead the state in assists this year. With the lineup of players that become eligible in coming weeks at Santa Margarita, he could very well be right.
Game 5: Ramona defeated Shadow Ridge (NV)
Question: Can Ramona compete in San Diego CIF Division 3?
Answer: Well first, they have to get in. The Bulldogs have dug themselves a hole, starting the season 1-9. But they have played one of the toughest schedules in San Diego, playing Santa Fe Christian, Cathedral Catholic, San Marcos, Mission Bay, Orange Glen, RBV and Patrick Henry – all Division 1 and 2 programs.
But we got a glimpse of what the Bulldogs can do against a similar program in a 21-point thumping of Shadow Ridge, which entered the game 9-2, but had played a relatively soft schedule.
Ramona is a scrappy group that gets just enough offense (senior Isaiah Hernandez shot the ball well) to compete. Now, they have to go on a run the rest of the way to get in the D3 bracket, where all roads lead through San Ysidro, but the group is capable of at the very least of giving a top-seeded team a scare.
Game 6: Bishop Manogue defeated Kentridge (WA)
Question: Who is Cort Ballinger?
Answer: In my humble opinion, one of Nevada’s most underrated players. The Miners shredded Kentridge in an opening round Senator’s Division game at St. Augustine, and the 5-10 point guard was the catalyst. The lefty has surprising speed with the ball, and a tremendous feel for the game. His speed allows him to get into the paint whenever he wants, and when the double comes, he almost always makes the right read.
Ballinger told me Saturday that he’s heard from Ivy League programs (4.2 GPA, 1310 PSAT), but hasn’t seen his recruitment have too much traction. Here is hoping that picks up after a stellar showing in San Diego.