Francisco’s Finest: Geico TFI (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope) GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and fellow Prephoops writer—Devin Ugland text me about this event on ESPN2, it was a no-brainer to put my studies down and watch some hoops. It began with a tilt between national powerhouse Big Red (Mater Dei) versus one of Arizona’s in Tri Starting 5 (Sunnyslope). Toss in the likes of consensus No. 1 prospect Chet Holmgren and scoring dynamo Jaden Hardy (Coronado) translated into an epic day of hoops viewing.
Carson Basham Carson Basham 6'10" | C AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State AZ (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope/AZ)
2021, C, 6-foot-10, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Pepperdine-bound Basham appears to be a great fit for Lorenzo Romar’s evolving program. He doesn’t have the skill set of the previously mentioned Wilhelm Breidenbach Wilhelm Breidenbach 6'8" | PF Mater Dei | 2021 State #91 Nation CA-S , but Basnam may have more upside. He has a lengthy frame with long arms, soft hands, and nimble feet. He showed a solid face-up game with a quick 1st step from the elbow. He can knock down the 17-foot jump shot, rebound in and out of his area and will fill the lane for the finish.
Grady Lewis Grady Lewis 6'7" | PF Sunnyslope | 2021 State AZ (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
2021, PF, 6-foot-8, 205 pounds
Joel’s Take: Lewis a blue collar power forward who possesses a solid looking frame and good hands. He sets up well on the block and shows good footwork while operating in the paint. He isn’t a quick leaper, but he uses his frame and moxie to finish through contact. He can score with either hand and also showed a fluid hook. His savvy is exhibited with his ability to pass out of the post. Projects well to the D2 level.
Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
2022, WF, 6-foot-7, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: If it wasn’t for Fort’s outstanding play, Saunders would have been labeled “the best player in the game.” He has a strong frame and boasts a skilled all around game. He can play inside and out where he can post up smaller defenders or utilize his evolving triple threat game. His 3-point shot is dependable, which opens up his “grinding” drive game. He appears to be an ideal glue-type for the Mid-Major level.
Oakland Fort Oakland Fort 5'9" | PG Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
2022, PG, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds
Joel’s take: ln the 7th place game, there was no other choice for the MVP than the electric Fort. The quick-on-quick point guard plays both ends with with speed and precision. The Big Red (Mater Dei HS) guards could not handle his quickness and his active hands caused havoc on the offensive side for the Monarchs. Offensively, he has a low release on his shot, but he gets it off in a hurry with lift. He can finish with either hand in the paint, including a nifty runner over Mater Dei’s Bigs.
Liam Thompson Liam Thompson 6'5" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ (Tri Starting 5/Sunnyslope)
2022, PF, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The wiry Thompson, who also has a twin brother (Quinn), made the most of his playing time against Big Red (Mater Dei HS). He is a solid athlete with long arms and he is a fairly quick jumper. Despite Big Red’s size, Thompson used is quick feet, motor, and instincts to get timely rebounds and tip opportunities in the paint area. He runs well in transition, has good hands, but in order for him to take his game to another level, he’ll have to gain strength and develop his perimeter skill package.