Arizona MLK Classic Recap: Local Standouts
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The MLK Classic took place at the Arizona Grand Ballroom from January 16th through January 18th. Hosted by recruiting legend, Gerry Freitas, the event featured grassroots programs from Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. In this article we breakdown…
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Continue ReadingThe MLK Classic took place at the Arizona Grand Ballroom from January 16th through January 18th. Hosted by recruiting legend, Gerry Freitas, the event featured grassroots programs from Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. In this article we breakdown local standouts from the event.
DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV 6’0 PG 2024 West Coast Rebels (#1PHN 2024) (featured image) – It feels like DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV gets better every time I see him. He was awesome again this week. Pinpoint is the most accurate way to describe his passing ability. On this weekend he decided to show off his slashing and finishing, they both check out. He is perhaps the most fundamentally sound player in the state regardless of class. Thomas understands pivots, jumpstops and ball fakes at a professional level, and that is not hyperbole.
Tyus Thomas 5’7 PG West Coast Rebels 2026 – Playing up, Thomas displayed many of the characteristics of his older brother. His shooting is what stood out the most to me. It wasn’t just his ability to make the shots, but the ease at which he shot them from a distance. Showed good poise this week, Thomas never seemed to get rattled or sped up.
Graydon Lemke Graydon Lemke 6'10" | PF Faith Lutheran | 2024 State NV 6’5 PF West Coast Rebels 2024 (#14PHN 2024) – I’m not sure if Lemke was at his best this week, but one thing I am sure of is that he’ll never lose confidence shooting the ball. He was able to get open often, showing a hair-trigger release.
Tyler Bright 6’6 C West Coast Rebels 2025 – Bright showed some glimpses. The big fella stayed active, grabbing rebounds on both ends. WCR played a ton of zone so I didn’t get to see him defend in man much, however, he has size and length and showed the ability to move fluidly along the backline of the zone.
Zach Abdalla 6’2 SG West Coast Rebels 2024 – A coming-out party of sort for Abdalla. He impacted the game in nearly every facet. The 6’2 wing defended, rebounded, and managed to score in transition. Abdalla put together a solid weekend and is a definite stockrising talent.
Jace Aquiningoc Jace Aquiningoc 5'9" | PG Liberty | 2024 State NV 5’8 West Coast Rebels 2024 – A jitterbug PG, Acquininoc played with terrific poise and confidence. The little guard has a big understanding of how to play the game. He was decisive with his passing, getting the ball out of his hands quickly, allowing teammates a chance to score. Acquininoc shot the ball well from behind the line burying several treys throughout the weekend.
Hayden Dunn Hayden Dunn 6'7" | PF Bishop Gorman | 2023 State NV 6’5 West Coast Rebels 2024 – Solid weekend for Dunn. He used instincts, tenacity, and persistence to establish himself as the team’s top rebounder. Dunn grabbed in and out of traffic boards, managing to score off several offensive putbacks. He really impresses playing both 17 and 15u throughout the weekend.
Joshua Jefferson Joshua Jefferson 6'8" | PF Liberty | 2022 State #158 Nation NV 6’7 PF West Coast Rebels 2022 – Jefferson has been so good for so long that he sometimes gets taken for granted. He was good this weekend, showing a much more explosive version of himself. As usual, his low post game was on point, but it was his ability to face up, create and move without the ball that seemed improved.