Wild West Shootout: Day 1 Standouts
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The Wild West Shootout gets underway this weekend. Hosted by tournament Director Cecelia Tennert the 8 team tournament signals the beginning of the high school basketball season. This year’s event featured teams from Reno, Northern California, and Las Vegas. In…
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Continue ReadingThe Wild West Shootout gets underway this weekend. Hosted by tournament Director Cecelia Tennert the 8 team tournament signals the beginning of the high school basketball season. This year’s event featured teams from Reno, Northern California, and Las Vegas. In this article, we take a look at some of the standout players from Day 1 of the tournament.
Andrej Stojakovic Andrej Stojakovic 6'6" | SG Jesuit | 2023 State #19 Nation CA-N 6’6 SG Jesuit 2023 (#16PHNC 2023) – The rangy shooting guard was brilliant. He shot the leather off the ball, knocking down 4 threes on the day. The junior guard also displayed good R&J athleticism, getting out in transition and finishing above the rim. He finished with 31 to lead all scorers and help Jesuit advance to semifinal play.
Brycen Shakelford 6’5 PF Folsom 2022 – Despite losing to powerhouse Gorman, Shackelford stood out. He was constantly attacking the rim, playing through contact while finishing at the basket. The 6’5 forward showed good skill, knocking down 3 three-pointers, proving his ability to stretch the floor. He finished with a team-high 21 points.
Ryan Abelman Ryan Abelman 6'4" | SG Bishop Gorman | 2022 State NV 6’2 SG Bishop Gorman 2022 (#7PHN 2022) (featured image) – It feels like Ableman has been at BG forever. His experience showed last night as he led a furious 4th quarter rally, allowing the Gaels to advance and escape with a 6 point win over a good Folsom squad. Ableman sank clutch three after clutch three, including a big dagger and two clutch free throws to ice the game. The NAU signee finished with 16 to help Gorman advance to semifinal play.
Ethan Goon Ethan Goon 6'7" | PF Bishop Manogue | 2023 NC 6’6 PF Bishop Manogue 2023 (#29PHN 2023) – Goon showed why he may be one of the top skilled 4 men in the state. The 6’6 PF did the majority of his damage away from the basket, sinking two early threes to set the tone. He finished with 22 to lead all scorers and help the Miners advance to a semifinal showdown with Gorman.
John Derrick John Derrick 6'6" | PF Foothill | 2022 State NV 6’7 PF Foothill 2022 (#59PHN 2022) – Derrick is a player that I like a little more every time, I see him. The athletic forward battled hard in his matchup with Goon. Derrick showed that he can protect the rim, run the floor and catch and finish around the basket. He also showed improved Ball skills, putting the ball on the ground and finishing around the rim.
Devin Sorci-Moore 6’4 SF Vacaville 2022 – DSM was one of the top downhill drivers on the day. The powerfully-built forward was able to score at the rim, in transition, and off dribble drives. He finished with 15 to help Vacaville advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
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