AZ Nike Tournament Of Champions: CA Standouts Pt. 1

With high school basketball regular seasons still up in the air, various grassroots events have stepped forward to fill the void this fall. One of those events, the Nike Tournament of Champions, was held this weekend in Arizona. Several teams and players from across the country were in attendance, including a few from Southern California. Here’s a look at some of the SoCal talent that took part in the event. <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="54099" first="Ashley" last="Chea"] - Flintridge Prep 2023</strong> Chea is one of the best passers I’ve seen in the SoCal area. It’s like she has eyes in the back of her head; throws passes that leave me in awe. She can find the seams in any defense and get the ball to her teammates. She’s a solid scorer/shooter and defender, but her playmaking is really what sets her apart. She had advanced court awareness as a freshman last year. She is an elite point guard in the making. <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="102658" first="Anaya" last="James"] - West Torrance 2021</strong> A Pacific commit, James had to be one of the most underrated players in SoCal. She’s a talented scorer who is tough to guard for opposing wings. She can step out and shoot from three and from the midrange. She can put the ball on the floor and attack off the bounce. A strong finisher at the rim over the defense. She’s also a good wing defender. She reads passes well and can pick them off. Gives it her all on both ends of the floor. <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="49227" first="Clarice" last="Akunwafo"] - Rolling Hills Prep 2021</strong> Akunwafo is one the premier shot blockers in SoCal. A USC commit, She has all the makings to be an elite rim protector. For every shot she blocks, she alters many more. She’s very skilled in the paint offensively. She’s a highly efficient scorer in the post with an array of moves. Gets good position and can seal her defender. Very good rebounder who crashes the offensive glass. She has good hands catching passes and moves without the ball too. <strong>4. Alexis Mead - ML King 2021</strong> Mead is one the best defenders I’ve seen in the SoCal area. She gives it her all on that end of the floor and will really get up into the offensive player’s face. She’s very quick on her feet and can stay with most anyone. She’s disciplined defensively too, she’s smart and uses her instinct/skill to lock up. A solid floor leader too. She’s unselfish and uses her playmaking skills to draw the defense and kick out to teammates.