A.C.E.S Coca – Cola National Showcase Recap
Southern California club team, A.C.E.S. Basketball hosted the 20th Annual Coca-Cola National Showcase in Seal Beach, CA this past weekend. Over the two-day tournament, there was plenty of talent in the building, but these particular players made sure their game…
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Continue ReadingSouthern California club team, A.C.E.S. Basketball hosted the 20th Annual Coca-Cola National Showcase in Seal Beach, CA this past weekend. Over the two-day tournament, there was plenty of talent in the building, but these particular players made sure their game stood out.
Alexa Litchev – Class of 2023 (Westview High School)
Litchev’s height, length, and versatility allow her to do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Litchev proved she can score in a variety of ways. She has solid footwork, can put her back to the basket or square up when operating in the paint, she’s an active slasher who knows how to relocate to put herself in scoring position, and she’s unselfish with the ball. Defensively, Litchev’s height and length enable her to guard multiple positions, switch on screens, and pick up the ball in transition. Additionally, Litchev can rebound the ball exceptionally well on both ends of the floor, she has a decent handle for a forward, and she fights on position on the offensive end of the floor.
Kira Carter – Class of 2024 (Westview High School)
Kira and Litchev both play under Coach Aaron Luong for Empower Hoops. The forward guard-forward combo appeared to have great chemistry on the court, often igniting the team runs. Carter can knock down the three-ball, she has a nice handle and does a great job of communicating with her teammates on the court. For a guard, her ability to consistently grab rebounds is impressive. On the defensive end of the floor, Carter appeared to be in the right place at the right time. Her rotation on and off the ball was seamless.
Makayla Rutledge Makayla Rutledge 5'8" | SF Murrietta Valley HS | 2023 State CA – Class of 2023 (Murrieta Valley High School.In short, Rutledge is overall a solid player that has a skill set that most coaches would be pleased to have. Whether she’s scoring herself, finding an open teammate, or grabbing a rebound, Rutledge appeared to be a part of just about every play when she was on the floor. She is unselfish, makes smarts decisions in transition, rebounds the ball, rotates well on defense, and can finish around the rim – with or without contact. Rutledge’s frame, athleticism, and footspeed allow her to defend multiple positions, block shots, and apply great on-ball pressure.
Makena Ching – Class of 2023 (Vista Murrieta High School)
Similar to Carter and Litchev, Rutledge and Ching are teammates and play under Coach Alison Rutledge for Evolution Elite. During the high school basketball season, the pair compete against one another and attend rival schools. Rutledge and Ching appear to have great on-court and off-court chemistry. Ching is a vocal leader on the floor who has great hands. She’s always active on the defensive end and plays the passing lane exceptionally well. If there is a pass within her vision and reach, you can bet that her hands will at least tip the ball, if she doesn’t steal it completely. Offensively, Ching has a nice-looking shot, she knows how to get the defender off of their feet and out of position, and she can finish around the rim.
Carrington Davis-Parks – Class of 2025 (Rialto High School)
While Davis-Parks is the youngest of the players that stood out this past weekend, she is easily amongst the most impressive and offensively skilled. The rising freshman has a huge upside that causes one to be excited about her potential and talent as she grows. Davis-Parks is listed as a shooting guard, but she can play just about every position if needed, and she can guard various positions on the defensive end. She almost single-handled carried her team to a win Sunday afternoon, but they ultimately fell short. Davis-Parks can rebound, score off the dribble, finish with contact, create her own shot, and she never forces anything. Her footwork is impressive and her ability to read defenders and take high percentage shots is superb. Possession after possession, the ball was in her hands and she continuously made smart decisions, even when appearing to be fatigued. Davis-Parks is one of those players that causes spectators, coaches, and probably players alike, to think “what can’t she do?”
Notable mention: A.C.E.S. would go on the win the varsity bracket of the tournament, and the young team has several players who will likely make some noise at Orange Luthern High School next season.