Tournament Of Champions Standouts Pt. 2
In this article:
On the week of December 18-21, many of the nation’s top girls’ high school basketball teams assembled at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa at the Nike Tournament of Champions. Quite a few teams performed well, including the Bella Vista…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOn the week of December 18-21, many of the nation’s top girls’ high school basketball teams assembled at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa at the Nike Tournament of Champions. Quite a few teams performed well, including the Bella Vista Bears, going undefeated and winning the Prep division.
Here, I take a look at more standout players from Arizona high schools that I personally saw.
Aiyanna Perkins
Aiyanna
Perkins
5'7" | CG
Bella Vista Prep | 2025
State
AZ
(
Bella Vista Prep
)
Perkins was the talk of a few contests with her overall play on both ends of the court. On offense she got to her spots without forcing things. She got into the paint and finished through contact. Her 3 ball was falling as well. On defense she was a pest and collected multiple steals in every game with her active hands.
Sage Henry Sage Henry 5'10" | PG Perry | 2026 State AZ Perry
Henry impressed with her length and athleticism during the event. She showed an explosive first step and was hard to keep out of the paint. She played with a smoothness to her game that had you forgetting that she’s just a sophomore.
Sarah Nakamura Miller Sarah Nakamura Miller 5'11" | SG Xavier College Prep | 2024 State AZ Xavier
Miller was the focal point of defenses after her opening game 29-point performance against a top 10 national team. She showed the strength and toughness to battle with the national competition. She looks as if she’s almost completely back from her injury.
Aila Kaibara Aila Kaibara 5'8" | PG Phoenix Country Day | 2025 State AZ Phoenix Country Day (Featured Image)
Aila led PCDS to a good overall showing by displaying her play making skills. Her change of speeds and ability to finish thru contact throughout the event were impressive. She was looking to set up her teammates but also found time to keep herself involved offensively.
Landin Kelley Landin Kelley 5'9" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ ( AZ Compass )
Landin played with toughness and determination during the event. She did whatever her team needed to get the win. She shot the ball well and rebounded in her area very well. On defense she communicated with her teammates and helped play good weak side defense.
The long forward was one of the top players in the prep division. She ran the floor very well and scored from a variety of spots on the floor. She hit 3’s, mid-range jumpers and finished around the rim. On defense she was disruptive with her length and blocked quite a few shots.