New Year’s Basketball Madness Top Standouts Pt. I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, Bernstein High School played host to the New Year's Basketball Madness Tournament. The event was held from Jan. 2-6 and featured two different brackets of pool play. The Silver Division was won by host Bernstein while the Gold Division was won by Crenshaw. I was able to attend the event and here's a look at some of the top standouts I saw.<br><br><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='876123' first='Naomi' last='Whitfield'] - Crenshaw 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitfield is a strong wing with good scoring instincts. She can handle the ball in the halfcourt and is able to consistently get into the paint off the dribble. Strong finisher through traffic at the basket with good step through moves. She can play inside and uses her size and strength to be active on the glass on both ends of the court. She can catch and shoot from three-point range and she can hit the midrange consistently. <br><br><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='839778' first='Liliana' last='Word'] - Lakeview 2025</strong><br><br>Word has good height and size and can use that effectively in the paint. She looks to establish post position and she does a good job sealing and calling for the ball. When she's in the post she makes quick, aggressive spins to the basket. She can handle the ball in transition and can make moves off the dribble in the halfcourt. <br><br><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='839780' first='Odali' last='Rivera'] - Bernstein 2025</strong><br><br>Rivera is a scoring machine. She's fundamental and methodical, almost like moving in slow motion but highly effective. She handles the ball well and is comfortable creating her own shot. Can hit the pull-up jumper in the halfcourt or get to the basket. Good finishing ability. Consistent three-point shot with good mechanics on her release. Hard to guard getting downhill and into the teeth of the defense. Also good coming off DHOs. <br><br><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='843633' first='Adia' last='Adkins'] - Fairfax 2026</strong><br><br>Adkins stood out as a good playmaker for a wing. She consistently was able to see open teammates both on the break and in the halfcourt. Able to attack the defense off the dribble and dump the ball off to her post players. Good ball-handler against defensive pressure. Was able to consistently get into the paint and can shoot the little floater. Most of her scoring came off drives. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->