Takeaways from Matt Denning Nike Hoops Classic - Pt.1

Here are some evaluations and opinions we came up with while watching girls play in this event, we talked about some new kids and some known ones, but these that we are talking about in this article are those who performed well in our presence. Here are some takeaways from the event, ENJOY.   Chaminade vs. South Pasadena Matt Denning Nike Hoops Classic January 6, 2024; 9:00am   South Pasadena took over this game from the beginning and showed they are seasoned and can handle any type of pressure and their stars put on a show for us with their developed skill sets. Amongst the stars for Chaminade you have 2024, [player_tooltip player_id='309568' first='Dylan' last='Tse'] and 2024 Kayla Boozer. Both of these players showed us they could put the ball on the floor and attack as well as knock down the long three ball as well. As the second quarter went on, Chaminade woke up with play from 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='574419' first='Payton' last='Montgomery'], 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='843757' first='Karina' last='Klemz'], 2024 Alyssa Saldana and 2026 Mya Patrick. Halftime score was South Pasadena 41, Chaminade 36. The third quarter opened up some opportunity for Chaminade to climb back into the game, with some strong pressure defense and some equally balancing offensive posessions on the floor. They attacked at every moment and was able to keep the game close with a score of 51-45 with 3:04 left in the third quarter. With 1:06 left in the third quarter, Chaminade took their first lead with the score of 53-51. At the end of the third quarter, the game was tied at 56, Chaminade made a good run and got the momentum in the game leading to the win.   Final Score: Chaminade 80, South Pasadena 70     Game Evaluations: 2026, 6'1, PF, Chaminade HS, [player_tooltip player_id='574419' first='Payton' last='Montgomery']   Finished this game as the leading scorer for both teams with 32 points and 9 rebounds, she dominated the paint down low and showed us she could score over both shoulders and create opportunities for herself and her teammates. She sealed well and made easy shots at the basket, also showed us a short corner jumper with some touch. She is very strong down low and keep her opponent at bay on both sides of the floor. Moves her feet well and can run and catch with soft hands in the paint.     2024, 5'6, CG, South Pasadena HS, [player_tooltip player_id='309568' first='Dylan' last='Tse']   Dylan was the second leading scorer for both teams with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block, she was a gifted scorer today on 10/24 shooting and went a clean 6 of 6 from the charity stripe. Dylan showed us a very good skill set today with three point shots, driving the ball to the hole and midrange jumpers for a smooth lefty. What is surprising is that she has not signed and I for the life of me do not know why, she is definitely able to play at the next level, what level, that still remains to be seen. She can definitely play and we are going to look into why she has not signed.     2024, 5'10, SG, Chaminade HS, [player_tooltip player_id='756869' first='Natalie' last='Patrick']-Aguilar   Natalie showed us some solid lead guard skills and some equally strong defensive traits on the floor, she put up 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists this game. She knocked down three point shots, and was a good 5/7 from the charity stripe and gave us a steal in this one. We love her size and love the way she approaches the game, she was intense and stayed focused in this game to help her team come from behind and get the win.     2024, 5'7, SG, South Pasadena HS, Jamie Rain Kim   Jamie finished the game with 19 points on 6/10 from the field and 5/9 from the three point line, she is what we consider a shot maker, when you can make shots with a hand in your face the whole time, you can shoot the rock in our opinion. She was a solid guard who handled the ball well, got the ball to teammates and was able to catch and shoot as well as one-dribble pullup from the three line. She played defense and showed she could move her feet and contain her opponents.