Nike TOC: AZ Standouts

The Nike Tournament of Champions took place at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. It once again provided a national stage, and several Arizona prospects took full advantage of the opportunity. Competing against high-level programs from across the country, these players didn't just hold their own—they elevated their stock with strong performances. While I wasn't able to see everyone, I did see most of the Arizona teams more than once.   Here are some of the standouts that I observed from the event.    Richardson was one of the true highlights of the event. The junior point guard showed toughness and poise throughout the weekend, stepping up when her team needed her most. She consistently got to her spots offensively, using pace and control to create high-quality looks, while also demonstrating a high level of ability to distribute the ball. Her command of the game and willingness to put the team on her back caught the attention of several college coaches in attendance. Richardson looks every bit like a floor general you can build around.     Murray was as steady and impactful as anyone in the building. She's hard to guard because she does a little bit of everything and does it with purpose. Murray rebounded well from her guard spot, pushed the tempo when opportunities presented themselves, and finished through contact in traffic. Her toughness stood out, and she consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor.     Reynolds continues to show why she's one of the more versatile two-way forwards in the state. Defensively, she often took on the challenge of guarding opposing teams' best frontcourt players and held her own. Offensively, her growth was evident—she looked more confident and polished, showing an expanded skill set and improved decision-making. Reynolds's ability to impact the game on both ends makes her a valuable piece at the next level.     Coleman flashed her upside throughout the event. The lead guard's length and size stood out immediately, particularly as a passer. She sees over the defense well, rebounds her position, and confidently pushes the ball in transition. Coleman did a good job finding open teammates and consistently generated quality shot opportunities for her team.     Burcar continues to work her way back into form following injury, and this weekend showed positive signs. She looked comfortable playing within the flow of the offense, getting to her spots and knocking down shots with confidence. She also rebounded at a strong rate for her position, showing activity and effort on both ends. Her rhythm and timing continue to trend in the right direction.     Eteuati showcased her leadership and toughness throughout the tournament. The senior point guard controlled the tempo, defended at a high level, and made smart decisions with the ball. She also showed plenty of onlookers that Colgate got a steal. T'Maea is a strong two-way guard who understands how to run a team and knows how to impact winning.     Williams had an excellent showing from start to finish. She shot the ball at a high rate and rebounded extremely well from the point guard position. Her confidence and consistency stood out, and she continues to make a strong case for being one of the most improved players in the state. Williams' upward trajectory is very real.     The senior forward scored at a high rate throughout the event. She scored in a variety of ways, from at the rim to the mid range to three pointers. Her size made her very difficult to defend. She was able to get to pretty much any spot she chose to on the offensive end. She averaged close to 20 points per game during the event.     The eighth-grade sensation turned heads all weekend. Samuels played with confidence and composure well beyond her years, showing dynamic guard skills and a natural feel for the game. She was impactful on both ends and made it clear that she's a problem on the national scale sooner rather than later. Her ceiling is exceptionally high.

The Nike Tournament of Champions took place at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. It once again provided a national stage, and several Arizona prospects took full advantage of the opportunity. Competing against high-level programs from across the country, these players didn't just hold their own—they elevated their stock with strong performances. While I wasn't able to see everyone, I did see most of the Arizona teams more than once.