Ayala High School Best of the West Tournament Pt. 2
This time of year is always a big one for holiday showcases and tournaments and this week Ayala High School played host to the Best of the West Tournament. A couple of teams had to withdraw due to health and…
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Continue ReadingThis time of year is always a big one for holiday showcases and tournaments and this week Ayala High School played host to the Best of the West Tournament. A couple of teams had to withdraw due to health and safety protocols but the event was a still a good one. I was able to swing by on the final day of the tournament on Friday, Dec. 31 and here’s a look at some of the top talent that I saw.
1. Chase Dionio – Newport Harbor 2022
Dionio is a very good combo guard. She has the scoring ability to play the two and the playmaking/passing to play the one. She pushes the pace well in transition. Good vision, she sees the floor well in halfcourt sets and is a fundamental passer, substance over style. Knows how to make a good entry pass. She’s a good ball-handler who can dribble under pressure. Hits defenders with a quick burst of speed off the dribble; can drive baseline and find open teammates on the cut.
2. Sydney Nelson Sydney Nelson 6'0" | SF Eleanor Roosevelt | 2023 State CA – Roosevelt (Eastvale) 2023
Nelson is a player I first saw as a freshman two years ago and she was a standout then. She’s a big-time scoring wing who is comfortable with the ball in her hands making plays. She attacks the rim and is a good finisher through traffic. She pushes the ball on the break and makes the right reads. In halfcourt sets, she can be a playmaker/passer. Uses the glass well on her shots. Defensively, she picks up at midcourt; quick hands and she can body up in the post. She’s a good rebounder too.
3. Leah Hudson – Chino Hills 2022
Hudson’s role in the game I saw her play was to score and she did that well. She can play both guard positions at times and she is a very good ball-handler who keeps her head up and dribbles under control. Comfortable with the ball in her hands looking for her shot. She’s very quick in transition and she can pull-up around the free-throw line for a little midrange jumper. She’s also a good defensive player, she has quick feet and keeps the ball-handler in front of her.
4. Cydney Jover- Newport Harbor 2022
Jover is another solid combo guard capable of playing the one or the two. She’s a strong ball-handler and she pushes the ball on the break ahead of the defense. She can make plays on-ball, but she’s a good player off the ball as well. She moves on the perimeter and is a good catch and shoot player from three-point range. She was also one of the better defensive players I saw; she picks up on the perimeter and makes it tough on opposing guards.