Northwest Teams Struggle on Day 1 At Nike TOC
The Nike Tournament of Champions is easily one of the top events of the entire Winter. The Annual Nike TOC was held in Arizona once again and three of the better Pacific Northwest’s teams took the trip to Arizona to…
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Continue ReadingThe Nike Tournament of Champions is easily one of the top events of the entire Winter. The Annual Nike TOC was held in Arizona once again and three of the better Pacific Northwest’s teams took the trip to Arizona to play in some of the top brackets. Here is how Beaverton (OR), Garfield and Eastside Catholic performed on day one. *Some others are playing in less competitive brackets
Beaverton vs. Centennial (NV)
Beaverton felt the swarm of Centennial’s high major length and athleticism early on, but they calmed the storm as the game went along. Mary Kay Naro (Boise State signee) had to handle lots of double teams, while still trying to execute her team’s offense. Laura and Sydney Erikstrup (USD and ASU signees) each had their moments and did a good job of keeping their composure in an extremely physical game. They were just a bit outmatched when it came down to it, but Beaverton showed very well versus a legitimate top 25 team nationally. Beaverton will play the winner of Garfield and Corona Centennial after winning their first loser bracket game against Miami Country Day.
Centennial 41 – Beaverton 39
Garfield vs. La Jolla Country Day (CA)
Garfield played well enough to make it a one point game at the half with La Jolla Country Day, but that quickly changed in the second half. La Jolla resorted to a full court press and saw their lead turn to double digits and never looked back. Garfield’s pressure could not shake Oregon signee Tehina PaoPao. Garfield’s Dalayah Daniels is one player that had some shining moments athletically for the Bulldogs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome La Jolla’s really strong guard play. Garfield will look to bounce back versus Corona Centennial (CA).
La Jolla Country Day 46 – Garfield 31
Eastside Catholic vs. Windward (CA)
Eastside Catholic straight up battled from start to finish! They have a crew of youthful talent and I had some college coaches reaching out about some of their studs. It was a one point game at the half, but Windward had far from played their best ball. 2023 super freshman JuJu Watkins saved her best for the second half and got to the paint and made her free throws at a high rate after a slow first half. Eastside Catholic pressed and pressed, but their double and sometimes triple teams left players wide open around the basket. Windward possesses solid guard play, so the pressure didn’t last when it came down to it. A great fight by Eastside Catholic nonetheless, but they will have to keep their turnovers down versus the really good teams. 2023 Malia Samuels played well on defense getting into passing lanes and 2023 Mjracle Sheppard had a few skilled finishes around the basket on offense. overall, I felt 2022 Zahirah Walton played the smoothest, most well rounded game for EC by making shots with skill and taking care of the ball. Eastside Catholic has Hamilton (AZ) up next.
Windward 69 – Eastside Catholic 62
Others:
West Linn (OR) lost their matchup 38-40 versus Cicero North Syracuse (NY)