Bakersfield Bound Tournament CA Standouts Pt. 1
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With the high school basketball regular season temporarily on hiatus, various grassroots events have popped up to help fill the void in the meantime. One of those events, the Bakersfield Bound Tournament hosted by Bound Sports, was held a second…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school basketball regular season temporarily on hiatus, various grassroots events have popped up to help fill the void in the meantime. One of those events, the Bakersfield Bound Tournament hosted by Bound Sports, was held a second session a couple of weekends ago in addition to the one in November.
Various AAU teams were in attendance at the event including several from California. Here’s a look at some of the players who had strong showings at the tournament and could have raised their stock a little bit.
1. Addison Deal Addison Deal 5'10" | CG Mater Dei | 2025 State CA – Future Elite 2025
Deal is a player I’ve watched multiple times and from the first time I saw her play what stood out the most was her advanced offensive moves for a player of her age group. She is very comfortable with the ball in her hands and making plays. She puts the ball on the floor and pushes in transition. Can get all the way to the rim. She also shoots well from three-point range. Good size and energy on the glass. Versatile defensive player.
2. Kaleena Smith – 2026
Smith is still another two years away from high school, but she put up a strong showing playing on Lady Soldiers with and against older players. She a strong scoring guard who is advanced offensively for her age. She has good body control at the rim and finishes over taller/longer defenders. She can hit pull-up threes in transition or shoot off the dribble in halfcourt sets. Finishes in the lane with a nice little floater. Very high upside.
3. Alexis Mead – ML King 2021
Mead is one of the toughest point guards in SoCal. I’ve seen her play multiple times and the part of her game that always stands out the most is her defense. She’s applies a ton of pressure on ball, she really gets up into the ball-handler and makes it difficult. On the offensive end, she’s a very unselfish player, a true point guard and floor leader. She keeps the ball moving and can get teammates easy looks. Can balance scoring and playmaking. Some college will be getting a good one.
4. Casey Higgins – 2025
Higgins is a year away from high school, but has a lot of talent as an eighth grader. She already has good size for a forward and can play in the paint. Moves well without the ball and makes strong cuts to the rim. Finishes strong in the paint. A physical presence in the paint both on the defensive end as an interior anchor and on the glass. Definitely has some high upside as a player in the paint.