This week I attended a junior college contest between the Phoenix College and Tohono O’ Odham men’s basketball programs - on the campus of Phoenix College. It was a hard fought game to the last minute of the contest, with Tohono O’ Odham pulling out the win by the score of 71 to 65. I really look forward to seeing both these teams compete this year in the ACCAC.
Here are my evaluations of players on both teams . . .
Phoenix College Player Evaluations
Avonte Nelms 6’5 200 Lbs. Sophomore SF/G - Avonte Nelms (pictured) shot the ball with great consistency all night. He hit shots from a variety of ways (catch/shoot, flairs, under screens, etc), and was also able to put the ball on the deck and muscle his way to the hole. He also is tough on the glass and grabbed some big rebounds on the offensive side. A tough competitor and looks like he is going to have a big year this year for the Bears scoring the ball.
Lavette Parker 6’2 185 Lbs. Freshman CG - Lavette Parker is one of the best shooters in the conference this year, hands down. Parker can get hot in a split-second, and really knocks down shots from anywhere (thrives hitting shots off screens). He also can push the ball well in transition and can finish at the rim after taking some bumps. Parker also has a great set frame on him, and can really defend well when he is engaged. He holds an offer from UTEP, and has interest from Santa Clara and many others.
Quinton Jonson 6’6 200 Lbs. Sophomore PF/C - Quinton Johnson is an intriguing prospect who can do a little bit of everything. He is able to drag out and hit some tough shots from the perimeter, but is effective down on the block, grabbing rebounds on both ends, and uses his physicality very well on the defensive end keeping players out of the lane and off of the glass.
Kaveon Moore 6’2 175 Lbs. Sophomore SG - Kaveon Moore could be, pound-for-pound, the most athletic guard in the conference this season. Every time he puts the ball on the deck and gets into the lane, he looks to make a big time finish at the rim - regardless of who is in front of him. He also displayed a more consistant shooting stroke from last season.
Tohono O’ Odham Player Evaluations
Stevin Nelson 6’2 180 Lbs. Sophomore SG - Stevin Nelson is a very reliable catch/shoot guy from the 3-point line. He hit some big shots for the Jegos down the stretch.
Taveon Jackson 6’7 190 Lbs. Sophomore SF - Taveon Jackson is one of the biggest sleepers this year in the conference to me. Jackson is a long athlete that can hit some mid-range jumpers, but is much more effective once he has his hands on the ball and is able to post/ face up from post. Again, he has a great face-up game, and really can finish through contact easily. He is tough on the boards, on both ends, and sucks down rebounds with relative ease. He looked to me as a guy that does a little bit of everything for his team - helping to pull out the win. A tough competitor.
Domonick McCoy 5’8 150 Lbs. Freshman PG - Domonick McCoy, out of Seattle, is a lightning quick PG who can get in the lane with ease and looks to dish off to teammates - setting them up for easy scores around the rim. He also looks to kick out to shooters as well.
Adalberto Diaz 6’7 180 Lbs. Freshman SF - Adalberto Diaz played well for the Jegos in the last couple minutes of the game - scoring a big and-1 basket at the hole, and hitting some big free-throws down the stretch with his soft touch. Really looks the part when he is out on the court, on both ends. I want to see more of him this season.
