Arizona Preps basketball scout and writer Tye Jacobs was able to catch some of the action from this weekend's Easter Classic, organized by Chad Groth and Area Codes Basketball. Here are his top perfomers from the weekend. Some top teams traveled from all around the southwest to compete in some very high-level action. Here are some of the kids who stood out . . .
Malachi Felix, 6 ft 3, 2020, Copper Canyon High School
Malachi is a long wing who has the ability to slash and score from the perimeter. His quick first step allows him to get to the rim and draw contact while his mid-range game keeps defense honest. He uses his athletic ability and length to create havoc on the defensive end.
Matt Jensen, 5 ft 10, 2020, Mountain Ridge High School
Matt can play lead guard and off the ball. He excels in pick and roll situations by showing the ability to choose his spots to score or create for others. Matt is very creative with the ball in his hands and can score with an array of floaters and shifty euro steps once in the lane.
Tuon Gatteck, 6 ft 8, 2019 Caprock High School (TEXAS)
Tum is an extremely lengthy player who affects both ends of the ball. He plays with a great motor and never quits on defense or the offensive boards. Tum shows promise on the offensive end with a tight handle for his size and good-looking stroke.
Emad Elaniel, 6 ft 5, 2019, Independence
Emad is a very smooth player with good athleticism. He has a good build and can rebound at a high rate from the wing position. Offensively, he plays above the rim and constantly tries to put smaller defenders in the rim. He can guard multiple positions and switch on much smaller players
Jared Smiley, 5 ft 9, 2019, Washington High School
Jared is an athletic guard who can score from all three levels. He constantly puts pressure on the defense with his attacking style. Jared is at his best when attacking the rim. He is nifty with finishes and tries to put defenders in the rim.
Antonio Lovato, 5 ft 10, 2019, Santé Fe High School (New Mexico)
Antonio is a good lead guard who is a leader on the floor. He plays with great poise and runs his offense to a tee. Antonio has a knack for making the correct play and plays with a tremendous amount of hustle.
Jahwan Giles, 5 ft 10 2021, Desert Pines (Las Vegas)
Jahwan is a strong lead guard who can break a press by himself. Jahwan constantly found the open man while being pressured. Because of his strong build, he was able to score in the paint through contact.
Damione Thomas, 2019, 6 ft 9, Onate High School (New Mexico)
Diamone was one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s Easter Classic. With incredible size and length, Damione stood out easily. His ability to run the floor, alter shots and catch tough passes makes him a threat on both levels. He seems like a late bloomer with tons of potential.
Josiah Ramos, 2020, 5 ft 10, Atrisco High School (New Mexico)
Josiah is a natural point guard who is creative in scoring and creating plays for others. He has the ability to break down a defense and score at a high clip. He excels from all three levels and in transition always seems to make the right read. Defensively, he is a ball hawk who forces turnovers. He is a player to watch this summer.
