The 11th annual Jerry Tarkanian Classic is being held December 16-21, 2023 @ Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas NV) and surrounding area gyms. 125+ high school boys squads (spread over 8 divisions) and 70+ prep programs (National Division) are participating this year.
I have previously published three earlier recaps on the event:
Prep School Division Day 1: https://nbnmagazine.com/2023-tarkanian-classic-prep-school-division-day-1/
Prep School Division Day 2: https://nbnmagazine.com/2023-tarkanian-classic-prep-school-division-day-2/
High School Division Day 1: https://nbnmagazine.com/2023-tarkanian-classic-hs-school-division-day-1/
Players that I discussed yesterday that also performed well today include Tyrone Riley, Jason Crowe Jr. (had a 50 point outburst on Tuesday), Shon Abaev (30 points), Jase Butler, Jaxxon Johnson, Carter Bryant, Jaden Bailes, Kaden House (36 points in win over Bishop Gorman), Nick Jefferson, Kevin Thomas, Kendyl Sanders and Cayden Daughtry.
Below I highlight several more players that made noise on Day 2 of the HS Division:
Eric Freeney 6’4” 2024 Centennial (Corona CA)
In a hard-fought game with St. Bernard/Playa del Rey CA, it was Freeny that stepped up for CC, scoring a game-high 29 points (4 “threes”). UCLA-bound “3 & D” player and 2023 Pangos All-American Camp Top 30 Game pick is tailored made for future college coach Mick Cronin.
Kalek House 6’3” 2026 Desert Mountain (Scottsdale AZ)
The 2nd half of the House brother duo has plenty of offensive power himself. Kalek has a great looking stroke from both the mid-range and from deep. Kalek (27 points) combined with his brother Kaden (36) for 63 points in an impressive quarter-final win over Bishop Gorman/Las Vegas NV. Sons of former NBA guard Eddie House and mom is the sister of former Arizona Wildcat national champion and NBA lottery pick Mike Bibby.
Semetri Carr 6’1” 2025 The Branson School (Ross CA)
Quick PG with elusive handle does a nice job of running the show for one of NorCal’s top squads this season. “TT” can also score the rock at a high clip as he vividly displayed tonight with a game-high 31 points (20 in 1st half). Excellent student too (3.7 GPA).
Douglas Langford 6’8” 2025 St. Pius/St. Matthias (Downey CA)
Strong PF is a solid scorer on the low block and a regular visitor on the glass. Nothing flashy, but just a blue-collar work-horse in the paint.
DJ Stickman 6’2” 2025 Clovis West (Fresno CA)
Very athletic combo-guard is an excellent defender (is a tremendous shot-blocker for size). DJ has the necessary burst to get down-hill in a hurry and the elevation to finish at the rim. Emerging Central California prospect in 2025.
Chris Baudreau 6’9” 2025 Clovis West (Fresno CA)
Bouncy Big was impactful for CW tonight in their decisive win over Coronado/Henderson NV: 19 points/6 blocks. Bishop Gorman/Las Vegas NV transfer has nice rim-protection instincts and he is quick off his feet to the rim when he finishes inside.
Ryder Elisaldez 6’2” 2024 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas NV)
UC-San Diego signee is a tough lead guard that has deep, confident range on his jump shot. Scored 16 points vs. Desert Mountain/Scottsdale AZ.
Jackson Young 6’1” 2024 Clovis West (Fresno CA)
3 year starter for well-respected coach Vance Walberg is a lights-out shooter. Young had 19 points in a decisive win over Coronado/Henderson NV.
Isaiah “Slim” Rogers 6’3” 2026 Centennial (Corona CA)
“Slim” is a sharp-shooter having a break-out soph season (had a 40 point game last week prior to arriving in Vegas) after being an understudy on a loaded Corona Centennial squad last season. Rogers had it cooking from deep today against St. Bernard: 15 points (5 “threes”).
Christian Collins 6’7” 2026 St. Bernard (Playa del Rey CA)
Long and athletic forward is rapidly developing into a talented prospect worthy of being recruited nation-wide. Confident scorer that includes range to the 3-point line. As he adds muscle and weight, Collins will be a problem for opposing defenses.
Josiah Cunningham 6’3” 2024 Coronado (Henderson NV)
Quick combo-guard can get down-hill in a hurry and uses his strength and speed well on the defensive end. Unsigned Las Vegas area senior is a very good student.
Mateen Rafiq 5’11” 2024 Weston Ranch (Stockton CA)
Cornell-bound PG with excellent downtown stroke (has 15 threes in his first 2 games here).
Donovan Williams 6’2” 2026 Edgewater (Orlando FL)
Skilled and fast lead guard with an Illinois offer is a rising name in national soph class.
Collin Paul 6’8” 2026 Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale CA)
Strong and physical young PF with feathery outside touch and good passing skills. Very bright future.
Cameron Cooper 6’5” 2027 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas NV)
Son of UNLV assistant John Cooper is a promising young prospect that can drain long jump shots.
John Roland Jr. 6’7” 2024 Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale CA)
Assertive forward can score around cup and is an active defender.
David Mack 5’10” 2024 St. Pius/St. Matthias (Downey CA)
Fire-plug PG is a tough customer and it showed in St. P/M’s big upset over Fab 50 #44 Alta/UT. Mack connected for 20 key points to spark a Warrior comeback and outlast a previously undefeated Alta late in 4th quarter.
