One of the most refreshing things about this event is the numerous teams drawn in from around the country. For those who don’t know, I am Indigenous myself as I have Native Hawaiian Blood. One of my goals when becoming a basketball analyst was to help student athletes who are of Indigenous origin as many fly under the radar.
This event was refreshing as Native Tribes such as Kānaka Maoli, Navajo, and Paiute were represented by schools Kamehameha-Kapālama (HI), ‘Iolani (HI), Page (AZ) , and Pyramid Lake (NV). Last season, Kamehameha-Kapālama placed third in the (HHSAA) Hawai’i High School Athletic Association’s Division 1 Tournament, ‘Iolani won the HHSAA Division 1 State Championship, Page was eliminated in the Second Round of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s 3A State Playoffs, and Pyramid Lake won the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s 1A State Championship.
On the third day, I assigned myself to evaluate Page and Pyramid Lake since I was able to see ‘Iolani and Kamehameha-Kapālama the first day. Here are the athletes that stood out to me:
Sofia Cambridge 2024 5’10 Post Page
Cambridge is one of the more exciting players to watch from Northern Arizona. She is an inside presence who is an active shotblocker and cleans the glass on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she can finish inside and hit the mid range. One of the hidden gems in the 2024 class. College coaches take note.
Lorena Eben 2026 5’7 Guard/Forward Pyramid Lake
Eben is a pure scorer at all three levels and makes plays. She has decent ball handling and defends well. Eben will be an integral part of Pyramid Lake’s State Championship repeat this Spring.
Alyssa Harris 2024 5’6 Combo Guard Page
Harris is one of the top guard prospects in Northern Arizona. She is the complete player who defends at a high level and an excellent motor. Offensively, she can play both guard positions, score at all three levels, and facilitates. The two most impressive attributes about her is her basketball IQ and ability to finish through contact.
Olivia Lara 2025 5’4 Guard Pyramid Lake
Lara is a solid combo guard who makes plays. She has a good motor and plays scrappy on both ends of the floor. A three level scorer with good handles and can facilitate. Lara would be a solid small college prospect for a school needing an uptempo guard who is a playmaker.
Kaitlin Mandell 2025 5’4 Guard Pyramid Lake
Mandell is a solid combo guard who has a tight handle. I like how tough and aggressive she plays on both ends of the floor. What really stood out to me was her finishing ability. Mandell is a crafty guard with tremendous upside.
Shayla Barraza 2024 5’6 Guard Pyramid Lake
Barraza is a playmaker who is capable of playing all three guard positions. She is an integral piece of the Lakers lineup. She does the little things to help keep her team in games. Her playmaking ability on both ends of the floor and scoring ability will help her team repeat as 1A Nevada State Champions. Another sleeper prospect who has tremendous upside.
