Francisco’s Finest: CIFSS Playoffs (Surprises)
Francisco’s Finest: CIFSS Playoffs (Surprises) LONG BEACH, CA.— The CIF Southern Section playoffs have been firinig away on all cylinders with a number of high-leve games and spellbinding performances. The usual suspects—led by Sierra Canyon’s Kenyon Martin Jr. and Mater…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: CIFSS Playoffs (Surprises)
LONG BEACH, CA.— The CIF Southern Section playoffs have been firinig away on all cylinders with a number of high-leve games and spellbinding performances. The usual suspects—led by Sierra Canyon’s Kenyon Martin Jr. and Mater Dei’s super sophomore Wilhelm Breidenbach—crushed the competition with tenacity and skill. However, there were up-and-comers such as junior Andre Henry (St. Francis) and freshman sensation Amari Bailey (Sierra Canyon) showed what the future has in store.
Johnny Juzang (Harvard-Westlake)
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: During the club season, Juzang is best known as a “gunner.” He has a scorer’s mentality and can convert buckets from all three levels. However, during the high school season, Juzang’s game has evolved. His leadership and decision making are improved and he has become a more efficient basketball player.
Nick Manor-Hall (Chino Hills)
2019, PF/WF, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Manor-Hall will be in a Division 1 uniform a couple of seasons from now if he continues to develop his perimeter skill set. He has the frame with long arms as well as the physical tools to be a 3-and-D player due to his soft shooting touch and ability to slide his feet.
Jeremiah Paul (St. John Bosco)
2021, WF, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Fellow classmates Scotty Washington and Lemaj Lewis have received more attention, but it was Paul who came up with a number of clutch shots during Bosco’s game versus Mater Dei. He has a strong frame and his smooth shooting touch and it will be interesting to see how much his overall game improves under the tuteledge of Head Coach Matt Dunn.
Dennis Flowers III (St. Francis)
2019, SG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Flowers put together a nice playoff run during his senior campaign. He has an ideal frame for the next level and his overall game has improved. His first step is solid and he can either slash his way to the rim or nail the pull-up jump shot.
Dean Keeler (Marina)
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: The sinewy Keeler is one of the more intriguing prospects in the senior class. He has extraordinarily long arms, solid feet, and good hands. He can hit the elbow jump shot or score over either shoulder in the paint. With added strength and maturity, it would not be surprised to see him playing at the Division 1 level.