CIF Southern Section Divisional Preview: Division 2A Players to Watch (Part I)
With the the 2019-20 boys basketball season ready to kick off next week, we’ll be rolling out some divisional previews taking a look at some of the top teams and players. In this piece, we breakdown some players to watch…
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Continue ReadingWith the the 2019-20 boys basketball season ready to kick off next week, we’ll be rolling out some divisional previews taking a look at some of the top teams and players. In this piece, we breakdown some players to watch in Division 2A based on research combined with what we’ve seen in person this fall.
Division 2A Players to Watch
Ethan Barnella, Marina
Barnella is one of the more consistent spot shooters in the Orange County area. The 6-foot senior is always on balance, has fluid and fundamental shooting mechanics and can shoot it from well-beyond the 3-point line. With the graduation of two Division I teammates in Jakob Alamudun (Lehigh) and Dean Keeler (UC Irvine), Barnella’s offensive role will grow this season.
Jackson Barnhill, Long Beach Wilson
Barnhill is a fluid and active four man who can stretch the floor to the 3-point line at 6-feet-7. The senior power forward makes the majority of his offensive impact when running the floor in transition and getting easy looks at the rim. Barnhill is also a good rebounder both in and out of his area, and is especially effective on the offensive glass.
Judah Brown, Pacifica Christian/OC
Brown is a premier athlete in the SoCal area and he uses that to his advantage on the break and on the defensive end. The 6-foot-7 wing is a big time finisher above the rim and has improved his catch-and-shoot 3-point shot over the last couple of seasons. Brown is a versatile defender with his length and lateral speed and has the ability to serve as a rim protector.
Jalen Cole, La Mirada
Cole has an awkward, flat-footed release on his lefty set shot, but when he gets going, he can fill it up in a hurry. The 6-foot-4 junior is a deadly option out of pick and pop action as his defender isn’t usually expecting him to pull the trigger from the perimeter as quickly and as often as he does.
Robert Diaz III, Long Beach Millikan
Diaz is another big time young scorer in the SoCal area and does the majority of his damage from 3-point range. The 6-foot lefty can knock down open shots off-the-catch, but can also create space on the perimeter when guarded closely. Diaz has improved his mid-range scoring package, as well.
Jeremy Dent-Smith, Gardena Serra
Dent-Smith is one of the highest IQ point guards in the area. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has the ball on a string and never gets sped up in transition or in the half-court setting. Dent-Smith makes defenders pay when going under screens by knocking down 3-point shots, but can also get into the lane and willingly set up teammates.
Daniel Esparza, Sonora
If all goes well for Esparza this season, he could lead Orange County in scoring. The 6-foot-1 junior is an unconscious 3-point shooter and doesn’t need much time or space to get his shot off. Esparza isn’t just a 3-point shooter, either, as he uses his change of speed and direction to get into the paint where he can stop-and-pop a mid-range jumper or get all the way to the cup and finish around the rim.