CIF Southern Section Divisional Preview: Division 2A Players to Watch (Part III)
With the the 2019-20 boys basketball season ready to kick off this 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 this 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
Keyon Kensie, Lynwood
Kensie is one of the most intriguing incoming freshmen in all of SoCal high school hoops. The 6-foot-3 wing has a long, lanky frame with smooth and fluid athleticism. The first thing that stands out about Kensie’s game is his smooth shooting stroke bot Hoff the catch and off the bounce.
Kevin Kent, Los Alamitos
Kent is a returning Co-MVP of the Surf League after averaging 16 points per game as a junior. The 5-foot-7 point guard plays with a confidence and fearlessness that is not indicative of his height. Kent has a throwback feel to his game as he’s more efficient as a mid-range jump shooter than 3-point shooter and he uses his speed and quick first step to get to his spots.
Houston Mallette, Pacifica Christian/OC
Mallette will be one of the top guards in Orange County again this season and it’s because of his combination of size and skill-set. The 6-foot-4 junior has the ability to serve as a go-to scoring threat or distributor as he averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 assists per game as a sophomore. The most underrated part of Mallette’s game is his rebounding from the point guard spot. He averaged 6.2 boards per game last season.
Murrieta Mesa forward Matthew McIntosh is a double-double waiting to happen.Max McCalla, Mira Costa
McCalla is a steady four-year varsity player who is a reliable ball-handler that prioritizes ball security and limiting turnovers. The 6-foot-3 senior is a capable 3-point shooter when he has his feet set and is on balance, but thrives as a table setter and high IQ playmaker.
Matthew McIntosh, Murrieta Mesa
McIntosh’s game is that of an undersized four-man. The 6-foot-5, 225 pounder uses his strength well on both ends of the floor, defensively as a positional defender and rebounder, and offensively as a guy who can carve out space in the paint and power through contact for high percentage finishes. McIntosh plays with a big time motor and isn’t afraid of doing the dirty work.
Darius McClain, Lynwood
McClain will see a lot of time opposite of Jaren Johnson on the wing and should have plenty of opportunity to show off his smooth shooting stroke. The 6-foot-3 junior has good length and fluid shooting mechanics. When he has time and space, there’s a very good chance his 3-point shot will drop.
Sebastian Mendoza, Riverside Hillcrest
Mendoza is one of the most important players to his team in all of high school hoops because he has an impact in every stat category. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 29.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game as a junior in helping Hillcrest to 22 wins. Mendoza plays with unmatched energy and has a combination of size, strength and athleticism that overwhelms most opposing defenders.