POY Watchlist: Week 2
The State Player of the year is one of the most prestigious awards a prep player can take home in his career. No POY race in recent memory has had as many potential candidates as this one. Throughout the season…
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Continue ReadingThe State Player of the year is one of the most prestigious awards a prep player can take home in his career. No POY race in recent memory has had as many potential candidates as this one. Throughout the season PH will keep you updated with the POY race. In this article, we take a look at the candidates after week 2.
Favorites:
Jaden Hardy 6’4 PG Coronado 2021 (#1 2021) – Hardy had another big game for Coronado this week, scoring 22 against Corona Centennial of California.
Zaon Collins 6’1 PG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#2 2021) – Collins has been the main catalyst to the Gaels 4-0 start. He took home player of the game honors this week at the So Cal – LV Showdown.
Julian Strawther 6’6 SF Liberty 2020 (#2 2020) – Strawther is putting together one of the most dominating seasons in recent memory. His 44 point performance against Rancho Christian was his latest masterpiece. I have a sneaking suspicion that his big scoring game is yet to come.
Daishen Nix 6’5 PG Trinity International 2020 (#1 2020) – Nix was off this week. His next game will be 12/17/19 at the Tarkanian Classic against Cornerstone Christian.
Donavan Yap 6’2 SG Arbor View 2020 (#5 2020) – Yap is averaging 24 per, and Arbor View is quietly 4-0. They will be participating in the Tarkanian Classic this week, which should provide for terrific exposure.
Contenders:
Will McClendon 6’4 SG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#3 2021) – With Noah Taitz sidelined with a leg injury I expect McClendon to take on an even larger role for the Gales.
Dark Horses:
Kareem Rowe 6’4 PF McQueen 2020 – On numbers alone McQueen belongs on the list. When you factor in that he has the Lancers at 5-1 then it’s easy to see that he is putting together a POY type season.
Keshon Gilbert 6’2 PG Durango 2021 (#7PHN 2021) – I’m a believer in the UNLV recruit. Gilbert was terrific for the Trailblazers on Saturday against an undefeated Harvard Westlake squad. Gilbert’s finishing ability and competitive spirit is what sets him apart from many players.
Anthony Hunter 5’11 PG Durango 2020 (#6 2020) – Durango is off to a 4-1 start and Hunter is one of the main reasons why. He’s turning into one of the most complete players in the state, scoring, defending and setting up his teammates.
Milos Uzan 6’3 PG Desert Pines 2022 – Uzan has firmly put himself into the race. The sophomore has two of the key ingredients I look for in a POY contender, talent and a winning team. High IQ player with terrific poise. Uzan currently leads DP in points, rebounds and assist.
Long Shots:
Martell Williams 6’2 SG Silverado 2020 (#7 2020) – After a slow start, Williams has come on strong. Silverado only has one loss, in a game they led by double digits into the 4th quarter. He’s currently averaging 15 and 8 on the season.
Mason Whittaker 6’5 PG Spanish Springs 2020 (#44 2020) – Mason is still hanging in there. Spanish Springs is 6-2 with their only two losses coming against California teams. Whittaker is showing off his usual stellar all-around game, averaging 18 – 6 – 2 for the Cougars.
Cameron Kimble 6’4 SG Clark 2021 (#7PHN 2021) – Kimble has entered into contention this week. He is going to be counted on to carry Clark all season and so far he has been up to the challenge.