Top of the 2021 SoCal Class
In what looks like a wide open race for the top rank of the 2021 class, three leaders from the pack have emerged. Peyton Watson (Long Beach Poly), Malik Thomas (Damien), and Reese Dixon Waters (St. Bernards) have been stand…
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Continue ReadingIn what looks like a wide open race for the top rank of the 2021 class, three leaders from the pack have emerged. Peyton Watson (Long Beach Poly), Malik Thomas (Damien), and Reese Dixon Waters (St. Bernards) have been stand out players and stand out at the top of the pecking order.
Contenders
Buy stock now. Rising junior guard Malik Thomas (Damien) is soaring up the rankings and up everyone’s charts. Thomas has had quite a season showing his explosive scoring outburst combined with efficiency, something we have not seen from other prospects in some time. The Damien Spartan had a stretch of 10 games where he averaged over 30 points a game on 55% shooting. What makes his performance even more special is that Thomas plays within the offense and gets his teammates involved. Thomas’ unselfishness is vital to the team as senior forward Austin Cook and junior wing RJ Smith also average double digit scoring for the Spartans who are 19-6.
Front runner Peyton Watson (LB Poly) The Jackrabbit had a statement game on Saturday against Taft where he erupted for 33 pts, and 6 three pointers and 6 blocks. He used his length to get to the rim at will and his hot hand from beyond the arc to scorch the net. Watson’s length also lets him help weak side and chase down opponents for pins and swats off the backboard.
Reese Dixon Waters (St. Bernards) is full of potential. The 4 star wing is exhibiting all the signs of an elite level prospect. Waters can score on all 3 levels and rarely takes bad shots. Coach Mitch Runco raves about Dixon Waters’ willingness to contribute in other facets of the game. The junior Viking is a willing rebounder who hits the boards, and also can defend at a high level. Dixon Waters is no doubt a high major prospect who will blossom at the next level.
Risers
Tyler Powell (Ribet Academy) The Ribet Academy Frogs are 18-2, and one of the biggest reasons is Tyler Powell. The junior forward has come into his own emerging as a leader for his team. Powell is an athletic slasher who uses his strong frame to get to the basket at will. He also has potential to be a big time defender as he does a great job staying in front of the defender, and also knows when to gamble for steals and contest weak side for blocks.
KJ Simpson (Chaminade) Another player fast rising up the charts is the guardfrom Chaminade. Simpson has slowly garnered interest from UCLA, Georgia Tech, Kansas, and Gonzaga. He holds offers from ASU, Washington State, Santa Clara, and others. Simpson is a smooth athletic combo guard who has been oohing and ahhing scouts and fans all alike. Whether its impressive jams in traffic, or scoring the ball off the dribble. Simpson is a swiss army knife who contributes in any way his coaches need him to.
Jahmai Mashack (Etiwanda) “Clamp City” has been on a roll with a 22-2 record on the season, including 7-0 in league play. Mashack may be the best defender of his class. He continually guards the opponents best player, and has been integral to why Etiwanda constantly holds opponents to single digit scoring quarters throughout the season. Maishack has excellent lateral movement, reads and jumps the passing lanes well, and does a great job contesting and closing out on shots. On offense he is still showing improvement to his jumper and can attack the basket.