CIF-SS Season Stock Risers: Division 2A (Part 1)
The high school basketball season in Southern California is nearing the end as the playoffs are now in the final rounds. Many teams pulled off surprising deep playoff runs while others fell short to meet expectations. In the CIF-SS Division…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season in Southern California is nearing the end as the playoffs are now in the final rounds. Many teams pulled off surprising deep playoff runs while others fell short to meet expectations.
In the CIF-SS Division 2A rank, there was a multitude of players that orchestrated exceptional seasons. Here are a select few that did just that. These 2021–2023 players went from under-the-radar talents to ones to watch next season.
2021
Tyler Powell
Tyler
Powell
6'5" | SF
Ribet Academy | 2021
State
#130
Nation
CA-S
— Ribet Academy
Key strength: Prolific scorer
What to work on for next season: Unlocking potential as an aggressive defender
Tyler Powell Tyler Powell 6'5" | SF Ribet Academy | 2021 State #130 Nation CA-S has been one of the top rising talents in the strong 2021 class.
Powell currently ranks 149th in Prep Hoops’ 2021 national rankings. However, he will only continue to rise considering his stout all-around repertoire on offense.
Watching Powell this season and the one component of his play that pops out is his athleticism. The 6’5” talent is one who can get up for a highlight-reel dunk or showcase his explosiveness as a finisher in transition sequences. He uses this skill set to gain a significant advantage over defenders on the offensive end of the floor but also on defense when it comes to hauling in rebounds or using his length to block shots.
When Powell is not taking advantage of mismatches on the floor, the 2021 talent is out on the wing or corners draining 3-point shots. Powell has certainly become a viable shooter from beyond the arc this season.
One reason why Powell has been so deserving of attention this season is because of his knack as a big-game performer. Time and time again, Powell has delivered against the top teams on the Fighting Frogs’ schedule. Whether it was the 25-point showing against Mayfair last month or the recent double-double performance against La Mirada in the CIF Playoffs, the junior always seems to bring his very best in games where Ribet Academy need him the most.
Look for Powell’s stock to rise even more throughout the year, including in the upcoming CIF-SS Division 2A championship game.
2021
Christian Johnson
Christian
Johnson
6'0" | PG
Lynwood | 2021
State
CA-S
— Lynwood
Key strength: Scoring in the paint
What to work on for next season: Outside shooting
Christian “Bam” Johnson came into his own this season. Alongside 2020 guard Jaren Johnson Jaren Johnson 6'2" | SG Lynwood | 2020 State #322 Nation CA-S , the two led Lynwood to a stellar campaign, which included a league title and quarter-final finish in the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs.
Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'0" | PG Lynwood | 2021 State CA-S led Lynwood as the main ball-handler on the team. He was tasked with bringing the ball up the court and running the team’s offensive sets. He excelled in creating shots for teammates and distributing the ball at an unselfish rate. His role encompassed what one expects out of a point guard.
The 6’0” guard is keen on being patient on the ball. For instance, Johnson is capable of driving to the basket and collapsing the opponent’s defense in the paint. Once he can gravitate multiple defenders towards him, Johnson is capable of kicking the ball out to an open teammate on the corners or just outside the paint for a high-percentage shot. The guard has good enough handles to maintain control of the ball while driving to the paint — a key aspect of play for any ball-handling guard.
As a scorer, Johnson showed tremendous poise throughout the season in continually getting buckets on a game-by-game basis. He finished the season strong with 21 points against Serra and 18 points against Sonora in the playoffs. He can score in a number of ways, from finishing at the basket to draining floaters within the paint. However, if he wishes to elevate his game, Johnson must be more efficient in outside shooting. A reliable mid-range jumper coupled with a consistent 3-point shot can make him a more lethal scorer.
2022 Rob Diaz — Millikan
Key strength: Can create offense at will
What to work on for next season: Consistency in perimeter shooting
If there is one underrated guard in the Division 2A rank, it is Millikan’s Rob Diaz.
The Rams’ star guard led the team to a tie of the Moore League title with Long Beach Poly and a spot in the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs. He had several impressive highlights throughout his sophomore year, including his game-winning, buzzer-beating shot against Compton last month.
The guard took great leaps in his overall offensive game. What impressed the most was how effortlessly he was able to create his own offense. Even though defenses had a clear plan against him, Diaz still made it a habit to get off shots and facilitate offensive sets all on his own. Diaz is a very potent scorer with range revered by opponents; he can take it to the hoop against multiple defenders or hit from deep beyond the arc.
As mentioned, Diaz was arguably the main focal point of the opponent’s defensive game plan. But the guard negates that by controlling the pace of play. For instance, he can turn up the pace of play up a notch by crashing the paint and taking on multiple defenders at the rim. On the other hand, he is capable of dribbling out the clock, creating separation against his defender and hitting a deep 3-point shot. Defenses simply do not know what they will get from Diaz on every possession.
Diaz surely rose his stock and garnered much more attention after a strong sophomore year. Look for him to continue to polish his overall offensive game, such as with spacing and perimeter shooting.
2021
Elijah Evans
Elijah
Evans
6'4" | SF
Dominguez | 2021
State
CA-S
— Dominguez
Key strength: Capable scorer
What to work on for next season: Consistency as a shooter
The San Gabriel Valley League in the CIF-SS has garnered slight interest over the years for the quality of players it is producing. Of course, there is Lynwood’s Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'0" | PG Lynwood | 2021 State CA-S and also Dominguez’s Elijah Evans Elijah Evans 6'4" | SF Dominguez | 2021 State CA-S .
Evans had a good under-the-radar season. The 6’4” guard had a multitude of 20-point performances, including a solid 24-point showing against La Mirada in the opening round of the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs. He is certainly a quality scorer who can put a team on his back. He can finish at the rim by using his size and physicality against forwards down in the post. The guard also has the tendency to finish from outside the paint as he can take contested shots against taller defenders. He can size up his defender by creating space on a fadeaway jumper or settle for a pull-up shot off a dribble.
Evans is certainly one of the most underappreciated scorers in the Division 2A rank.