CIF-SS Season Stock Risers: Division 1 (Part 1)
The CIF Southern Section Division 1 rank produced some of the best basketball in the region this season. There was a multitude of must-watch games within the division that showcased some of the best high school talents in Southern California.…
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Continue ReadingThe CIF Southern Section Division 1 rank produced some of the best basketball in the region this season. There was a multitude of must-watch games within the division that showcased some of the best high school talents in Southern California. Dozens and dozens of 2021–2023 players elevated their status into possibly becoming a future Division 1 or 2 talent at the college level, including these eight talents.
In part one of the Division 1 stock risers spotlight, we highlight these first four players that had exceptional all-around seasons.
2022 Dior Johnson — Mayfair
Key strength: Unique and crafty scorer
There was no such thing as a mismatch for guard Dior Johnson this past season because opponents simply could not contain him when he had the ball.
The Mayfair guard emerged as one of the most revered talents in all of Southern California. Johnson is not just like any other scoring guard, but rather his playstyle revolves around being a ball-handling, playmaking combo guard.
As a scorer, there is one word that perfectly describes his game here: creative. Johnson is largely unpredictable on the ball because he can score in a number of ways. He can accelerate to the rim and finish. He can pick out his spot on the floor and take on his defender for a pull-up shot. And more importantly, Johnson can finish from beyond the arc; he has promising potential to be a 40% 3-point shooter down the road.
As one of the most skilled guards in the division, he is not very prone to turnovers, which is a good sign for a high usage guard. And as mentioned, the 2022 talent is keen on playmaking. He is capable of dishing out passes to teammates down in the post. His vision on the court sets him apart from other guards in the division.
From his multiple 30+ point performances to his commitment to Syracuse, Johnson’s sophomore year was surely one to remember.
2021
Peyton Watson
Peyton
Watson
6'7" | SF
Long Beach Poly | 2021
State
#11
Nation
CA-S
— Long Beach Poly
Key strength: Unparalleled athleticism
Peyton Watson Peyton Watson 6'7" | SF Long Beach Poly | 2021 State #11 Nation CA-S was a menace on both sides of the floor for Long Beach Poly this past season.
On offense, the 6’7” talent often used his length to gain an advantage over his defender. When met with a size advantage, Watson went to work, whether it was crashing the paint or finishing from just outside with a stout pull-up jumper. This was mostly seen in the mid-range as Watson often used his length to finish with relative ease after squaring up his opponent. Watson is also an efficient scorer when finishing against contact in the post.
His defensive work is certainly much more deserving of attention. Just like on offense, Watson uses his size and length to cause havoc. He is a high motor defender who can go up and challenge the opponent at the rim. His quick hands allow him to reach for steals or go up for game-changing blocks. Even outside of the paint, Watson does an exceptional job of staying with his opponent throughout a possession, which he excelled at in the two rivalry games against Millikan.
For a talent who is a potent two-way player, Watson certainly has what it takes to play for a powerhouse Division 1 school at the next level.
2022
Kijani Wright
Kijani
Wright
6'8" | PF
Sierra Canyon | 2022
State
#63
Nation
CA-S
– Windward
Key strength: Viable post scorer
Kijani Wright Kijani Wright 6'8" | PF Sierra Canyon | 2022 State #63 Nation CA-S had a solid all-around sophomore year for Windward. He elevated his game to a new level and helped lead the Wildcats to a CIF-SS Division 1 title.
At 6’8”, Wright often had a field day down in the post. He has good, quick footwork to get set when he has the ball. His size and upper body strength provide him with a variety of options when on the ball. He can post up or set up just outside the paint for a mid-range jumper. The forward can score veering from his left or right in the paint. He is not as clinical of a finisher as one would hope with his size, but this should be polished up in his junior and senior years.
Arguably the most underappreciated aspect of his game is how well of a passer he is. Wright is not a talent who will isolate himself in the paint and wait for play to come to him. Instead, he often positions himself outside of the paint — including at the top of the key — and distributes the ball at will. By spacing the floor, it opens up a plethora of scoring options for teammates, including when it comes to driving to the rim.
Of course, rebounding is also a strong suit of his on both sides of the floor. His extensive size allows for him to haul in rebound after rebound down low. This was on full display in his showing against Mayfair in the playoffs, where he recorded 16 rebounds.
2023
Kylan Boswell
Kylan
Boswell
6'2" | PG
AZ Compass Prep | 2023
AZ
— Colony
Key strength: Great range as a shooter
Kylan Boswell Kylan Boswell 6'2" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2023 AZ will be a name to watch for next season after a strong freshman campaign.
The 6’0” talent from Colony emerged as a reliable double-digit scorer in his first year with the team. His offensive repertoire is developing, but there is no denying that he has an impressive shooting range for an underclassman. He has a viable arching shot and a swift high release when shooting from out at the 3-point line. He also essentially plays with the confidence of a five-star talent when on the ball, which is what any coach or scout would like to see from a freshman.
While his shooting range is a staple of his game, his technique as a passer is a strong suit of his too. While running the point, Boswell has the ability to dish out passes into traffic or kick out to open teammates on the wing. There are no limitations to his potential as a creative playmaker.