CIF-SS Under-the-Radar 2021 Scorers to Watch
The CIF-SS rank is home to some of the best scorers in the state. Many elite players in this section are capable of translating their game over to the Division 1 level in college. But then there are other scorers…
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Continue ReadingThe CIF-SS rank is home to some of the best scorers in the state. Many elite players in this section are capable of translating their game over to the Division 1 level in college. But then there are other scorers that are much deserving of more recognition, such as with these select four under-the-radar scoring talents.
Jalen Cole
Jalen
Cole
6'4" | PF
La Mirada | 2021
State
CA-S
— La Mirada
Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: 25 points against Los Altos
First up is La Mirada’s Jalen Cole Jalen Cole 6'4" | PF La Mirada | 2021 State CA-S . He averaged 15.4 points per game on the season and earned All-Suburban League First Team honors.
As a scorer, one aspect of his game that stands out is his well-rounded shooting from beyond the arc. With his shooting mechanics, he has a low bend on his build-up and extends throughout the shot release. The lefty shooter can hit from either corner, which is why he hit on 37% of 3-point attempts this past season.
Cole is certainly a reliable spot-up shooter that teammates can rely on over the course of the game, such as in situations where the original play collapses. His reliability as a spot-up shooter adds to the La Mirada’s offensive arsenal.
One aspect of his play that could use a few improvements is his perimeter shooting, such as in isolation situations. But with his sturdy build, he has the potential to will his way to high percentage shots from just outside the paint.
Erik Howlin — La Habra
Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: 42 points against Calvary Chapel
Next up is La Habra’s Erik Howlin, who had a strong breakout season. The 6’0” guard averaged a career-high in points per game with a 15.4 average. His league performances made him an All-Freeway League First Team selection.
Howlin is more of a shooter on the offensive end. He was relied on as one of the team’s go-to 3-point shooters. The 2021 guard has a good quick release to his shot, which works to his advantage in catch-and-shoot situations. Teammates typically found him roaming around the 3-point line, waiting to pounce on any opportunity to get off a shot. When he is rolling from beyond the arc, defenses simply have no answer.
Efficiency can be an aspect of his shooting that he could work on. For one, he works into the shot very well, but must also be keen on not rushing any shots off. At times, he could rely on a pump-fake or simple step-back to create space against his nearest defender, which can make for higher percentage shots.
Nonetheless, look for the 2021 guard to make great strides in his shooting form next season.
Garrett Andre
Garrett
Andre
6'9" | C
Villa Park | 2021
State
CA-S
— Villa Park
Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: 18 points against Crespi
Garrett Andre Garrett Andre 6'9" | C Villa Park | 2021 State CA-S is an intriguing forward/center scoring option from Villa Park. He was among the go-to double-digit scorers on the team this past season alongside the likes of underrated 2020 prospect Riley Schroeder Riley Schroeder 6'6" | SF Villa Park | 2020 State CA-S and 2021 guard Damien Parker.
Andre stands at 6’9” and can play the four or five. He exerts a good amount of effort off the ball, such as with his off-ball movement or simply just protecting the rim. But Andre is a competent scorer as well. He runs the floor and often positions himself in the low post for uncontested layup attempts. In the half-court, he has good awareness of the low post, which is translated by recognizing when space opens up in the paint and veering into it within seconds. He might not be an overly aggressive down low scorer, but he can certainly will his way to a double-digit showing on a game-by-game basis.
Improvements in his post-game and mid-range shooting next season can go a long way for Villa Park.
Elijah Evans
Elijah
Evans
6'4" | SF
Dominguez | 2021
State
CA-S
— Dominguez
Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: 24 points against La Mirada
A CIF-SS stock riser, Elijah Evans Elijah Evans 6'4" | SF Dominguez | 2021 State CA-S fits the bill as an under-the-radar scorer as well.
Evans was the much-needed spark on the offensive end for the Dominguez Dons in the CIF-SS Division 2A rank this past season. He is a workhorse scorer that can gradually extend his shooting range at a moderate rate. The 6’4” is a physical bucket-getter in that he can finish against contact. But at times, he does not even need to find a way to create space against his defender because of how well he can waltz his way to the basket regardless of how congested the paint is. The soon-to-be senior guard also has a good amount of go-to moves up his sleeve, which makes him unpredictable for opposing defenders.