San Diego’s most improved 2021 players
Some players just needed a different role. Others, a change of scenery. Some grew into their bodies. And other players, well, they simply just worked on their game — and it showed. There are plenty of reasons why guys take…
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Continue ReadingSome players just needed a different role. Others, a change of scenery. Some grew into their bodies. And other players, well, they simply just worked on their game — and it showed.
There are plenty of reasons why guys take big steps forward from one season to the next, as the players on this list can attest to.
San Diego’s Most Improved 2021 Players
Bonita Vista guard Momo Stokes took the next step as a playmaker and scorer as a juniorMomo Stokes, 5-10 2021 PG, Bonita Vista
What changed: Growth, role. Stokes entered high school as an absolute blur with the rock, but at a shade under 5-5 wasn’t ready for the rigors of varsity basketball. He’s closing in on 6-0 and still growing, and is as explosive off the dribble as ever. This year, he assumed a more robust role in the offense, and responded by averaging 17 points per game, second only to DJ Sanders DJ Sanders 6'0" | CG Bonita Vista | 2021 State CA-S for the Barons.
Henry Hartwell, 6-4 2021 SG, El Camino
What changed: The scenery. After two seasons at Carlsbad, Hartwell moved to El Camino, where he was immediately thrust into a starting role on a team that was decidedly rebuilding. The result was impressive. Pairing with fellow juniors Tyson Robinson Tyson Robinson 6'0" | CG El Camino | 2021 State CA-S and Keavie Love Keavie Love 6'2" | CG El Camino | 2021 State CA-S , Hartwell became a valuable floor spacing guard who looks the part of a college prospect.
Garrett Pyle, 6-2 2021 SG, Poway
What changed: Role. I don’t think most realize that Pyle actually has played at least one varsity basketball game in each of his three seasons with the Titans. But this year, Pyle made certain you knew, becoming the sharpshooting complement to Adam Sevier Adam Sevier 5'9" | CG Poway | 2020 State CA-S in the Titans back court. Poway’s dominant run through the Coastal League netted them four all-league first-team selections, and Pyle received his first honor.
Daryl Sledge, 6-2 2021 G, Parker
What changed: Role, confidence. After a strong freshman campaign, Sledge became an afterthought as a sophomore. But after graduation and transfers left the Lancers bench threadbare, Sledge emerged as the player he was trending towards as a freshman. One of the county’s deadliest shooters, Sledge improved his ability to score from midrange and his defensive intensity. He earned an All Coastal League second-team berth, a testament to how far he has come in a short period of time.
Hayden Gray Hayden Gray 6'2" | PG Santa Fe Christian | 2021 State CA-S , 6-3 2021 PG, Santa Fe Christian
What changed: Consistency. Gray was a starter on an Open Division Eagles team as a sophomore, but his production vacillated. As a junior, Gray took on the challenge to become the team’s leader, and did so emphatically, leading SFC to its third Division 1 title in four years. Gray was named to the Coastal League First Team and looks to emerge as one of the bona fide stars of the 2020-21 campaign.
Cole Stephens Cole Stephens 6'9" | C Poway | 2021 State CA-S , 6-9 2021 PF, Poway
What changed: Confidence. You could see the glint in his eyes during the preseason. Stephens just looked like a player who knew he couldn’t be guarded. This was a full 180-degree switch from the player who looked hesitant at times during his sophomore campaign. Stephens became an offensive force for the Titans, who stayed in the Open Division hunt all season and was named to the All Palomar League First Team.
Gabe Harrison, 6-1 2021 G, Point Loma
What changed: Focus. Harrison has always had the physical tools to be a great player, but lacked attention to detail his first two seasons of HS hoops. This year, he put it together for the surprise Pointers, who upset the No. 1 seed in the Division 2 playoffs and was named to the All Eastern League 2nd team.
Tyson Robinson Tyson Robinson 6'0" | CG El Camino | 2021 State CA-S , 6-0 2021 G, El Camino
What changed: Assertiveness. Always a confident player, Robinson assumed a leadership role on the Wildcats team that many assumed would be rebuilding. Not only did they not rebuild, they made it to the CIF Division 1 semifinals with Robinson leading the team in scoring and earning Avocado East League Player of the Year, a season after making all-league second team as a sophomore.
Alex Crawford Alex Crawford 6'6" | SF Eastlake | 2021 State CA-S , 6-7 2021 PF, Eastlake
What changed: Confidence. Crawford has always been a player who looked the part of a high-level face-up four, with his length and bouncy athleticism. This year, he added pieces (improved perimeter shooting, slashing) that made you see the promise begin to be realized. Scoring 17 points and 6.1 rebounds, Crawford more than doubled his offensive output and led the Titans to the D3 semifinals.