CIF-SS 2021 Impact Players to Watch
The CIF Southern Section is stacked with players who just find ways to influence the game. Whether it is with their offensive attack or defensive work rate, such players do what it takes to impact the game. These four 2021…
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Continue ReadingThe CIF Southern Section is stacked with players who just find ways to influence the game. Whether it is with their offensive attack or defensive work rate, such players do what it takes to impact the game. These four 2021 players are among many who can provide just that.
Troy Anderson — Moorpark
Troy Anderson emerged as a clear go-to scorer for Moorpark last season. With his broad frame and 6’4” size, he often went to work on the offensive end as a high-volume scorer. He is a natural scorer with a smooth release and follow through extension on the shot. There is no shot that he will not take. He can step-back for an attempt after halting his dribble and catching his defender off guard or simply drive inside after initiating contact.
One area that he could improve in at is his shot selection. He has a slight habit of settling with shots rather than attempting to find a higher percentage shot. If he can polish this aspect of play, look for Anderson to increase his points per game average up from last season’s 17.1. He is more than capable of becoming a dominant scoring force to watch within the CIF Southern Section.
Denim Dawson Denim Dawson 6'5" | SF Orange Lutheran | 2021 State CA-S — Orange Lutheran
If you want to watch a promising and athletic two-way talent, here is Denim Dawson Denim Dawson 6'5" | SF Orange Lutheran | 2021 State CA-S . The former Colony talent is a high work rate player on both ends of the floor. As a scorer, he is sound with finishing off transition buckets, which has become a specialty of his offensive repertoire. He often drives to the basket and thrives off of taking on contact, which still does not slow down his quickness to the paint. On defense, he has such a high stamina and it helps in clutch situations towards the end of games. He is lengthy and can find ways to jump in front of passing lanes or shield a shooter from getting open. Physicality is a theme of his play on offense and defense.
Christian Espericueta — Roosevelt
Christian Espericueta provided good minutes for Roosevelt as a role player last season. He averaged a fair 4.9 points per game and provided a spark behind team leaders such as 2022 CJ Bellamy CJ Bellamy 5'8" | PG Los Altos | 2022 State CA-S . Espericueta is not the player who will lead the team on either side of the floor but simply takes care of the small but still notable aspects of play. From running the floor in transition possessions to applying ball pressure on the primary ball-handler in a half-court defensive set, Espericueta just has an eye on making an impact for the team. He is quick and agile as well, which helps with his versatility on either end of the floor.
Ricky Salgado — Simi Valley
Ricky Salgado is an impact player for Simi Valley more on the offensive end, particularly as a passer Being one of the tallest players on the team at 6’3”, he is often designated to hover over the painted area on offense. But he does not remain static there. Salgado does well to move into the high post, free up space in the restricted area and dish out passes to there. The same goes for him when he is in the low post as well. He eyes for that creative pass, whether a bounce pass in traffic or long-distance transition pass for an assist.
When on the ball, Salgado can hit the double-digit mark but is rather more conservative in his shot selection. He is patient on waiting it out for the best shot possible and has this unselfish mentality that is embedded within his game.