CIF-SS Promising 2023 Prospects to Watch (Part 1)

There is never a shortage of talent in the CIF Southern Section. As a multitude of seniors departed off to the college level, many sophomores this upcoming season are now ready for an increased role on their respective teams with the hope of orchestrating a breakout season. These four sophomore talents are among those that have the potential to put together a stout second-year campaign. Immanuel Taylor Immanuel Taylor 5'9" | PG Village Christian | 2023 — Village Christian Immanuel Taylor Immanuel Taylor 5'9" | PG Village Christian | 2023 is one crafty point guard. The Village Christian talent is expected to have a potent sophomore season due to his ability as a primary ball-handler. He has good handles and works well on taking care of the ball amid heavy pressure from an opponent. Taylor possesses promising potential as a drive-and-kick guard, which calls for a guard to have superb court vision and the ability to create high percentage shot opportunities for teammates. The 5’9” guard can be elusive as he works his way into the painted area as well. In short, Taylor should thrive this upcoming season as a pass-first guard considering that he will once again be surrounded by improved pure shooters such as 2022 forward Powel Mousaian. Tanner Deal Tanner Deal 6'2" | SF Pacifica Christian/OC | 2023 — Pacifica Christian Tanner Deal Tanner Deal 6'2" | SF Pacifica Christian/OC | 2023 has promise as a 6’2” guard for the Tritons. He works well as a cutter in off-ball situations. He recognizes when to hover into open space and make himself available to receive passes from teammates. Deal has the knack to become effective on transition sequences; he runs the floor very well. The sophomore guard also possesses the frame to challenge for shots from the painted area and is not afraid of backing down from contested attempts. Perimeter shooting will be a key for him over his sophomore campaign. Isaiah Johnson Isaiah Johnson 6'7" | PF Bishop Montgomery | 2020 State — Maranatha Isaiah Johnson Isaiah Johnson 6'7" | PF Bishop Montgomery | 2020 State has what it takes to become a potent two-way point guard. Johnson is a capable ball-handler who runs the point well. He can fend off pressure from an opponent and prevent from losing possession on what could turn into fast-break opportunities going the other way. On the flip side, Johnson excels as a transition scorer. He is a turnover-creator on the defensive side of the ball and runs the floor well to score an effortless basket. He can finish against contact and will his way to patrolling inside the restricted area. The 6’1” guard can take the next step in his game by continuing to develop his 3-point shot. The lefty shooter has a promising release and can become a threat for the opponent in off dribble sequences as well. MJ Coleman — Brentwood MJ Coleman has a reliable role on Brentwood as being a catch-and-shoot talent. He is aided by his high arching shot and ability to quickly get to his spots on the floor, especially in transition sequences. The 5’10” guard has quick feet, and he can use this to his advantage when maneuvering his way into the paint. His shot selection is what stands out as well. Coleman does not settle but is rather patient to find quality shots on the floor. Efficiency and the volume of shots he takes will be something to watch for in his sophomore campaign.