SoCal’s 2023 Breakout Candidates (Pt. 6)
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With many states, including California, still struggling to figure out how to play the high school basketball season amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers, we wanted to take a closer look at each class in our region. In this piece, we…
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Continue ReadingWith many states, including California, still struggling to figure out how to play the high school basketball season amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers, we wanted to take a closer look at each class in our region.
In this piece, we break down the players in the class of 2023 who would have broken out at this point in the season for their high school teams if it had gone as normally scheduled.
Jacob Bannarbie Jacob Bannarbie 6'6" | PF Torrey Pines | 2023 CA-S , Torrey Pines – Bannarbie has a versatile skill-set for such a young forward prospect. The 6-foot-8 sophomore thrives in the mid post where he uses his quick twitch speed to face-up, rip through and blow by defenders into the paint where he explodes off the floor for strong finishes. One of the more under-the-radar parts of Bannarbie’s game is his ability to draw double teams in the post and find open shooters or cutters with a skip or drop off pass. Bannarbie has great touch around the rim and is continuing to extend his range to the perimeter.
Keyon Kensie Keyon Kensie 6'7" | SF Taft | 2023 State CA-S , Lynwood – The smooth 6-foot-6 lefty wing showed plenty of flashes of being a high upside prospect last season with the Knights. Kensie has a fluid perimeter shooting stroke, can create for himself and others off the bounce, and his long, wiry frame projects well for the next three years of his high school career and beyond.
LaQwon Cole, Gardena Serra – Cole has dynamic speed in the open court and quickness in the half-court which lends to his playmaking ability in both instances. The 6-foot point guard loves to push the pace in transition and put pressure on retreating defenses, but also has the headiness to know when to pull the ball out and run offense. Cole operates with a high IQ out of ball-screen action and can make defenders pay with a jumper if they go under or a paint touch if they chase over the top.
Efe Gucoglu, Corona del Mar – Gucoglu was the glue guy for the Sea Kings during his freshman season, making some starts throughout the year while providing a solid defense and rebounding presence off the bench as well. The 6-foot-2 guard/forward was at his best when slashing to the bucket off the ball and using his strong frame to power through contact and score. With the graduation of many of CdM’s top scorers from last season, Gucoglu was in line for some more offensive touches and responsibility.