CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 2AA Contenders
CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 2AA Contenders The new CIF Southern Section competitive equity format has shaken up the playoff divisions for the 2017-18 season and beyond. Let’s take a deeper dive into exactly what competitive equity means. The division…
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Continue ReadingCIF Southern Section Division Preview: 2AA Contenders
The new CIF Southern Section competitive equity format has shaken up the playoff divisions for the 2017-18 season and beyond.
Let’s take a deeper dive into exactly what competitive equity means.
The division placement for each team is based upon a two-year weighted power point total, as described by the CIF-SS website, which take into account strength of a team’s regular season schedule results (33 percent) and playoff performance results (67 percent).
In addition, regular season contests are weighted based on strength of opponents. For example, a victory over a team in Division 1 is given more “points” than a win over a team in Divisions 2, 3, 4, and 5 and the same goes for playoff performance results.
The past CIF division placements have revolved mostly around number of enrollment, and while the number of students at a specific school is no longer a determining factor, the division breakdowns, especially toward the lower end, still have many of the smaller schools in those lower divisions.
This brings us to our CIF-SS Division breakdown in 2A.
Top Contenders
Anaheim Canyon Comanches
Nate Harrison, who is arguably one of the Top Five coaches in Orange County has to be optimistic heading into this season as he has a collection of experienced players and an intriguing sophomore that should equate to a deep playoff run. The senior trio of 6-foot-6 senior Lucas Holden (stretch 4-man with skill), 5-foot-8 A.J. Perry (true pg who defends), and 6-foot-3 Jordan Williams (high motor) should lead the Commanches to a number of victories. However, the key may be how up-and-coming combo-guard 6-foot sophomore Justin Williams (best prospect) develops as the season progresses.
Brentwood School Eagles
The Eagles are coming off a 23-9 record and the pieces are there for an even more impressive year this coming season. Head Coach Ryan Bailey has accumulated a deep roster, starting with one of the better all-around juniors in the area in 6-foot-5 Braelee Albert. Albert is a jack-of-all trades wing-type that affects the game in multiple ways. The backcourt is in good hands with senior sharpshooters 6-foot-2 Sam Clareman and 5-foot-9 Charley Wadler. Eric “JR” Olofson is a high motor glue-type while the front court will be led by 6-foot-7 junior Finnley O’rourke and much-improved 6-foot-8 Brayden Thomas—quite possibly the team’s best long-term prospect.
Cajon Cowboys
The Cowboys, who are coached by Randy Murray and are coming off an impressive 23-6 record, are arguably the most physically gifted team in the division. Led by the most physically imposing two-sport athlete (football) in Southern California in 6-foot-5 senior Jeremiah Martin, the Cowboys have a player that is a guaranteed double-double every time he sees the floor. His fellow teammate on the gridiron is also a talented hooper as 6-foot-8 junior Darren Jones will impact the game with his length, athleticism, and scoring. Jarred Hyder, a 5-foot-11 junior will run the show while 6-foot-4 DeShawn Washington will be the team’s most explosive scorer. Two other players that will add depth and make significant contributions will be 6-foot-3 slasher Cameron Browne and up-and-coming sophomore Darryl Jackson (combo-guard).
Capistrano Valley Cougars
Head Coach Brian Mulligan and his senior-laden Cougars are the reigning 2A CIFSS Champions after taking down Oxnard 41-31 in the title game. With all this experience coming back, including one of the top players in the division in All CIFSS selection Dawson Baker, a championship run should not be counted out despite moving up a division. The 6-foot-3 Baker can score from all three levels and he can facilitate as well. Controlling the middle is rangy 6-foot-6 Grayson Beeman who plays with a high motor. Nick Draper, a 6-foot-1 point guard will manage the offense when the ball is not in Baker’s hands while 6-foot-1 Nic Lipovic is arguably the best shooter on the squad. Toss in glue-type 6-foot-1 Daniel Ramsey and the pieces are there for a another run at the “Chip.”
Los Altos Conquerors
Although the Conquerors still have two more seasons with their best player in 6-foot-2 junior Jarod Lucas, Head Coach Jeff Lucas feels this will be his best team. Coming off an impressive season where the Conquerors posted a 21-6 record, the 2017/18 squad has their sites set on a championship. Lucas is the catalyst and a Division 1 recruit due to his ability to score and facilitate the offense. However, their most improved player and biggest revelation over the summer and fall has been the emergence of 6-foot-3 senior Julian Lopez. Lopez is an explosive wing who can score from all three levels and he plays with purpose. In addition, look for fellow 6-foot-2 senior Bryant Howling to emerge as an impactful player as he your prototypical glue-type who affects the game in multiple ways due to his savvy.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame Knights
The Knights do lose their catalyst in 5-foot-10 point guard Sam Holtze, but there is a lot to like in Matt Sargeant’s (1st Year) squad. Although it could be argued that the Knights are a year away due to a youthful roster, but Sergeant is inheriting a talented and skilled sophomore class that is oozing with potential—beginning with 6-foot-7 Zaire Williams. Williams fits that prototypical D1 wing-type mold, but is he ready to take over games? Ryan Engs, a 6-foot-1 pure shooter can fill it from anywhere while 6-foot-3 Julian Rishwain is a gifted scorer from all three levels. Lastly, 5-foot-11 Jordan Fuller is a capable point guard who can get into the lane or drain the 3-point shot. Look for Sargeant’s squad to begin hitting it’s stride in January when his young team adapts to his intense defensive culture.