Introducing the 2021 SoCal Class: Top Playmakers
Players who can call their own number and simultaneously elevate the players around them are vital cogs to their teams – and become fast favorites on the recruiting trail.
Southern California’s incoming freshman class has a number of said playmakers. Here, we feature some of the best that we’ve seen thus far who will likely have an impact at the varsity level, now or in the immediate future.
2021 Tulare Western PG Mikey Ficher is one of the top playmakers in Southern California’s incoming freshman class. Photo courtesy of West Coast Elite Basketball5b. Mikey Ficher, Jr. (Tulare Western) – Ficher has a chance to be one of the top point guards to come out of Central California in recent memory. He’s a slick ball handler, improved shooter and a smooth finisher off the dribble, but what really stands out is his uncanny court vision, both in the halfcourt and in transition.
5a. Tsalta “TJ” Wainwright (Culver City) – The 5-11 lefty has had several big scoring outbursts so far this summer, but he also has shown that he can consistently make others better with the pass, especially in drive-and-kick situations.
4. Paris Dawson (Mater Dei) – The wiry, 6-0 combo guard can score from all three levels and makes a living slashing to the hoop and finishing with either hand. He puts pressure on the defense with this slashing, which opens up passing opportunities that Dawson is finding with greater regularity.
3. Cory Curtis (Orange Lutheran) – The 6-1 right-handed combo guard has great length and is an excellent slasher and scorer from multiple levels, especially from deep. He’s improved his game management skills year-over-year. Early returns suggest that Curtis will be a big-time contributor for the Lancers sooner than later.
2. Chris Howell (San Marcos) – At 6-4, Howell is a big lead guard prospect who is blessed with tremendous feel, savvy and court vision. He uses change of pace and speed to get into the lane and draw fouls at a prolific rate, and can knock down the mid-range shot with regularity. But his strength is his passing. Think of a young Shawn Livingston.
1. Devin Askew (Mater Dei) – Early in his career, Askew has served notice that he is not only the top playmaker in the SoCal 2021 class, but might be one of the top playmakers regardless of class.. He scores and facilitates with equal effectiveness.
Others to watch: Christian Johnson (View Park); Hercy Miller; Jalen Punsalan (Great Oak)