Sierra Canyon Early Season Observations

<p>With the high school basketball season underway, one of the most highly talked about and followed teams in the country are the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers. There is no shortage of big name players on the team, and they’re pretty talented to boot.</p> <p>I’ve watched a few of their games both in preseason and now that the regular season has tipped off, and here’s what they’re looking like so far.</p> <p>Note: Ziaire Williams has yet to play as he’s sitting out per CIF transfer rules.</p> <p><strong>1. Interior play will still be a strong suit.</strong></p> <p>Last season, Sierra Canyon had one of the top frontcourts in the state of CA with K.J Martin, Terren Frank, and Christian Koloko. All three were strong and mobile defensively and could all score in the paint. Koloko and Martin have since left, but with Harold Yu taking a larger role, and the addition of Shy Odom, they might be okay. Yu is a big body that rebounds well and can finish in the paint. He also presents an obstacle to opposing players attacking the rim. Odom is a solid man defender in the post and he can too can finish strong as well as stretch the floor and shoot from three. And of course, Frank remains one of the best all-around players on the team.</p> <p><strong>2. The addition of B.J. Boston</strong></p> <p>Even before arriving at Sierra Canyon, Boston was one of the top high school players in the country and a highly-sought after recruit before committing to Kentucky. His game is tailor made for today. He is a versatile wing who is comfortable handling the ball and making plays for himself and his teammates. He attacks the rim with ease and is a good rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He also has a solid perimeter jumper that extends to the three-point line.</p> <p><strong>3. Strong guard play</strong></p> <p>For the past few years, Sierra Canyon has had very strong guard play, from Remy Martin, to Duane Washington Jr, to Scotty Pippen Jr and Cassius Stanley. But this season, there seemed to be an opening for minutes in the guard rotation. So far, Tookey Wigington, Zaire Wade, and Bronny James have been doing a solid job. Wade is currently injured, but before that, he was a solid ball-handler who kept the offense moving. Wiggington plays his role, knocks down open shots, and doesn’t try to do too much. James is a playmaker who is constantly looking for his teammates. He too plays within the flow of the game and doesn’t overstep his role.</p> <p><strong>4. Terren Frank’s development</strong></p> <p>A few years ago, I thought Frank had the most potential out of any player on the roster. I still sort of feel that way. Every season he seems to add something new to his game. He originally started off as someone who played off his teammates, but now he’s developed to the point where he can legitimately play some point forward at times. He’s much more comfortable handling the ball than he was a few years ago. His range extends to the three-point line. And he is relentless around the rim and finishes strong.</p> <p><strong>5. Strong bench play</strong></p> <p>When everybody is healthy and able to play, this is probably the deepest team Sierra Canyon has had in the past several years. James got his first start on Tuesday night, but when everyone is back, he’ll likely return to the bench. Wade too was playing well with the second unit before he got hurt. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Amari Bailey is a solid all-around threat who don’t be surprised if you see him with a triple-double at some point. And that’s not even taking into consideration, Williams who could come off the bench in favor of Boston and Frank.</p>