Stock Raisers: Rolling Hills Prep State Preview Classic (Part II)

<p>WILMINGTON — Saturday's Rolling Hills Prep State Preview Classic was yet another installment of one of Southern California's premier showcase events of the season. Huskies' coach and longtime SoCal high school hoops figurehead Harvey Kitani, as he always does, put together a strong field and exciting match-ups throughout the eight-game schedule. Below are some of the players who raised their stock.</p> <p><strong>Jaidyn Simpson</strong>, Colony</p> <p>The Titans were without one of their fabulous freshmen, but Simpson held down the fort for the first year guys quite well. The 6-foot-2 guard plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor and showed a knack for finding the ball both on the defensive glass and as a slasher and finisher in transition and half-court settings. Simpson led Colony with 12 points in its loss to Westchester.</p> <p><strong>Marland Harris</strong>, Westchester</p> <p>Harris is one of many impact transfers for the Comets this season. The 6-foot-8 forward made the most of his size advantage against Colony, opening the game with six points and seven rebounds in the first quarter. Harris went on to record a double-double with 16 and 12 while showing improved hands, touch and court awareness around the basket.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ky-mani-pollard/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ky-mani-pollard/">Ky-mani Pollard</a></a></strong>, Westchester</p> <p>We've always enjoyed Pollard's game because he embodies the point guard position. The 6-footer plays with good pace and sees the game, and floor, one step ahead of his defensive assignment. Pollard puts individual stats aside to benefit the team overall and truly acts like an extension of the coach on the floor.</p> <p><strong>Aaron McBride</strong>, Corona Centennial</p> <p>McBride continues to progress each and every game for the Huskies. The 6-foot-5 freshman forward began his high school career as an energy and intangible guy who showed good instincts as a rebounder and rim protector. McBride showed Saturday that he's improved his hands and as a finisher around the basket with either hand. He scored 10 points in the Huskies win over Windward.</p> <p><strong>Payden White</strong>, Corona Centennial</p> <p>White is one of those guys that any high school coach would want on his or her roster. The 6-foot-4 wing is a versatile defender who plays with toughness, physicality and energy. The sophomore has good length and uses it to tip passes in Centennial's full court pressure defense and to guard multiple positions with success. White can knock down a pull-up jumper off the bounce and absorb and finish through contact in the paint.</p>