CIF-SS Underrated Prospects: Division 2AA

<p>Dozens and dozens of players from the CIF-SS Division 2AA rank shined for their respective teams this past season. Some players garnered the attention they well deserved while others had underappreciated campaigns. Here is a closer look at five standout talents who not only had dynamic all-around seasons but are also emerging as promising prospects in their class.</p> <p><strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="680218" first="Keith" last="Higgins"] — Chaminade</strong></p> <p>Chaminade had a stellar year that was capped off with appearances in the CIF-SS Division 2AA playoff semifinals and CIF State Division 1 playoffs. They were led by their dynamic duo of <strong>K.J. Simpson</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="680218" first="Keith" last="Higgins"].</strong> Simpson continued to improve on the offensive end while Higgins had a season filled with growth as well.</p> <p>Higgins excelled on the offensive end thanks to his continued work on creating shots on his own. He is cool, calm and collected when tasked with an isolation sequence. The 6’3” guard is capable of attacking the basket or setting up for a jump shot once he is able to create just enough space away from his defender. His pull-up, mid-range shot has become a staple of his game and one that has attributed to a strong overall offensive game.</p> <p>Higgins finished the campaign averaging 17 points per game. Along with Simpson next season, look for the two to once again raise their stock in what will be their senior campaigns.</p> <p><strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="748749" first="Benny" last="Gealer"] — Rolling Hills Prep</strong></p> <p>Rolling Hills Prep had a terrific 25–3 campaign that included a multitude of blowout wins, but they were ultimately eliminated in the opening round of the CIF-SS Division 2AA playoffs by Capistrano Valley Christian in overtime. They fostered an array of capable scorers, including sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748749" first="Benny" last="Gealer"].</strong></p> <p>Gealer's game revolves around being a balanced scorer. He has a high running floating shot in the paint and a reliable 3-point shot — both of which are a staple of his offensive repertoire. The guard has also become an efficient spot-up shooter from beyond the arc thanks to his sound shooting progressions. He wound up providing the Huskies with several sound scoring performances throughout the season, including his 20-point showing against Santiago in January.</p> <p>Gealer is a menace on defense as he is swift in reaching in for steals and going the other way for an uncontested layup. He certainly has the tools to develop into a 3-and-D talent.</p> <p>Expect the sophomore guard to be one of the top stock risers next season.</p> <p><strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="954258" first="Chol" last="Deng"] — Fairmont Prep</strong></p> <p>Fairmont Prep had a deep roster this season with the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="745407" first="Atin" last="Wright"], [player_tooltip player_id="954258" first="Chol" last="Deng"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="680232" first="Pape" last="Cisse"]</strong>. They each helped lead the team to an appearance in the CIF-SS Division 2AA quarterfinals.</p> <p>Deng was one who shined for Fairmont Prep. In his first year with the team, he averaged a solid 15.6 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. One component of his play that stands out is his aggressiveness both on and off the ball, which has translated into strong chemistry with teammates. On the ball, Deng is a reliable scorer, in large part due to his good extension and release on his shot. He exemplifies what it means to be an unselfish teammate as it pertains to making that extra pass or countering high screens. Off the ball, he spaces the floor very well and possesses a good understanding of negating an opponent’s zone defense with off-ball movements.</p> <p>If there is one area of his play that could use some improvements, it is his finishing at the rim. He often effortlessly navigates his way to the low post, but at times does not finish the high percentage shots. It is the simple tweaks and improvements in one’s game that could go a long way in a player's overall offensive play.</p> <p><strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="944342" first="Kyle" last="Frelow"] — Heritage Christian </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="944342" first="Kyle" last="Frelow"]</strong> was an integral part of Heritage Christian’s success this past season, which included a share of the Olympic League title.</p> <p>Frelow is a 6’6” forward who is both a strong rebounder and a potent defender. He averaged a team-high 11.5 rebounds per game for the Heritage Christian Warriors this past season. He has good size to reach up for rebounds and is quick to position himself for a box out in the post. Thanks to his size and length, he is also a constant threat to block shots from the paint to within the perimeter as well. As a defender, he is not a conventional power forward that solely lurks around the parameters of the paint. Instead, he uses his mobility to hover outside the paint as well, especially in isolation situations --- a key reason for why he won Olympic League Defensive MVP honors.</p> <p>His playstyle off the ball complements Heritage Christian like a puzzle piece.</p> <p><strong>2021 Patrick Johnson — Compton</strong></p> <p>Patrick Johnson emerged as a reliable role player for the Compton Tarbabes.</p> <p>The junior was superb for his team due to his constant off-ball movements and transition finishes. His quick pace both on and off the ball made it difficult for opponents to contain, especially as he maneuvered his way into the paint. Johnson maintains potent ball-handling skills as well. When on the ball, Johnson did well in limiting the turnovers and finding teammates like senior [player_tooltip player_id="745415" first="Jabari" last="Steward"] in the low post.</p> <p>With team leaders <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="745415" first="Jabari" last="Steward"], Kobi Malone</strong> and <strong>Darrius Miles</strong> all graduating this year, look for Johnson to get an increased role on offense next season. He is certainly capable of handling more responsibilities on the offensive end for Tony Thomas’ team.</p>