CIF State Southern Regional Open Division Players to Watch

<p>State playoffs matchups have been set, with most of the games kicking off today. Open Division begins tomorrow, Tuesday March 4, and there are some interesting matchup set in the Southern Region.</p> <p>Sierra Canyon (No.1) and Mater Dei (No.2) have earned byes into the Regional Semifinals with the opening round matchups being No.3 Etiwanda vs No.6 Rancho Christian and No.4 Harvard-Westlake vs. No.5 Corona Centennial.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some of the key players to watch for each team. Some of these players may not be stars on their team, but their contributions are crucial for their respective team’s title hopes.</p> <p><strong>1. Lebron James Jr. – Sierra Canyon 2023</strong></p> <p>James originally came into the season not expecting to play a major role as a freshman, but as the year’s progressed, he’s emerged as the Trailblazers primary guard off the bench. He’s already got solid court awareness and is always looking to make the right play. Solid point guard with good vision and passing ability. He’s not going to score a lot of points, but he keeps the offense moving. Strong on ball defender and can hit the open three.</p> <p><strong>2. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aidan-prukop/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aidan-prukop/">Aidan Prukop</a></a> – Mater Dei 2020</strong></p> <p>Prukop will be going to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo next season and he’s one of the Monarchs senior leaders. He is a lights out shooter from three-point range; he can spot up when he’s open, or pull up in transition. He can also utilize screens well and get himself open. He can put the ball on the floor and make plays off the dribble. Only needs 1-2 dribbles to make his move. Can finish at the rim.</p> <p><strong>3. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylen-clark/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylen-clark/">Jaylen Clark</a></a> – Etiwanda 2020</strong></p> <p>Clark is committed to UCLA and was a transfer this season from Corona Centennial. He’s a strong wing scorer and very athletic. He can make plays off the dribble and get to the rim with ease. Runs the break well and can finish strong at the rim. Has improved his shooting ability. A physical player who is one of the better defensive players in the Open Division. Just a tough overall player.</p> <p><strong>4. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brase-dottin/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brase-dottin/">Brase Dottin</a></a> – Harvard-Westlake 2020</strong></p> <p>Dottin has helped step into the void left by Johnny Juzang and brought some much needed wing scoring to the Wolverines. He can shoot well from the three-point line and he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Improved jumper off the dribble. He can lock up defensively and guard the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer.</p> <p><strong>5. Donovan Dent – Corona Centennial 2022</strong></p> <p>In the times that I’ve watched Dent play, the main area he’s stood out in was on the defensive side of the ball. He is a strong on ball defender who makes the players he’s guarding work for every point they score. He’s disciplined; stays down on fakes and remains on his feet. He slides his feet well to keep up with opposing wings. One of the few players I’ve seen who picks up defensively in the backcourt.</p> <p><strong>6. Jaden Byers – Rancho Christian 2021</strong></p> <p>Byers is a player with a ton of heart who isn’t afraid to make plays with the game on the line. He takes big shots and he makes big shots whether that’s knocking down a crucial three or taking the ball to the rim and finishing. He isn’t the biggest guard on the court, but he controls his body well and can finish with contact. He’s a good defender on the perimeter and he has quick hands to come up with steals.</p>