2021 Rankings Update: Most Versatile
With the drop of the latest rankings for SoCal’s 2021 class, we’re rolling out content to shine a spotlight on the region’s best players based on various factors. Skill-set, position, upside and stock raisers are just a few of the…
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Continue ReadingWith the drop of the latest rankings for SoCal’s 2021 class, we’re rolling out content to shine a spotlight on the region’s best players based on various factors. Skill-set, position, upside and stock raisers are just a few of the categories we’re covering and this piece takes a look at the most versatile players in 2021.
Peyton Watson, Long Beach Poly – Watson was officially Poly’s go-to guy this season and the offensive load he shouldered only benefitted his all-around game. Not only did the 6-foot-7 wing spend a ton of time as the team’s primary ball-handler and creator, he also had to score in a variety of ways and at a variety of levels. Watson also showed his versatility on the defensive end as he had to guard all five positions on a regular basis. With his play this season, the high major-bound junior left no doubt about who the No. 1 player in the class is.
Wilhelm Breidenbach, Mater Dei – Breidenbach defines the term we’re discussing in this piece. At 6-feet-8, the junior forward has the ability to stretch the floor with the three-point shot or take defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim. Breidenbach’s versatility really shines with his ability to rebound, push the break, and serve in a point-forward role with his vision and passing. Because of his high IQ and vast skill-set, Breidenbach is our third-ranked prospect in the class.
Obinna Anyanwu, Cathedral Catholic – Anyanwu is one of the best offensive and defensive rebounders in all of SoCal. At 6-feet-7 and a strong 215 pounds, the forward is quick off the floor for boards and shot contests, runs the floor with energy and uses his strong hands and physicality to finish around the basket. Anyanwu has taken his scoring range out to the perimeter as he can face-up from the 15-17 foot range, rip through, and get to the basket and has also showed improved mid-range shooting touch. Anyanwu checks in at No. 9 in the latest 2021 rankings.
Nolan Naess, Laguna Beach – One of the more under-the-radar prospects in 2021, Naess won’t blow you away with speed or vertical athleticism, but he makes up for that with his fundamentals and high basketball IQ. The 6-foot-8 forward can hit an open catch-and-shoot three-pointer, but also has back to the basket scoring ability. Naess doesn’t get a lot of opportunity to freelance in Laguna Beach’s system, so you need to watch him a handful of times to get a good feel for what he can bring to the table.
Brenden Terry, Crossroads – What’s most impressive about Terry is his combination of physicality and athleticism at 6-feet-6. The power forward is beast of a finisher in transition where he uses his ability to change ends of the floor to beat defenders down court and finish through contact around the basket. Terry showed improvement when going by defenders in the half-court to get to the rim for power finishes.