CIF-SS Moore League key season takeaways

<p>The 2019–2020 Moore League campaign was a captivating and thrilling one throughout the year. Several teams had improved years all around the board while multiple players continued to establish their status as a prospect to watch. To top it off, four teams made appearances in the CIF-SS playoffs, while the other three teams in the league also had their share of memorable moments over the season.</p> <p>Here is a look back at the key contributors from each team that made it a season to watch.</p> <p><strong>Long Beach Poly</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player</em>: 2021 forward <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-watson/">Peyton Watson</a></p> <p>The Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits were deemed as the favorite in the league thanks to their blend of length and fast-paced scorers, including eventual Moore League MVP Peyton Watson. His versatility as a scorer made him the clear best player in the league and one who is a sure bet to play for a notable Division 1 team at the next level. Long Beach Poly also made their mark in CIF-SS Division 1 play thanks to key contributors like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/christian-watson-2/">Christian Watson</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-robinson/">Anthony Robinson</a> — both of whom found success in being the team's creative facilitators on the floor.</p> <p>Head coach Shelton Diggs guided Long Beach Poly to a share of the Moore League, which extended their streak to 11 straight league title wins.</p> <p><strong>Millikan</strong> <br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2022 guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/rob-diaz-iii/">Rob Diaz</a></p> <p>The 2019–2020 season was one to remember for Rob Diaz. He put the team on his shoulders and led them to a 10–2 league finish for a share of the league title. Diaz is a superb scorer who has all the potential to eventually develop into a prolific sharpshooter that can hit from anywhere on the floor; this skill was on display in his 23-point showing against Compton, which included a buzzer-beating, game-winner. Seniors Myles Carmon and Kalen Goland were also influential on both sides of the floor. Their work throughout the season earned them All-Moore League First Team honors.</p> <p><strong>Compton</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2020 forward/center <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cj-woods/">Jabari Steward</a></p> <p>The team’s senior class of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cj-woods/">Jabari Steward</a>, Kobi Malone and Darrius Miles helped lead Compton to yet another winning season, which included a win over Long Beach Poly and triumph in the opening round of the CIF-SS Division 2AA playoffs. Compton was filled with key role players who complemented the team’s main duo of Steward and Malone. Patrick Johnson and Darrius Miles provided the depth needed in a long season coupled with their multi-dimensional scoring capabilities as they each provided scoring from the paint to 3-point land. </p> <p><strong>Lakewood</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2020 guard Bonard Johnson</p> <p>The Lakewood Lancers were a pleasant surprise in league play thanks to their senior duo of Bonard Johnson and Donavin Roberts. Johnson's play revolved around being a fast-paced guard who exerted a high energy intensity that seemingly echoed off to other teammates. The 5’9” guard became one of the team’s go-to 3-point shooters as, despite his size, he found ways to weave into open space from behind the 3-point line and hit from the top of the key to both corners. On the other hand, Roberts provided good scoring sparks over the year as well. </p> <p>Both players were named to the All-Moore League First Team for the season.</p> <p><strong>Wilson</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2020 guard Jason Allen</p> <p>All eyes were on 2020 guard Jason Allen for the Wilson Bruins. Allen garnered much of the attention from opposing defenses en route to a potent All-Moore League First Team season. He was the team’s primary ball-handler and enjoyed a great amount of success creating offense on his own. He was very comfortable on the ball, which translated over in quick transition sequences up the court. The 5’11” guard was also a threat to hit from deep even with his slow and gradual release on the shot.</p> <p>2020 guard Sebastian Hochmuth also played a key role in Wilson’s resurgence this season as he earned an All-Moore League Second Team selection. </p> <p><strong>Jordan</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2020 forward Imani Herring</p> <p>The Jordan Panthers finished in the bottom half of the Moore League this past season with a losing record in league play. However, Imani Herring was a bright spot for the team. The lengthy senior guard was among the talents that made Jordan a fast-paced, athletic team. Herring compiled up a good amount of scoring showings that exemplified how well he excels in the perimeter, including his 19-point performance against city rivals Long Beach Poly.</p> <p>Herring was the lone player from Jordan selected to the All-Moore League First Team.</p> <p><strong>Cabrillo</strong><br /> <em>Most impressive player:</em> 2021 guard Isaiah Hill</p> <p>Cabrillo finished last in league play as they were unable to muster up a win against any of their city rivals. 2021 guard Isaiah Hill led the team on the offensive end. Even in a difficult 0–<span style="font-size: 1rem;">12 league campaign, Hill managed to instill hope in a possible redemption season for next year. He surely can operate and run plays on his own. Look for Hill to build off of the momentum from this season into the next where he has much to showcase as a scoring guard.</span></p>