CIF-SS Under-the-Radar 2022 Scorers to Watch

<p>The CIF-SS rank is home to some of the best scorers in the state. Many top players in this section are capable of translating their game over to the Division 1 level in college. But then there are other scorers in the section that are much deserving of more recognition, such as with these select four under-the-radar 2022 scoring talents.</p> <p><strong>George Ochoa — La Mirada</strong><br /> <em>Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: </em>25 points against Lakewood</p> <p>George Ochoa had a surging sophomore campaign for La Mirada. He was selected to the All-Suburban League First Team after a 19.4 points per game campaign. Alongside junior [player_tooltip player_id="951233" first="Jalen" last="Cole"], the two were the main scoring leaders on a strong Matadores side. </p> <p>Ochoa is a 6’7” wing with tremendous versatility as a scorer. He is extremely crafty as a scorer in the paint; he has a number of go-to moves in his arsenal to attack the basket. From spin moves in the paint to off dribble shots, Ochoa displayed an impressive scoring skill set over the season. He can be stagnant at times with his outside shooting, but this does not provide much of a red flag as his shot will continue to go through development over his final two years at La Mirada.</p> <p>Look for Ochoa to make the jump into being a potent 25 points per game scorer next season — a task which he is more than capable of.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cj-bellamy/">[player_tooltip player_id="748742" first="CJ" last="Bellamy"]</a> — Roosevelt </strong><br /> <em>Top 2019/2020 scoring performance:</em> 19 points against Santiago</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="748742" first="CJ" last="Bellamy"] may not be looked upon as an under-the-radar talent because of the vast amount of attention he is starting to garner. But when it comes to his scoring ability, he is certainly underrated in this area of his game.</p> <p>Bellamy ran the point for Roosevelt. At 5’8”, the guard has a very good feel for the game. This is exemplified by how well of an impact he has on the ball. Not only does he possess good ball handles, but Bellamy is often difficult to contain because of his pace. In possessions where he recognizes space free up in the paint, he uses his quick bursts to turn up the speed of play and collapse the defense inside. He is elusive both on and off the ball.</p> <p>Bellamy just likes to create havoc for opposing defenses. Nothing will come easy against him.</p> <p>With his swiftness on the ball, Bellamy has what it takes to be an explosive scorer and a prospect to watch for next season.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/riyaan-jiwani/">[player_tooltip player_id="748756" first="Riyaan" last="Jiwani"]</a> — Pacifica Christian </strong><br /> <em>Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: </em>22 points against San Juan Hills</p> <p>The Pacifica Christian Tritons were a team to watch this past season because of their superb group of scorers, such as with 2022 guard [player_tooltip player_id="748756" first="Riyaan" last="Jiwani"].</p> <p>The guard was decisive to the Tritons’ success last season not only because of his chemistry on the floor but also due to his lethal outside shooting. Jiwani emerged as one of the most dynamic 3-point shooters in San Joaquin league play. His scoring success centered on his sound shooting form that included a quick release coupled with his ability to stay balanced when setting his feet. However, he is more than just a catch-and-shoot player from beyond the arc. In possessions where space opens up within the perimeter, Jiwani takes advantage by moving in for a high percentage, uncontested mid-range shot. In short, there is no limit for his shooting range.</p> <p>More importantly, Jiwani defines what it means to be a confident scorer. No moment is too big for him on the floor. He plays with a cool, calm and collected mindset at all times.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/pape-lamine-niang/">[player_tooltip player_id="954234" first="Pape" last="Lamine Niang"]</a> — Fairmont Prep</strong><br /> <em>Top 2019/2020 scoring performance: </em>19 points against Orangewood Academy </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="954234" first="Pape" last="Lamine Niang"] is unquestionably a player who is an under-the-radar scorer too. He has received notable recognition for his work as a rebounder and defender, but his scoring abilities should not be ignored. As expected for a player his size, Niang patrols the paints and leans on a majority of his offensive possessions from this area of the floor. At times, he gradually works through his post-move progressions and excels at taking a high percentage shot. He has the knack for simply being patient as a scorer.</p> <p>Working on adding upper body strength along with more go-to post moves will surely take his offensive game to another level, which could potentially lead to an increase in double-doubles next season.</p>