SoCal Class of 2022 Players to Watch Pt.4

<p>The 2019-20 season has come and gone, and each year we see different players rise up and take on expanded roles for their respective teams. Sometimes freshmen are able to step in right away and make a big impact. Older players take on a bigger role.</p> <p>For the Class of 2022, this upcoming year is a big one. It’s the opportunity to really fine tune and showcase their game, and college offers may start to come in.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="748769" first="Austin" last="Persek"] – JSerra</strong></p> <p>I first saw Persek play back in September, and he looked like a versatile big man who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end. He has a good three-point shot for a big. Also is a decent ball-handler. Can put the ball on the floor and beat his defender off the dribble. Can get to the rim and finish as well. He can start the fast break and find teammates in transition.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="748770" first="Dane" last="Persek"] – JSerra</strong></p> <p>Dane, Austin’s twin borther, is also a very versatile and fundamentally sound player. As a big man, he too can handle the ball at times and make plays going to the rim. He has solid range for a big extending out to the three-point line. Can score in the post with solid footwork. He is decisive when making a move in the paint. Good rebounder and a decent defender in the post.</p> <p><strong>3. Rafael Cruz – Long Beach Poly</strong></p> <p>Cruz is a strong inside payer. He is agile and mobile and runs the floor well in transition. He keeps his head up and sprints ahead of the defense. He can finish well at the rim and he moves well off ball along the baseline. Good rebounder who gives a ton of effort on the glass. Can draw contact and get to the free-throw line. In one game I watched, he showed he’s not afraid to take big shots down the stretch.</p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="954225" first="Shy" last="Odom"] – Sierra Canyon</strong></p> <p>The Trailblazers had a lot of five-stars and big names, but Odom may have been one of their unsung heroes. He is a tough defender and was routinely their best man defender in the paint. He has good hands and feet defensively; contests well. He may be a little undersized compared to some other bigs, but he makes up for it with his play. He has a soft touch around the rim and finishes well.</p> <p><strong>5. Jeremiah Windham - Cleveland</strong></p> <p>Windham looked to be like a player who has a solid future as he continues his high school basketball career. He is a strong player around the rim. He is very athletic and he can finish well in the paint. He can absorb contact and he can get himself to the free-throw line. He is able to handle the ball at times in half-court sets.</p>