2022 NorCal Player Rankings: 20-24
#20: Keandre Burns/6’6/SF/Yuba: This kid is a super athletic player who can score all over the map. First, he has crazy bounce and lives above the rim. When he jumps, you don’t want to get in his way Burns can also…
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Continue Reading#20: Keandre Burns/6’6/SF/Yuba:
This kid is a super athletic player who can score all over the map. First, he has crazy bounce and lives above the rim. When he jumps, you don’t want to get in his way Burns can also hit the mid-range shot very well. He rises much higher than his defenders and has a sweet stroke. When he makes his way into the paint, it’s super hard to guard him because he can make a basket with either hand. His spin move is nasty. Keandre is strong on the defensive end. He loves to scrap away and get dirty on the floor to get the ball. Burns isn’t getting the looks he should right now.
#21: James Freeman/6’3/SG/Capital Christian:
Freeman is a very lengthy guard. It feels as if he can block anything that comes in his sight, and is super tough to maneuver around. He is strong on defense, being quick on his feet, and fast to read the ball. He loves to jump in the lanes of passes and then push the ball. On offense, James can score at multiple levels. He is a tough finisher and can slither his way to the cup. Also, he has a silky sweet jump shot. Freeman should be getting looks when play resumes again.
#22: Isaiah Baptista/5’8/CG/Kimball:
Undersized, but has as much heart and hustle as you will see. Baptista is a dime-dropper. This kid can whip the ball with heat behind it, and right into his teammate’s hands. He can score off the bounce, and create plays when nothing is there for him. He has a nice mid-range game, and his step-back shot is solid. Isaiah could work on his three’s a bit, but when he has that improved, he can score anywhere. On defense, he can pick up at all levels. I’d think this kid is set for a big season ahead.
#23: Jason Matthews/5’10/CG/Grant:
This kid brings lots of upside to his game and will keep on benefiting his high school and college down the road. First, he is very strong in the half-court game. He can drive to the hoop while keeping the ball on a string and under control. Also, Matthews has the ability to step beyond the three-point arch and knockdown long balls. Flipping the switch to defense, he can get up and block shots. He intimates his opponents in the key because he’s ready to make noise there. Jason is currently underrated in my book.
#24: Kendall Allen/5’11/CG/Vacaville Christian:
I love Allen’s game. He is a small player, to say the least, but his IQ on the court makes up for some of that. He knows where to be, can read defenses, and just knows how to win. When he gets to the basket, he can finish with either hand, so he takes advantage of that, for sure. Also, he has dribbles that are super smooth. He can cross up anyone on the court at any time. On defense, he likes to get his nose involved and make things happen. Kendall has a strong all-around game, and if he grows a couple of inches, he’s set up for a big year.