CIF-SS Promising 2022 Forwards and Centers to Watch

<p>The CIF Southern Section is loaded with some of the best guards in the state, but it is also home to a multitude of promising forwards and centers. Whether on offense or defense, a number of forwards and centers last season provided dominant performances and highlight-filled plays. Many players from these two positions have all of the tools to succeed at the next level, such as with these four talents.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748735" first="Henri" last="Adiassa"] — Crossroads</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="748735" first="Henri" last="Adiassa"] plays with so much power and tenacity.</p> <p>The 6’10” center is a player who is hovering over the radar of many college coaches’ because of his overall post play. He has a high work rate on defense thanks to his ability to constantly challenge opposing ball handlers at the basket and hold responsibilities in isolation defense — both of which he is gradually developing. Adiassa has a good balance with his footwork and can reach up fairly quickly for a shot-blocking attempt. On offense, Adiassa is physical and is not afraid to take on any defender hovering around the low post. He is athletic and a threat to go up for put-back attempts or simply go for a ferocious dunk attempt. As he continues to polish his post moves and add core strength, it will only become more difficult for opposing defenses to contain his painted area presence.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/khamani-nelson/">[player_tooltip player_id="974671" first="Khamani" last="Nelson"]</a> — Serra</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="974671" first="Khamani" last="Nelson"] earned All-Del Rey League Second Team honors this past season because of his sheer all-around growth as a two-way talent. At 6’7”, Nelson can adapt on the floor and provide both the size and length needed to take on multiple defensive assignments, from guarding multiple positions to contesting shots in the perimeter. He has a good frame to size up opponents and win rebound battles down low. On offense, the forward balances Serra’s offensive attack with his post scoring as he often does well to angle his body to be in position for a high percentage shot. Consistency is key in this area of play for the soon-to-be junior.</p> <p>Still, his offensive play is an overall work in progress, but continued improvements with both his shooting repertoire and extension on shot can turn him into an offensive force. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marqui-worthy/">[player_tooltip player_id="970270" first="Marqui" last="Worthy"]</a> — Sonora</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="970270" first="Marqui" last="Worthy"] brought creativity on the offensive end for Sonora this past season. The 6’3” wing made himself a go-to offensive option due to his play on the ball. His combination of pace and patient ball-handling skills made him a threat to attack the basket as well. He can hold on to the ball amidst pressure from opponents in the paint because of his quality control and cautiousness to his play. Precision passing to the low post is also becoming a strength of his. However, he is not a one-dimensional player. The sophomore often took care of off-ball duties, such as setting screens or spacing.</p> <p>Defensive positioning and outside shooting will be two areas of play to watch for in Worthy’s junior season.</p> <p><strong>Donovan Santoro — Crespi</strong></p> <p>Another under-the-radar guard to watch is Donovan Santoro. The 6’7” talent was just beginning to scratch the surface with his play last season. He is an athletic wing with attention-grabbing pace to his game, which complements his work when orchestrating play against smaller defenders. With his size and pace, he has a variety of options on just how he would want to attack the basket. Defensively, potential is there too as a reliable man-to-man defender. He possesses the length to extend on contesting shots and tracking back in help defense situations while inside the painted area.</p>