CIF-SS 2021 Game-Changers to Watch

<p>The CIF Southern Section has a multitude of players who can impact the game in a number of ways. From being a clutch scorer to those who can come up with crucial defensive stops, these players simply do what it takes to leave behind a grand influence on the game and help give their team an advantage on either side of the floor. These four 2021 players are among those who can do just that as they seek to be a game-changer for their respective team.</p> <p><strong>Justin Ebor — Oak Park</strong></p> <p>Justin Ebor gave Oak Park quality impact minutes last season because of his noticeable off-ball play. The 6’7” forward did his best to provide teammates with excellent scoring opportunities, whether it was by setting screens across the floor or using his mobility to become a decoy in the paint. He is also a player capable of being in pick-and-roll sequences thanks to his quick footwork to roll inside. On defense, he is more than a physical big due to his shot-blocking threat and aggressiveness to get into rebound duels.</p> <p>Ebor is still a raw talent but look for him to be amongst Oak Park’s two-way leaders this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Marko Mihajlovic — Chaminade</strong></p> <p>Marko Mihajlovic is another talent player who is coming off of a promising strong season as a role player. The 6’6” forward is a shooting threat from around the floor. He can score in a catch-and-shoot role or also as a pull-up shooter, where he can take a couple of dribbles to create any kind of separation. He extends all the way through on the shot and has a growing range that makes him a lethal shooting threat from the mid-range to wings.</p> <p>For a team that has several players like [player_tooltip player_id="680218" first="Keith" last="Higgins"] Jr that like to drive to the basket, Mihajlovic balances and spreads the floor by providing a passing option to out by 3-point land.</p> <p>Efficiency will be key for him next season.</p> <p><strong>Nate Ward — Moorpark</strong></p> <p>Nate Ward is one of many small guards on the Moorpark Musketeers. What makes him a game-changer is how well he can drive to the paint and bring defenders to him. The 6’1” guard is not one to beat his nearest defender with speed or with his sheer handles but just manages to drive inside and free up shooting space for teammates. However, efficiency and his finishing at the basket is where he must improve on. He does well in difficult aspects of on-ball body control, like angling his body to move inside, but it all comes down to his finishing.</p> <p>His elusiveness and passing are positives of his game as well.</p> <p><strong>Jake Holzer — Royal</strong></p> <p>Jake Holzer is a game-changer for his capability as a 3-and-D player. He has a soft touch on his shot, which makes for an arching, floating shot from beyond the arc. The 6’1” guard must be able to release quicker as soon as he receives a pass in catch-and-shoot situations; it can boost his efficiency by a significant margin. On defense, he always has his eyes on steals. He is active in his off-ball movements and does well to cut in front of passing lanes. He has quick hands to do just that on a regular basis. </p>