CIF-SS 2022 Game-Changers to Watch

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 2022 players are among those who can do just that as they seek to be a game-changer for their respective team.

Sage Wayans — Village Christian

The potential is sure to soon be growing with Sage Wayans. At 6’6”, his size and frame give him the edge over smaller guards but also puts him in physical paint duels against the opponent’s forwards. The multi-sport athlete moves well on the floor, especially on defense, but he must work on finishing out possessions as well. As alluded to, Wayans has tremendous potential to become more than just a role player; he must continue to find his range on the floor on offense while also remaining poised on defense, such as with his footwork in the post. If so, he can be a stock riser this upcoming season.

He certainly has the size and physicality to make that kind of a jump.

Syeon Jennings — Lynwood

Syeon Jennings provided game-changing plays for Lynwood last season and is a candidate to extrapolate his true potential as a defensive workhorse. The 6’4” forward is a durable talent who can track both guards and forwards on defense while also providing for overall quality defensive shifts. He does well not to foul and instead stays close with the opponent’s on-ball player to defend and contest potential shots. His size and frame allow him to get up and take on even the most elusive guards. He has the potential to become a true anchor on defense by shutting down driving angles and pushing ball-handlers away from the paint.

His offensive work is much of a development — including with on-ball decision-making — but he can surely improve on this as well. 

Nick Parrott — Moorpark

Nick Parrott supplied Moorpark with some quality performances over the season. He had showings such as his 18-point game against Agoura. He is a game-changer for Moorpark because of his ability to help the team out across the floor. On offense, he spaces the floor well and seems to have a knack to constantly cut inside, which provides a passing option for teammates down low. Defensively, he is more of a low post defender and hovers the space there more often than not. However, he can move outside of the restricted area and use his length to close down shooting space for an opponent or remain in the paint to keep a close distance on the opposing ball-handler cutting inside.

What to look for this season with his growth will come on offense. If he can truly work on developing a couple of reliable go-to scoring options, he can help push Moorpark towards a winning season. At 6’5” and with his frame, he has much potential to foster on.

Isaiah Williams — Oak Park

Scorers were of plenty last season with Oak Park and Isaiah Williams is soon to be among the team’s leaders in this department. He was more of a role player last season with much of the team’s offensive responsibilities going to 2020 Clark Slajchert Clark Slajchert 6'1" | SG Oak Park | 2020 State #272 Nation CA-S . On offense, Williams is quick to get his spots and with his mid-release point but high arch on his shot, he can be a go-to catch-and-shoot player from the corners. He has good enough handles to maintain steady ball control within the perimeter. On defense, positioning awareness can come up as an area of improvement, but his constant movement and activity make him a player who can provide more with creating turnovers.

Williams has the tools to be more of an on-ball facilitator with his quickness and ball handles, so look for the 6’0” point guard to show signs of doing so this upcoming season.