SoCal’s Best Available in 2021 (Pt. 1)

<p>It seems like class of 2021 players across the country are pulling the trigger on commitments early than they would in a normal year. As we all know this certainly isn’t a normal year as the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the number of events and participants across the country.</p> <p>In the Southern California recruiting landscape, 11 of the top 30 players in the upcoming senior class have made a pledge to play at the next level. Some notable commitments which we covered earlier on in the summer are Long Beach Poly wing [player_tooltip player_id="680212" first="Peyton" last="Watson"] (UCLA), St. John Bosco guard [player_tooltip player_id="747085" first="Lamaj" last="Lewis"] (Loyola Marymount), Birmingham guards [player_tooltip player_id="943437" first="David" last="Elliot, IV"] and [player_tooltip player_id="944345" first="James" last="Nobles"] (Loyola Marymount), Damien guard [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"] (USC), St. Bernard guard [player_tooltip player_id="680198" first="Reese" last="Dixon-Waters"] (USC), Pacifica Christian guard [player_tooltip player_id="680210" first="Houston" last="Mallette"] (Penn State), Coronado guard [player_tooltip player_id="943444" first="Wayne" last="McKinney"] (San Diego), Chaminade guard [player_tooltip player_id="680218" first="Keith" last="Higgins"] (Lehigh), and Sonora guard [player_tooltip player_id="943443" first="Daniel" last="Esparza"] (Cal Poly SLO).</p> <p>In this piece we take a look at four of the best available prospects as we continue to navigate an uncertain time in SoCal high school hoops.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="680195" first="Wilhelm" last="Breidenbach"]</strong>, Mater Dei - The Monarchs skilled 6-foot-9 forward checks in as our top available prospect, coming in at No. 3 in our most recent rankings update. The ambidextrous big man has inside-out scoring ability, a consistent pick-and-pop jumper and is one of the most competitive guys you’ll find on both ends of the floor. Breidenbach excels as a high motor offensive and defensive rebounder who can push the break when needed.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="747081" first="Kenneth" last="Simpson, Jr."]</strong>, Chaminade - Simpson is our fourth-ranked prospect in the 2021 class and it looks like he will be Pac-12 bound when all is said and done. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is one of the toughest two-way players in the area and his dynamic transition scoring ability, coupled with his strength and athleticism, make him a definitive mid to high major combo guard.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="680197" first="Jahmai" last="Mashack"]</strong>, Etiwanda - Mashack’s recruitment has taken off during this downtime as he’s picked up offers and interest at the Pac-12, Big 12 and and ACC levels. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is known as one of the better on-ball and team defenders in the state - and the west coast for that matter - with an offensive skill set that’s solid, but still has plenty of room to grow. Mashack, No. 5 on our list, will be a big time program guy at the next level who will do the little things to help his team win basketball games.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="747086" first="Tyler" last="Powell"]</strong>, Ribet Academy - Powell is another solid option on the wing who should land at the mid-major level when he decides to make a commitment. The 6-foot-5 senior is a physical and athletic freak who finishes above the rim with authority in transition and and power through contact, stay on balance and use the glass to his advantage. Powell, our No. 7-ranked prospect, has a ton of defensive potential and, if he keeps improving his ball skills and jump shot, could be an quick impact guy at the next level.</p>