CIF-SS 2022 Impact Players to Watch

<p>The CIF Southern Section is stacked with players who can find just ways to influence the game. Whether it is with their offensive play or defensive workrate, such players do what it takes to impact the game. These four 2022 players are among many who can provide just that.</p> <p><strong>Deshawn Warren — Village Christian</strong></p> <p>Deshawn Warren scratched the surface last season with Village Christian and should only bolster his play even further moving forward. The 6’4” talent has good length and was more of an off-ball player last season. In his limited minutes, he spaced the floor well and provided for strong sequences of promising on-ball defensive play. His overall shot form is what will take the soon-to-be junior to the next level. Moving away from a stiff and stagnant release can help make for a flourishing shot form.</p> <p><strong>Trevor Manning — Roosevelt</strong></p> <p>Trevor Manning had a limited role last season but provided with a good enough sample size to show his potential. What makes him a promising impact talent to watch comes down to his ball-handling ability. He is very comfortable when on the ball and slashes well inside, from either the baseline or top of the key. Off the ball, he runs the floor and gets to his spots. He certainly provides the Mustangs with another dimension to their offense due to his off-ball cutting ability.</p> <p>With more experience along with an increased on-ball workload, he can truly add to the team’s already stout offensive attack.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tomi-adesiji/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">[player_tooltip player_id="974673" first="Tomi" last="Adesiji"]</a> — Serra</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="974673" first="Tomi" last="Adesiji"] is one up-and-coming shooter to watch for. He relies more on being a catch-and-shoot talent. He possesses a superb lift on his shot, which translates to high-arching attempts that make it even more difficult for opponents to contest. The 6’0” talent’s fluid release gives him potential to become a streaky shooter. While he is more of a prototypical shooter, he also has formidable ball control and does well off the ball to get to his spots while leaving his defender behind. He plays with good pace to sneak on by overloaded defenses.</p> <p>Alongside [player_tooltip player_id="748747" first="Jeremy" last="Dent-Smith"] and [player_tooltip player_id="974671" first="Khamani" last="Nelson"], look for the 2022 trio to form one of the must-watch Big 3’s in the CIF Southern Section.</p> <p><strong>Semaj Blocker — Oak Hills</strong></p> <p>Another impact guard to watch for is Semaj Blocker. The 6’1” combo guard is a talent with a scoring mentality. He is quick and nifty with his drives to the paint and often catches his closest defender off guard by dropping in a floating shot. Blocker dribbles with excellent anticipation when on the ball; he surveys the paint and often bursts into any open space for a possible uncontested shot attempt. His on-ball change of direction movements are adequate as well for a player his size.</p> <p>He may be an under-the-radar guard now but look for Blocker to put together a stock rising, double-digit scoring junior season.</p>