CIF Los Angeles City Section Players to Watch Pt. 1

<p>Los Angeles City Section used to produce the best high school basketball talent in the entire SoCal area. Teams like Crenshaw and Manual Arts were regulars when it came to competing for city championships.</p> <p>The high school basketball landscape has changed a lot since then. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still some strong talent at some of these schools, talent that could certainly help a college team at any level. Many of these schools are in historically underrepresented and underfunded areas, and these players have less opportunity to be seen and evaluated by college coaches.</p> <p>Here’s a quick look at some of those players who should be on some radars this season.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="951220" first="KJ" last="Bradley"] - Crenshaw 2021</strong></p> <p>Bradley has emerged as the lead guard for the Cougars and has done a solid job running the team. He’s a crafty ball-handler who doesn’t get fazed by defensive pressure. He can slash into the lane and he’ll make the right play whether its him taking the shot or creating an easy bucket for his teammates. He’s solid in transition pushing the ball and attacking the defense. He can finish at the rim and he can shoot from distance.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="747091" first="Jaylen" last="Carter"] - Manual Arts 2021</strong></p> <p>Carter is a solid wing prospect who can do a little bit of everything. He’s an explosive offensive player who can score in multiple ways. He can shoot off the dribble and he’s shown an improved ability to knock down threes with consistency, especially if he’s open. He can slash to the rim and draw contact to get himself to the free-throw line. Solid in transition, and he’s got a little playmaking to his game as well. Has tools to be strong wing defender.</p> <p><strong>3. Brandon Burks - Washington Prep 2021</strong></p> <p>Burks is in the mold of a very good 3&amp;D type player. He can do a little bit more, but 3&amp;D is probably what he projects to be at the next level. He’s very long and athletic and he uses that his advantage on the defensive end. Good contests on jumpers. He’s a solid shooter from three-point range. Good catch and shoot player who square up well. He can also shoot with defenders rushing at him on late closeouts. Decent rebounder.</p> <p><strong>4. Kaleb LaCount - King/Drew 2022</strong></p> <p>LaCount has all the makings of a strong lead guard. He was a big part of King/Drew's success last season as a sophomore. He's got solid court vision and awareness and is a very unselfish player. He's a good ball-handler who pushes the ball well in transition and can attack off the dribble. He keeps the ball moving and gets his teammates involved. Can finish at the rim and shoot from three-point range.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>