CIF Los Angeles City Section Players to Watch Pt. 2

<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. Robert Cooks - Washington Prep 2023</strong></p> <p>Cooks was a player I saw for the first time this summer and he was impressive. He looks like an up and coming player for Washington Prep. He excels in transition, he sprints out on the break and can fill the lane. Gets into the lane and draws contact to get himself to the free-throw line. He can also create on the perimeter. He has solid handles and he can shoot well from the three-point line. Nice midrange game.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="974671" first="Khamani" last="Nelson"] - Fairfax 2022</strong></p> <p>Nelson does well in the high post. He has good vision and awareness and can make entry passes into the post or find cutters. He’s got good length and is a good defensive player in the paint. He’s a slasher who can get into the lane and finish over defenders at the rim. He can also operate in the low post and shoot from the outside. Versatile scoring wing. He’s got a soft touch around the rim.</p> <p><strong>3. Ernest Blackwell – View Park 2022<br /> </strong></p> <p>Blackwell was a solid role player last season on a team with strong senior leadership who played well of the team’s leaders. He’s in line to take on a bigger role this season. He’s one of those player who knows his role and plays it well; doesn’t try to force things or do too much. He’s a good catch and shoot player from the three point line. Quick release on his shot and loves to shoot the corner three. A hustle player who makes little plays that stats don’t always show.</p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="680228" first="JoJo" last="Johnson"] - Westchester 2021</strong></p> <p>Johnson is a good shooter broth from midrange and from the three-point line. He's very comfortable off the bounce; pulling up for a jumper or using his crafty handles to hit the defense with a step back. Can handle the ball at times and create. He's solid in transition; sprints ahead and can finish strong at the rim. He showed improved playmaking in showcases this fall and was consistently a top facilitator. Should have a big senior year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>