NorCal’s Top Ranked Players By Position.

<p>The NorCal 2021 rankings are upon us. The task of ranking players in this Covid environment presented a unique set of challenges since there’s not a lot of hoops being played in the area. We’ll start with the top players in the 2021 class at their respective positions. The players positions could ultimately change during the course of the season but for ranking purposes, here are the top players at each position.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Center:</strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="606246" first="Nathan" last="Bittle"] 6’11, Prolific Prep, Napa CA</strong></em>. The new #1 in NorCal seemed like the obvious choice for the top spot. He’s a nationally ranked player, and will be playing basketball at the University of Oregon in the Pac 12 next season. He brings a good set of skills to the 4 and 5 position. His ability to cover the court from the paint to the wings on defense is noticeable, he has good presence and shot blocking ability. He has some consistency knocking down 3’s.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Power Forward: </strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946527" first="Ryan" last="Kiachian"] 6’9, Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose CA.</strong> <strong>Kiachian</strong></em> took the down time to improve his overall skill set, and his body. He’ll be playing in the Ivy League for Cornell University. <em><strong>Kiachian</strong></em> has always played with a good understanding of the game. His post footwork and passing stood out early on. His improved outside shooting has improved, and a bulked up body will add to his presence in the paint on both ends.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Small Forward:</strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="706316" first="Cameron" last="Niles"] 6’6, Del Campo, Fair Oaks CA</strong></em>. The athletic, and versatile <em><strong>Niles</strong> </em>will be taking his game to the next level at UC Davis in California. <em><strong>Niles</strong> </em>has plenty of up side to his game. He can play, and defend more than one position. He’s a bit underrated as a scorer, and rebounder, but make no mistake he’s going in the direction.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Combo Guard:</strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="706291" first="Jaden" last="Phillips"] 6’5, Modesto Christian, Modesto CA</strong></em>. He’s always been a player who wanted the ball. He has good size, handles, and is  willing to be a facilitator. He’ll be doing it at the University of Pacific in Stockton, CA. Phillips can be a contributor from any position as long as he’s on the court. His intensity, along with his quickness fuels him. He’s athletic with a good skill set.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Shooting Guard:</strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="775748" first="Marsalis" last="Roberson"] 6’5, Bishop O’Dowd, Oakland CA.</strong></em> The versatile <em><strong>Roberson</strong> </em>will take his good work ethic to the University of Cal Berkeley, in California, Pac 12. He’s a no nonsense player when he steps onto the court. He takes pride in knowing that he’s going to effect the game in some way. He’s a top notch defender, a good rebounding guard, and he can score from multiple angles on the court. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Point Guard:</strong></em></span></p> <p> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="706266" first="Isa" last="Silva"] 6’4, Jesuit in Carmichael, CA. </strong></em> A well rounded point guard, and superb passer will take his game to Stanford University, Pac 12. He’s been NorCal’s top prospect in this class for a while. He’s been playing against top level competition with his Compton Magic team for so long, he makes tough plays look routine. A high IQ, a step ahead of the action!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>