CIF Southern Section Open Division Players to Watch

<p>It’s been a different season, to say the least, this year. But the high school basketball season was able to happen this spring relatively smooth. CIF playoffs are finally here, later than usual but here nonetheless. Here’s a look at some players in the Southern Section Open Division to keep an eye on as they get underway this week.</p> <p><strong>1. Jimmy Oladokun - Damien 2023</strong></p> <p>Oladokun is one of the most intriguing prospects in all of SoCal. When I first saw him play back in June, what stood out the most was his versatility offensively. He’s a big man, with guard like skills. He can post up and score in the paint, but he can also handle the ball a bit and he can shoot from three-point range. He gets out in transition and can finish strong at the rim. Good rebounder and interior defensive player. Very high upside.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="954225" first="Shy" last="Odom"] - Sierra Canyon 2022</strong></p> <p>I’ve called Odom possibly Sierra Canyon’s most important player at times. He’s really developed his ball-handling and is more comfortable making a move off the dribble and getting to the rim. He can handle defensive pressure well, especially if swarmed in the paint. He’s a tough interior player too with a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds well and matches up well defensively against other bigs. Was probably the Trailblazers best interior man defender the past couple years.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="889558" first="Tre" last="White"] - Ribet Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>White is one of the most intriguing wings in SoCal. He’s an explosive scorer who does well creating his own shot in the halfcourt. He’s a slasher who is comfortable attacking the defense and being able to get to the rim. He’s crafty too around the rim, he uses his body well to finish and to draw contact. He has consistent range out to the three-point line and he’s solid in the midrange as well. </p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="970280" first="Donovan" last="Dent"] - Corona Centennial 2022</strong></p> <p>When I first saw Dent play back in 2019, his defense as by far the most impressive thing to me about his game. He gives it all on that end and doesn’t back down from a challenge. He plays physical and effective on-ball defense on the wing and he slides his feet well. Offensively, he’s really worked on his slashing game and he can finish at the rim or draw contact to get to the line. He can shoot it too from three-point range. He’s an improving point guard. </p>