RHP State Preview: 2022 Standouts (Pt. 2)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The 2021 edition of the Rolling Hills Prep State Preview Classic was a scaled down version of the event that is a must-see for Southern California basketball fans. Colony high school hosted the four game, one-day event which featured many of SoCal’s top programs and top players. Below is a breakdown of the junior class standouts from the showcase.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748777" first="RJ" last="Smith"]</strong>, Damien - For some reason, Smith continues to be one of the more slept on junior prospects in Southern California and we can’t seem to put out finger on why. The 6-foot-4 guard/wing stepped up in the absence of Spartans’ star [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"], as he scored a game-high 26 points, including four three-pointers. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Seydi Thiombane</strong>, Rolling Hills Prep - Thiombane had perhaps the best off-the-bench performance of the day as he scored 25 points for the Huskies in their win over Loyola. The 6-foot-5 forward is a crafty interior scorer who finishes around the basket with his right and left hands, is an active offensive and defensive rebounder and versatile defender with good instincts and quick-twitch athleticism.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="748779" first="Cameron" last="Thrower"]</strong>, Harvard-Westlake - Thrower is definitely high in the “Most Improved Player” category of Southern California high school hoops. The 6-foot-4 guard has tightened up his handle, slowed down his decision making, and added some nice change of pace to keep the defense off balance. Thrower came into Harvard-Westlake known for his shooting and scoring ability and he still has that in his arsenal. Thrower scored 11 points in limited minutes as the Wolverines won big over Crean Lutheran.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Spivey Word</strong>, Damien - Word was another Damien player who got some extended minutes and touches due to the absence of [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"]. The 6-foot junior guard is everything you imagine under the term “glue guy.” He’s solid defensively, knocks down open three-point shots, and just brings a level of toughness and leadership to the court that reverberates throughout the team. Word scored 23 points, including three three-pointers in Damien’s win.</span></p>