Big Time Players in the Big Games: Top Performers of CIF Finals

<p>Now that season is winding down to an end for San Diego County in the State Playoffs let’s take a look back at the CIF finals which are some of the biggest events in California high school basketball, which teams grind all season long for, and where legacies are made. This year’s Division One and Open Division Finals showcased the bright future of San Diego County who are just adding another chapter to their stories and the upperclassman looking for a storybook ending to theirs. Carlsbad and La Jolla Country Day put on a great Division One final with Carlsbad coming out on top and the Open Division final gave us a classic tale of two halves game with St. Augustine taking down a San Ysidro team mounting a furious comeback. Big-time players step up in big-time games such as this so here are some players who were there when the lights shined the brightest</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="992479" first="Jurian" last="Dixon"] (2023) | 6-4 G | St. Augustine</p> <p>Dixon established himself as arguably the best basketball player in San Diego after a big performance against San Ysidro where he showed off that It Factor he has to be a big-time player at the next level. Dixon was hitting deep threes, finishing strong at the rack through contact and with thunderous dunks as well as breaking down defenders off the dribble and creating his own look. Dixon scored with efficiency all night and looks to have a monster senior season where the Saints will get to run it back with their whole starting five returning and could establish themselves as one of the best teams not only in San Diego but in California</p> <p>Kai Brown (2024) | 5-10 PG | St. Augustine</p> <p>Brown gave the Saints the spark they needed to build a big lead in the first half. Brown impressed by coming into the game and instantly putting his mark on the game scoring 15 points in the first two quarters and being a pest all over the defensive end. Brown was able to play the role of ball handler for St. Augustine when needed and came through on the offensive end with some tough floaters and layups as well as catch and shoot threes. Brown was there when the Saints needed him most showing off their team’s depth and looks to build on this breakout championship game with an increased role next season. Brown returns along with the majority of the roster with a chip on their shoulders</p> <p>Martin Flores (2022) | 6-9 W | San Ysidro</p> <p>Flores exploded in the second half to bring the Cougars back into the ball game. After a slow start to the game, Flores caught fire need the end of the third scoring 13 points in the final two minutes of the quarter. Flores hit some big threes and jumpers down the stretch but he was at his best when he was able to use his size to his advantage getting to the paint and finishing with ease. Flores is very skilled for a big and looked comfortable operating with the ball in his hands and taking defenders off the dribble, he will take and make tough shots. Flores stepped up big time in the second half and looks to be one of the best-unsigned prospects of his class.</p> <p>Sebastian Medina (2022) | 6-4 PG | San Ysidro </p> <p>Medina gave San Ysidro a puncher’s chance while down big to the Saints early on and was a big part in turning the game around for the Cougars in the second half. Medina is visibly the leader of this San Ysidro team and made sure his energy spread to his teammates to rally them back. Media is a big guard and operates smoothly as seen in this game being able to score from all three levels with crafty layups and a clean jumper as well as providing scrappy defense. Medina was able to create looks for himself all game and did a good job of feeding the hot hand of Flores in the second half creating looks for him as well. Medina is going to make some program at the next level very happy as they are going to get not only a great player but a great leader</p> <p>Anthony Aruffo (2023) | 6-1 PG | La Jolla Country Day</p> <p>Aruffo came out gunning for the Torreys sparking several runs for them to make it a game. Aruffo hit big-time threes and from some from a few feet behind the line as well. Aruffo showed off the confidence he has in his offensive game taking and making some tough layups and pull-up jumpers and was for the most part the spark of La Jolla Country Day’s offense for the majority of the contest. Aruffo made the second all-league team for a talented Costal league and is a player to watch out for going into his senior season as the Torreys look to bounce back strong</p> <p>Garrett Bass-Sulpizio (2023) | 6-5 F | La Jolla Country Day</p> <p>Sulpizio battled down low all night for the Torreys using his big frame to snatch rebounds and clog up the paint on defense doing his best to block shots and making layups much tougher with his strong frame. Sulpizio also showed off his touch around the rim with some nice post moves and converting offensive rebounds into points. Sulpizio also showed off his ability to stretch the floor confidently hitting a pair of threes. Sulpizio was a first-team all-league player for the Coastal league and looks to create a deadly duo for next season along with Aruffo who returns along with him giving the Torrey’s a team ready to not rebuild but reload for next season.</p> <p>Tony Duckett (2024) | 6-1 G | Carlsbad</p> <p>Duckett showed off why Carlsbad has one of the best young cores in San Diego county with the sophomore stepping up big time for the Lancers in the finals. Ducket is very crafty getting to the paint and impressed me with his ability to finish through contact despite his lanky frame and his feel for getting to the cup being able to finish off one as well as two with him utilizing the hop step for some nice finishes. Duckett also hit some very timely threes for the Lancers to stop La Jolla Country Day runs and played solid defense utilizing his wingspan and quickness to help put the pressure on the Torreys. Duckett looks to take a big step next season and move into a bigger role for Carlsbad as the young Lancers look to be open division contenders next season</p> <p>Jake Hall (2025) | 6-3 G | Carlsbad</p> <p>What a way to cap off a stellar freshman season, 21 points 15 rebounds, and a championship. Hall started the game off strong getting to the basket early with some tricky spin moves and head fakes and finishing some tough and ones. Hall also made the defense pay for leaving him open knocking in threes but Hall was at his best this game converting at the free-throw line as he was drawing fouls left and right. Hall was able to effectively change the pace of the game to the way the Lancers wanted to play it and showed why he is not only one of the best freshmen in San Diego but in Califonia as well. Hall looks to build off of a great first-year along with his other talented young teammates to help Carlsbad continue its consistency as a program making 4 CIF finals in the past 5 seasons</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>