2023 Rankings Update: New Forwards (Pt. 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no better time to revamp a class ranking after a full season worth of viewing teams and players and that's exactly what we did with the class of 2023. There were many prospects who played their way into the latest rankings and in this piece we take a closer look at the new forward additions who cracked the SoCal Top 175 on the latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814773' first='David' last='Manea'], Orange Lutheran</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot-6 wing has improved his game consistently over the last few seasons. Manea went from being a strong, physical driver and finisher around the rim to a guy who added in a perimeter jumper that defenses had to respect. The Lancers' senior is also a good positional rebounder and a player who can push the break in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814806' first='David' last='Harper'], Palmdale</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harper was one of the most underrated scorers in Southern California this season. The 6-foot-4 wing dropped 40 or more points four times this season and did so with a versatility and efficiency that were impressive. Harper showed he can be a downhill transition finisher, jump shooter in the halfcourt setting and a player who could create for himself and teammates off the dribble. The senior averaged 28.7 points and 7.2 rebounds on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814807' first='Shakour' last='Sidney'], Blair</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sidney is a do-it-all wing/forward whose 28-point, 15-rebound performance in the CIF Southern Section Division 5AA championship game was an eye-opening effort and helped to land him in the updated rankings. The 6-foot-5 senior used his combination of size, strength, athleticism and high motor to average 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814808' first='James' last='Olofson'], Brentwood</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olofson averaged just under a double-double this season at 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds for the Eagles while shooting 55 percent from the field. The 6-foot-7 forward was a key piece to Brentwood's 24-win season due to him being an efficient inside presence surrounded by a handful of knockdown shooters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1814809' first='Dylan' last='Victorio'], Ayala</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Victorio led the Bulldogs in a handful of categories including points (15.4), rebounds (8.5) and blocks (1.5), capping off an impressive career as a four-year varsity starter. The 6-foot-4 wing was a crafty scorer from 17-feet and in as his ability to face up, shot fake a defender out of position, and drive to the rim for a finish or pull-up for a mid-range jumper made him a tough cover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>[player_tooltip player_id='1815293' first='Cole' last='Stokes'], Redondo Union</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stokes, who also doubles as a highly-regarded baseball player - was the main inside presence for the revamped Redondo Union squad under coach Reggie Morris, Jr. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound power forward was not only an physical inside finisher but also an effective rim-runner and transition finisher on the break. On the diamond, Stokes is a right handed pitcher who is committed to Oregon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->