2021 SoCal Recruiting Update

<p>It seems like class of 2021 players across the country are pulling the trigger on commitments early than they would in a normal year. As we all know this certainly isn’t a normal year as the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the number of events and participants across the country.</p> <p>In the Southern California recruiting landscape, many of our top 30 prospects in the 2021 class have made their commitments, the most notable being the state’s top player, [player_tooltip player_id="680212" first="Peyton" last="Watson"], heading to UCLA and SoCal’s second-ranked prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="680198" first="Reese" last="Dixon-Waters"], pledging to USC.</p> <p>In this piece we look at three of the most recent college commitments in SoCal, including our No. 4-ranked prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="747081" first="Kenneth" last="Simpson, Jr."]</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="747081" first="Kenneth" last="Simpson, Jr."]</strong>, Chaminade, committed to Arizona - The 6-foot-2 combo guard really is a perfect fit for what Arizona coach Sean Miller looks for in a player. Simpson is tough, physical, coachable and plays with a high motor at both ends of the floor. Simpson is best as a slasher and finisher in transition, where he uses his combination of speed, strength and athleticism to finish above the rim and through contact in the paint. Simpson has a lockdown mindset on the defensive end, can defend both guard spots and is willing to slide over and take a charge in help-side. Consistency on his perimeter jump shot will be the most important improvement for Simpson at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="747086" first="Tyler" last="Powell"]</strong>, Ribet Academy, committed to Seton Hall - Powell will bring a lot of value to the Pirates’ roster when it comes to defense, intangibles and versatility. The 6-foot-5 wing has a powerful frame and explosive transition athleticism which make him an effective slasher and finisher on the break. Powell’s size and lateral speed allow him to guard multiple positions defensively and he’s a solid positional rebounder. While his three-point shooting has improved over the course of his high school career, he must continue to get more consistent from deep to become a well-rounded offensive player at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="943442" first="Josh" last="O’Garro"]</strong>, Santa Clarita Christian, committed to Oklahoma - Earlier this summer O’Garro announced plans to transfer to Sunrise Christian Academy for his senior year, but changed his tune shortly after, committing to Oklahoma as a member of the 2020 class. The 6-foot-5 wing had one of the more break-out style seasons last year with SCCS as his length, ball skills and athleticism translated into him being one of the better two-way players in Southern California. O’Garro uses his long strides and length to cover ground with minimal dribbles and his vertical leaping ability, combined with the previously mentioned traits, make him a touch cover in transition and half-court settings. O’Garro is another wing prospect who will need to improve his perimeter jumper to become a high level college two or three.</p>