SoCal’s 2023 Breakout Candidates (Pt. 2)
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With many states, including California, still struggling to figure out how to play the high school basketball season amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers, we wanted to take a closer look at each class in our region. In this piece, we…
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Continue ReadingWith many states, including California, still struggling to figure out how to play the high school basketball season amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers, we wanted to take a closer look at each class in our region.
In this piece, we break down the players in the class of 2023 who would have broken out at this point in the season for their high school teams if it had gone as normally scheduled.
Kenny Manzi Kenny Manzi 6'6" | SF Rolling Hills Prep | 2023 State CA-S , Rolling Hills Prep – The bouncy 6-foot-6 forward worked his way into the Huskies starting lineup toward the middle of his freshman campaign and seemed to get better each and every game. Manzi has great hands and footwork around the basket while his quick first and second jumps make him an adept finisher and second chance opportunist in the painted area.
Cyprian Hyde Cyprian Hyde 6'10" | C Vista | 2023 State CA-S , Vista – Hyde made huge strides during the offseason and we were really looking forward to seeing how it translated to the varsity level. The 6-foot-9 forward/center is much more agile and athletic than he was toward the end of last season, which, combined with his skill, would have made him a viable offensive and defensive threat for the Panthers. Perhaps the most intriguing part of Hyde’s game is his ability to step out and stretch the floor to the three-point line.
Parker Strauss, Edison – Though the Chargers brought back five of its top scorers from last season, it would’ve been hard to keep Strauss off the floor based on how he impacts the game in a variety of ways. The 6-foot-1 combo guard is a crafty scorer and high IQ passer who has proven to make players around him better. Edison is very much a system type of offense and Strauss is a player who knows how to run a team, but can also create offense when plays and sets break down.
Ty Hendler Ty Hendler 6'3" | CG La Costa Canyon | 2023 State CA-S , La Costa Canyon – The 6-foot-3 guard would likely have battled for starter’s minutes this season based on not only his three-point shooting ability, but also the improved confidence when it comes to his ball handling, driving and finishing through contact, and setting the table for teammates. Hendler is a big time competitor and high motor player on both ends of the floor.