2021’s Best: Top Shooters
With the 2019-20 high school hoops season in the books, and the updated class of 2021 rankings set to drop any day now, there’s no better time to take a look at some of the top junior prospects by position…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2019-20 high school hoops season in the books, and the updated class of 2021 rankings set to drop any day now, there’s no better time to take a look at some of the top junior prospects by position or skill set. Here’s a look at some of the top pure shooters in SoCal’s junior class.
Daniel Esparza, Sonora – Esparza is an unconscious type of three-point shooter who, when he gets on a roll, can change the course of a game by hitting a flurry of deep balls. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is most comfortable when using some rhythm dribbles to get into his pull-up jumper. Esparza gets good lift on his shot with a super quick trigger, but he does need to get more comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations.
Harrison Hornery, Mater Dei – The 6-foot-9 forward has as smooth of shooting mechanics as you’ll find in a high school player. Hornery is more comfortable as a set shooter off the catch than he is off the bounce, but given time and space, it’s very difficult for a defender to disrupt his flow due to his size and high release point. Hornery connected on 54 triples for the Monarchs during his junior season.
Keith Higgins, Chaminade – Higgins is one of two pieces in the Eagles highly-regarded 2021 backcourt duo along with KJ Simpson. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard has a quick trigger with deep range on his three-point shot and can hit it with his feet set, on the move without the ball or on a pull-up from deep or at the mid-range level. Higgins’ ability to hit perimeter jumpers in a variety of settings is a testament to his balance through his release.
Luke Turner, Rancho Christian – Turner is another guy with great size for a guy with such a smooth shooting stroke. The 6-foot-7 wing has been considered one of the best shooters in the area since his freshman season, and while he entered high school as a spot-up threat, Turner has added a consistent pull-up jumper into his arsenal. His bread and butter is still the catch-and-shoot three ball.
TJ Wainwright, Westchester – Wainwright is like Turner in the sense of how he entered high school as a feared three-point shooter. The 6-foot-3 lefty hits from multiple spots and multiple distances from the floor. Wainwright is another guy who can go off from deep in a hurry and he’s gotten much more comfortable hitting shots under duress and creating space on the perimeter with his ball skills and footwork to get a clean look when needed.