Class of 2023: SoCal Players to Watch
The 2019-20 season has come and gone, and each year we see different players rise up and take on expanded roles for their respective teams. Sometimes freshmen are able to step in right away and make a big impact. Older…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019-20 season has come and gone, and each year we see different players rise up and take on expanded roles for their respective teams. Sometimes freshmen are able to step in right away and make a big impact. Older players take on a bigger role.
For the class of 2023, they got their first taste of high school basketball. Now that they know what to expect, they have a better sense of what role they could fill. Here’s a look at some of incoming sophomores that I’ve been able to see who could take another leap next season.
1. Ashley Chea Ashley Chea 5'6" | PG Flintridge Prep HS | 2023 State CA – Flintridge Prep
Chea had an immediate impact as a freshman. She’s a very quick guard off the dribble and she has good size; bigger than most other point guards. She can also move over and play shooting guard if need be. Her standout ability is her playmaking. She’s a crafty passer who can find the seams in the defense and get teammates easy shots. Good three-point shooter who can also attack the rim. Bright future.
2. Sydney Nelson – Roosevelt (Eastvale)
I first saw Nelson at the Mark Keppel Tournament back in November when she had a strong game against La Jolla Country Day. She’s able to play both guard and small forward. She has a good face up game and is at her best when attacking the basket. She’s able to finish around defenders as well as draw contact and get to the free-throw line. Good footwork in the post against smaller guards.
3. Dikara Franklin – King/Drew
I first saw Franklin over the summer at WCE event. She is small as a guard, but she more than makes up for it with her tough and energetic play. Despite being small, she can finish well at the rim around defenders. Very quick in transition; constantly out ahead of the defense. Very solid ball-handler. She plays much bigger than her height.
4. Chloe Briggs Chloe Briggs 6'0" | SF Ontario Christian HS | 2023 State CA – Ontario Christian
Briggs was a player I was able to see also over the summer at a Cal Storm event. She was in the mold of a good scoring guard, who also has some playmaking abilities. She’s a solid playmaker in transition always looking for teammates on a fast break. Good rebounder who attacks the glass and starts the break herself. Good passer in the half-court who can make a post entry pass. Overall aggressive player.
5. Karen Garcia – Santa Monica
Garcia is a quick and crafty player who is able to play both guard positions. She has a strong first step and is able to get past most defenders. Solid outside shooter with a quick release. Although she is a decent scorer, she can act as a facilitator and set her teammates up for easy looks. As a young player, is able to find the balance between knowing when to score and when to pass.