Southern Section Division 1 Title Game Players to Watch

The CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game is set with Harvard-Westlake set to take on Troy. Harvard-Westlake punched their ticket to the title game with a victory over West Torrance, while Troy survived a late rally from ML King to earn a spot in the championship. Both teams have talented rosters, and a here’s a look at some of the players to watch out for in the SS Division 1 title game. <strong>1. Kiki Iriafen – Harvard-Westlake 2021</strong> Iriafen is a bit of a throwback player. In a day and age where bigs want to handle the ball like guards and shoot threes, Iriafen embraces being a real low post player. She can score easily on the blocks and she has great footwork. She can seal off her defenders and hit them with a quick drop step. She also has a nice little turnaround jumper when she’s in the paint. Defensively, she can keep up with wings as well as anchor the interior. A matchup nightmare. <strong>2. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/endigo-parker/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/endigo-parker/">Endigo Parker</a></a> – Troy 2021</strong> Parker is one of the more intriguing prospects in Southern California who is beginning to hear from Division 1 schools. She represents Troy’s best shot at matching up with Iriafen. She is long and mobile and able to cover ground defensively. She’ll need to body up Iriafen and keep her from making quick moves in the post. Offensively, she also is a throwback player in that she has good post footwork and can score in the paint. Improving shooting range makes her a versatile threat. <strong>3. Melissa Zozulenko – Harvard-Westlake 2021</strong> Zozulenko was very instrumental in the Wolverines win over West Torrance with her steady hand all game. She is a real point guard and true floor general. She runs the offense with calmness and precision. She’s always looking to make the right pass and find open teammates. She keeps the ball moving and doesn’t let the offense stagnate. She picks her spots offensively and is capable of hitting big shots if needed, especially from three-point range. <strong>4. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-stines/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/hannah-stines/">Hannah Stines</a></a> – Troy 2022</strong> Stines is one of the top young players in Southern California. Only a sophomore, she’s taken on a major role with the Warriors. She’s a very good scorer and she’s not afraid to take and make clutch shots on a big stage. In the Warriors quarterfinal win over Roosevelt, it was Stines’ layup with 1.1 seconds left to seal the victory. She’s a good rebounder for a guard, and a good defensive player on the wings. <strong>5. Kimiko Katzaroff – Harvard-Westlake 2021</strong> Katzaroff has been a strong all-around player for the Wolverines. She can shoot well from the three-point line as well as put the ball on the floor and make plays off the dribble. She has a quick release when she spots up and she finishes strong when at the rim. Defensively, she reads passing lanes well and can pick off passes to ignite a break.