SoCal 2021 Players to Watch Pt. 4

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 players take on a bigger role. For the class of 2021, this upcoming year is huge. Not only is it their final year of high school basketball, but it’s also one more shot at showcasing their game for college coaches. Here’s a few players I’ve been able to watch this year who could take a big step forward as a senior. <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="160345" first="Kimiko" last="Katzaroff"] – Harvard-Westlake</strong> Katzaroff is strong defensive player who should have a big senior year. She is solid on ball. She can read the passing lanes well. Her ball pressure leads to turnovers and starts the fast break. She’s also a good scorer with a solid outside shot. Can spot up at the three-point line and she has a quick release. Good finisher at the rim. She can make plays off the dribble. <strong>2. Natalia Whitehurst – Roosevelt</strong> When I first saw Whitehurst play back in November, she stood out the most for her defensive play. She gives it her all on the defensive end. She is a strong on ball defender and she can cause her opponent to pick up their dribble. She plays good denial defense too. She has good mobility and is quick on her feet. Can fight through screens well. <strong>3. Sofia Gonzalez – Flintridge Prep</strong> Gonzalez is the epitome of a 3&amp;D player. She is a very tough defensive player on the perimeter. She has quick hands and slides her feet well on the wing. She is a good three-point shooter. Can spot up well and can step into her shot. Always ready to catch a pass from her teammates. She also does a lot of the little things; hustle plays that don’t show up in a box score. <strong>4. Catherine Or – Marlborough</strong> Or is a combo guard who can act as a scorer and as a facilitator, whatever the team needs at the moment. Offensively, she can hit pull-up threes, she can spot up, and she can hit jumpers under defensive pressure. She has good court awareness and she looks for her teammates in half-court sets. Solid rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. <strong>5. Sydney Martin – Burroughs</strong> Martin is a decent post player for the Indians. When I first watched her play, she looked like she has the makings to be a difference maker next season in the paint. She already uses her size well in the paint. She moves very well without the ball; she can slip behind the defense and get open around the rim. Good hands in the post and finishes well when open. Solid rebounder.