SoCal Class of 2021 Players to Watch Pt. 3

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="102703" first="Sammie" last="Arnold"] – Palisades</strong> Arnold is a solid glue player who fit in well around the offensive weapons the Dolphins had this past season. Look for her to take on a bigger role next season as senior. Makes plays that don’t always show up in a box score; plays that win games such as hustle plays. Shoots well from the three-point line. Good on ball defender. Fights for rebounds and can take advantage over smaller players. <strong>2. Kalani Duplessis – Morningside</strong> When I first watched Duplessis last summer, she looked like she had skill and talent that just needed to be refined a bit. She’s in the mold of a solid post player. Fairly decent rebounder with a size advantage over most players. Has some skill in the post that can be worked with. Would benefit from keeping the ball high and going right back up on offensive rebounds. <strong>3. Alexis Mead – M.L. King</strong> Mead was part of a very strong backcourt for the Wolves with [player_tooltip player_id="54841" first="Raya" last="Smith"]. With Smith now graduated, Mead will likely take on a little bit of a bigger role in the backcourt. She is a tenacious on ball defender who doesn’t mind matching up against players bigger than her. She is a solid point guard who probes the defense and finds the open teammate. She can score too if need be. <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="102665" first="Meaali’i" last="Amosa"] – Mater Dei</strong> Amosa is one of the top up and coming bigs in the area who has a couple of Division 1 offers already. She is a strong rebounder who positions herself well in the paint to crash the glass. She sets solid screens to free up the wings. She’s got a soft touch around the rim and she can step out and shoot a bit from midrange. Pretty decent interior defender as well.