Southern Section Mission League Players to Watch
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With the New Year comes the beginning of league play. Teams have gotten their warmups with non league games and holiday tournaments, now they gear up for this. I’ve gotten a chance to watch a few of the teams and…
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Continue ReadingWith the New Year comes the beginning of league play. Teams have gotten their warmups with non league games and holiday tournaments, now they gear up for this. I’ve gotten a chance to watch a few of the teams and players from the CIF Southern Section’s Mission League and here’s a little breakdown of a few players to watch as league play kicks off.
1.
Christy Reynoso
Christy
Reynoso
5'5" | PG
Sierra Canyon | 2024
State
CA
– Sierra Canyon 2024
Reynoso is an unselfish point guard who runs the offense smoothly, quarterbacks the team and looks for her teammates. Pass first player who takes scoring opportunities as they come. Pushes pace in transition as the ball-handler and can find open teammates. Can shoot from distance and can get to the basket in the halfcourt.
2.
Natalie Villamor
Natalie
Villamor
5'8" | PG
Notre Dame SO | 2024
State
CA
– Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 2024
Villamor is in the mold of a big wing playmaker. She has the size of a shooting guard/small forward but she is a good-ball handler and passer. In the halfcourt, she’s always looking to make the extra pass and has good vision. She can attack the defense off the dribble and is a good drive and kick/dish player. Good shooter off the catch and off face-ups.
3.
Payton Montgomery
Payton
Montgomery
6'0" | PF
Chaminade | 2026
State
CA
– Chaminade 2026
Montgomery is in the mold of a true center/post player. One of the things that’s stood out to me is her rebounding ability. She uses her size well to establish position and box out not only for herself but for teammates to grab boards. Good help defense in the paint. Sets good screens and rolls well/moves off ball.
4.
Deana Thompson
Deana
Thompson
5'7" | CG
Harvard Westlake | 2025
State
CA
– Harvard Westlake 2025
Thompson is a talented scorer on the wing. She’s a slasher, she’s consistently able to get to the basket and put pressure on the defense. Strong body control to finish at the basket through traffic. Can shoot the pull-up three-point shot. She can be a primary ball-handler and she can move off ball as well. Consistently able to create her own shot.
5.
Leila Boykin
Leila
Boykin
5'11" | C
Alemany | 2026
State
CA
– Alemany 2026
Boykin is another true center. She can establish and hold her position in the paint, sealing off her defender. She’s strong and able to muscle through to finish in the paint. She can read the defense well and knows how to effectively pass out of the post. Good rebounder and good screener.