CIF State Championship Preview: 7 Potential Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are 7 divisions in the state championships: Divisions I-V, NorCal Division VI, and the Open Division. CIF state tournament selection is extremely selective. Literally everyone has talent and a winning culture. What will separate early-exit teams from those who make a run? Elite difference makers! Players who dominate the game someway somehow to will their team to victory. They may or may not be the most skilled. Regardless, their impact is very noticeable. Elite difference makers have potential to singlehandedly change the outcome of a game if the opposition can't adjust. Featured in this article are standouts from all 7 divisions to keep an eye on during the CIF state championship season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":" [player_tooltip player_id='1252587' first='Sarah' last='Aldeguer']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fairmont Prep Academy ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3663f95af8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Division I difference maker to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1252587' first='Sarah' last='Aldeguer']</strong>. Fairmont is the #1 seed and a heavy favorite to win this bracket. Scouting reports will center around standout junior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574423' first='Adyra' last='Rajan']</strong> (24ppg). This leaves the door open for <strong>Sarah</strong> to have a monster game or two. As their 2nd leading scorer, she has already shown an innate ability to get buckets in a hurry. She does so efficiently, 1 of the latest examples against Mater Dei in the sectional playoffs (18 points on 73% shooting). Solid face-up game and ability to finish with either hand inside. <strong>Sarah</strong> is Fairmont's leading rebounder and shot blocker, while 3rd in steals and 2nd in assists. Her all-around ability and scoring touch make her an extremely reliable asset come playoff time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1252615' first='Milly' last='Rojas'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Monache","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c7b2f3ddfc5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The #1 seed on the southern side of the Division II bracket features 18ppg scorer, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1252615' first='Milly' last='Rojas']</strong>. She is lethal on the perimeter as a spot-up threat. Very solid fundamentals with great arc on her jumper. <strong>Milly's</strong> frame makes it difficult for defenders to get a good contest on closeouts. 36 point (12/18 FG) performance earlier this year vs. Porterville! <strong>Milly</strong> utilizes her length to score at all 3 levels. She also gives you plenty defensively, nearly 4spg and 1bpg. <strong>Milly</strong> is a winner with the potential to take games over in this tourney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1257245' first='Kiera' last='Thomas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Immanuel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9d122684a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kiera</strong> went for 43 points in the 3rd game of her high school career! She may be the most dangerous player in the entire Division III bracket... as a freshman! Youth could potentially benefit <strong>Kiera</strong> and Immanuel High given most teams haven't had the chance to see too much of her game. She is what you call a pure shooter! Steps into her shot with great balance and rhythm. <strong>Kiera</strong> is a scrappy defender who plays with toughness. Immanuel's 28-5 record has a lot to do with this freshman phenom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1252663' first='Haley' last='Smith']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Liberty Ranch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9d12268541"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Division IV's difference maker to watch comes from the #1 seed on the northern side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1252663' first='Haley' last='Smith']</strong>. Cerebral, high IQ guard who's impact is felt on the court one way or another. She is at her best creating off the dribble for herself and others. <strong>Haley's</strong> ability to play at her own pace gives her team an edge when the game slows down in the half court. With a 30-2 record, Liberty Ranch will be a tough out no doubt about it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ariana Navarro","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kennedy Fighting Irish","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9d122685e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy High School is the #1 seed in the Division V bracket, and their most IMPORTANT player might be <strong>Ariana Navarro</strong>. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in grit. Ariana literally does-it-all on the court. Great rebounder who never stops giving effort. This will be contagious for the rest of the team. <strong>Ariana</strong> can play nearly 4 positions as the lead playmaker, scorer, or defender. Her scoring and aggressiveness have picked up recently, a testament to the sophomore's growing confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892447"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9d12268685"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps the most skilled player on this list, <strong>Lauren</strong> is averaging a ridiculous 29ppg, 14rpg, 7apg, 3spg, and 2bpg. Talk about making a difference.. in literally every facet of the game. As the #2 seed, Faith Christian is my pick to win the NorCal Division VI state title, and <strong>Lauren</strong> will be the catalyst. Averaging 30 in high school despite being double and triple-teamed all season is very rare. <strong>Lauren</strong> has in-the-gym range. She routinely makes tough shots over multiple defenders. 13 thirty-point-games on the year! The combination of her scoring prowess and all-around-production make her a must-see talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ze'Ni Patterson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Archbishop Mitty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9d12268754"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Archbishop Mitty is in the Open Division bracket, which is loaded with nationally ranked players and teams. Junior forward, <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/san-jose/archbishop-mitty-monarchs/athletes/mckenna-woliczko/?careerid=l2p975pejas55">[player_tooltip player_id='574428' first='McKenna' last='Woliczko']</a>, has been impressive all year. The same can be said for [player_tooltip player_id='891489' first='Janaya' last='Williams']. The sleeper who can take the game over at any moment may prove to be <strong>Ze'Ni Patterson</strong>. Her second-team all-state selection as a freshman was no fluke. Fearless in every aspect of the game, which bodes well come playoff time. Strong attacks to the basket and her tendency to catch fire from long-range may be the difference. There are several highly touted guards in this division. <strong>Ze'Ni</strong> is as competitive as they come with a chip on her shoulder. Stay tuned...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->