Under-the-Radar Players on SoCal’s Top Teams

As Southern California's top teams take shape, a handful of players are quietly driving their success. These players are delivering real impact on both ends of the floor, serving as foundational pieces for their teams. Here are a few of the difference-makers getting it done.    Kelsey is the lead guard for a deep Brentwood squad and impacts the game in multiple ways. A crafty ball handler, she thrives against pressure in the open floor, often using it to her advantage to turn defensive coverage into numbers advantages that ignite Brentwood's offense. She is also unusually effective playing with her back to the basket for a guard, able to back down defenders, score with soft touch on baby hooks over either shoulder, and draw help before finding cutters and shooters for high-percentage looks. Add in her confidence and range from beyond the arc, and Kelsey becomes a constant offensive threat. Brentwood is never an easy out, and she is a major reason why.     Lesina is a true do-everything guard for Fairmont Prep and a driving force behind their offense. She frequently initiates the attack, consistently getting downhill to create opportunities in an offense built around inside-out play. Her blend of strength and athleticism makes her difficult to contain, as defenders struggle to apply pressure or knock her off her line. From the wing, she is quick to drop her shoulder and get into the paint, while also being a reliable catch-and-shoot threat when defenders give her space. Lesina has been a key piece for a Fairmont Prep team that has notched several wins against top programs this season.     Emily is a dynamic lead guard for a 21–3 La Salle squad, consistently putting herself and her teammates in advantageous positions. Her shifty handle and change of pace keep defenses on edge, allowing her to split defenders, get downhill, and use her length for creative finishes around the rim. That same length and quickness translate on the defensive end, where she excels as a point-of-attack defender—forcing opposing guards to pick up their dribble and disrupting offensive rhythm before plays can even develop.     Ava has developed into a well-rounded point guard for a talented Oak Park team with high expectations. She excels in the open court, consistently keeping her head up and delivering advance passes that take advantage of her team's speed on the wings. Defensively, she is reliable and competitive, staying in front of her matchup and holding her ground when switched onto bigger players. Ava is also a confident perimeter shooter, knocking down the three-ball at a high rate with a quick, repeatable release. She remains a key piece for Oak Park as the team heads into the playoff stretch.     Brianna is a fierce, fearless competitor for Francis Parker whose edge elevates her already well-rounded game. Her size and length make her a versatile, impactful defender capable of guarding multiple positions, and she is an excellent help defender who rotates on time and alters shots at the rim. Offensively, she is comfortable operating as a secondary playmaker, attacking off screens and dribble handoffs to create pull-up jumpers or get downhill to the basket. As her role continues to expand, Brianna is poised to become an even more prominent force for Francis Parker.

As Southern California's top teams take shape, a handful of players are quietly driving their success. These players are delivering real impact on both ends of the floor, serving as foundational pieces for their teams. Here are a few of the difference-makers getting it done.