CIF State Playoffs Preview: 2028 Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a thrilling season full of ups-and-downs, we are now nearing the finish line. Today marks the start of the 2026 state playoffs throughout California. Championship weekend (March 13-14) will be here before we know it! Keep an eye on these super sophomores and see what the hype is all about!</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":"Taylor Marsland","_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":"5'8u0022","_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":"Priory","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-69a6531ff0357"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Taylor</strong> has a sturdy build and a low tight handle that allows her to effectively navigate through the opposing defense. She can create for herself and others. Crafty guard who is also a sniper from long-range. <strong>Taylor</strong> has a quick trigger and moves very well off-the-ball. This allows her to get open looks and catch fire on the perimeter. Seven 3 pointers in a game just a few weeks ago. <strong>Taylor</strong> gets going north-to-south fairly quickly and makes sound decisions with the ball in her hands. Certified gym rat who plays hard on both ends. She will be the X-factor for a Priory squad that has won 15 of their last 16 games! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262194"],"_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-691b64209a159"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Versatile wing with the size and skill to be a mismatch nightmare. <strong>Taya</strong> has everything you're looking for in an up-and-coming modern-day forward. She runs the floor. She can stretch the floor. She is fundamentally sound, long, athletic, and aggressive. <strong>Taya</strong> is a reliable finisher inside with a beautiful shooting stroke from outside. She has the ball handling ability to attack the basket with a head of steam. Absolute gamechanger on both ends when she is locked in.<strong>Taya </strong>continues to show flashes of a high upside that may lead Buchanan to a deep playoff run in the state tourney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257245"],"_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-69a5771db8934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kiera </strong>is the leading scorer and playmaker for the 27-4 Immanuel Eagles. The smooth combo guard has an all-around skillset that is very impressive on the offensive end. <strong>Kiera</strong> can create her own shot anytime she chooses. She can spot-up and make shots from all over. She flourishes in transition. She plays with poise and control, manipulating the defense to set her teammates up for easy looks. The game comes easy for <strong>Kiera</strong>. She can make her presence known offensively on and off-the-ball. Sound mechanics and good footwork on her jumper. Flat-out gamer and a proven winner at the high school level despite her youth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901268"],"_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-69a6531ff024e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Sydney</strong> is a legit point forward with exceptional length. The shooting touch and feel for the game stand out. Arguably the most skilled frontcourt player in the 2028 class, <strong>Sydney</strong> continues to expand her game and gain confidence. She sees the floor well and routinely makes the right play. 1 notable performance earlier this year: 33 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. She can handle the ball in the open floor and go coast-to-coast from time-to-time. <strong>Sydney </strong>is virtually automatic when left open. She will be the X-factor for a Corona team that can make some noise in the loaded D1 state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262229"],"_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-69a6531ff03d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Amani</strong> is an emerging 2-way sharpshooter who has played an instrumental role in St. Mary's (25-2) balanced attack. She has shown noticeable improvement after an eye-opening freshman season. <strong>Amani</strong> has the ability to catch fire and break a game open like no other. She is efficient from long-range. High-IQ player with good shot selection. <strong>Amani</strong> displays active hands on the defensive end. She has good speed in the open floor. Catch-and-shoot specialist with a solid all-around game. <strong>Amani</strong> has the play style and motor that translates to winning basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262289"],"_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-69a65802a6103"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kayla</strong> has been the catalyst for the loaded 27-4 Birmingham Patriots. She is arguably the most productive guard in San Fernando Valley for the Class of 2028. Remarkable consistency this year night-in, night-out. 17 points per game to go along with 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. <strong>Kayla</strong> is lights out from long-range when left open. She makes her free throws and scores on all 3 levels. She can pick the defense apart as a playmaker. <strong>Kayla</strong> has mastered the art of when to score and when to pass. Birmingham fell just short of a CIF LA City Section championship after a valiant effort against Westchester in the title game. They are still perhaps the favorite to win it all at states for Division II.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262196"],"_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-69a7282386a63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The offers are starting to roll in for one of the top can't miss prospects in the 2028 class. <strong>Gi'Anna "GiGi" Smith</strong> has a D1 frame to go along with an effortless feel for the game. She can shoot, she can handle, she can drive. Legit floor general who knows how to run an offense. Her ability to finish in traffic with either hand stands out. <strong>Gi'Anna</strong> plays with excellent change of pace and is able to weave her way through the opposing defense. She is hard to stop going downhill because of her shot making ability on the perimeter. The middle game is also impressive (floaters, scoop shots, pull-ups). Multiple 40pt games on the year for this low-risk, high-reward prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->