CIF State Championships Top 10 boys players to watch at Golden 1 Center
SACRAMENTO — Team play, defense, cohesion — all emphasized and preached by coaches whose team made it to the CIF State Championships at Golden 1 Center.
But let's face it. Every team needs a star. Or two. Or three.
Here are the Top 10 players to watch heading into the 2024 games that all can be seen on the NFHS Network if can't you get there live.
1. SG Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth, 6-5 sophomore
The son of former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas, he's ranked the No. 4 sophomore in the country by 247Sports, Arenas gets the nod at top attraction because he's been given the keys to the Chatsworth car. He has free reign to shoot and take over at any time, which he's done at a 32.6 points per game clip. He had 53 points in a 74-69 semifinal win over George Washington Prep, his second 50-point game of the year. He's had four other games more than 40 points and makes 49 percent from the field. Smooth, explosive and lights-out long-range shooter. He has 16 college offers, including Alabama, UCLA, Kansas and Texas.
2. SG Brandon McCoy, St. John Bosco, 6-4 sophomore
Ranked the No. 1 sophomore in the country by 247Sports composite, the native of Oakland leads the Braves to just their second appearance in the state finals. A three-way scorer, McCoy leads team with 18.5 scoring average, and also rebounding (7.6 per game) and steals (2.5).
3. PG Trent Perry, Harvard-Westlake, .6=4 senior (UCLA signee)
Smooth, tough, game changer. The SBLive reigning State Player of the Year won't woo fans on athleticism, but his overall game, especially in clutch situation is unmatched. Rated the No. 39 senior in the country by 247Sports.
4. SG Elzie Harrington, St. John Bosco, 6-3 junior
Ultimate go-to guard and three-level scorer, Harrington carried the Braves to a regional 71-68 regional overtime final victory over Mater Dei with 24 points. Averages just under 15 points per game, giving way to McCoy for the betterment of the team.
5. F Nikolas Khamenia, Harvard-Westlake, 6-8 junior
Great shooter, top defender, ultimate winner has 12 offers including Gonzaga, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. Rated 38th top junior in the nation by 247Sports.
6. G ArDarius Grayson, Oakland Tech, 6-0 junior
Bouncy, athletic, fearless, Grayson averages a team best 18.8 points per game, but in all the big games was closer to 30, including a 34-point bust out game in the regional final win over Oakland.
7. G Jared Mims, Alemany, 5-10 senior
The headline "heart over height" fits here as dynamic, muscular left-handed point guard does it all for the Dons, averaging 17.4 points per game and 2.2 steals per contest. No one else on the team scores in double-digits. He's helped carry the team to its second regional title in school history.
8. PG Aaron Hunkin-Claytor, Salesian, 6-3 senior (Hawaii)
In the same mold of the star he'll likely be facing in the state title game Trent Perry, Hunkin-Claytor won't woo you with athleticism or explosion, but he absolutely makes the 31-1 Pride tick. Runs the show, hits big buckets, spreads the wealth.
9. G Rippen Gill, Centennial-Bakersfield, 6-6 senior
High-scoring shooting guard, who can also mix it up down low, has upped his 18.6 season average in the postseason at 22.4 in the postseason, including a pair fo 27-point explosions.
10. F Seamus Deely, San Ramon Valley, 6-5 senior
One of the most unique players in the finals, Deely leads team in rebounds and is second in scoring. Unquestioned team leader, he always seems to make the important bucket, rebound, block. Think Draymond Green at prep level.
