OCVarsity’s top five players to watch this season:
Spencer Freedman, Mater Dei
He was All-Orange County first team last season as a sophomore and was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Open Division team. A 6-foot-1 left-hander, Freedman scoots up the court quickly and rarely misses an open teammate.
Sebastian Much, JSerra
He was All-O.C second team last season as a junior when he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds a game. Much, a 6-8 senior, signed with Princeton. He will be one of the county’s more versatile scorers this season.
—————————————
BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
- Preview 2016-17: Top 5 players to watch
- Preview: Preseason O.C. top 10
- Preview 2016-17: Esperanza’s Okpala ready to lead
- Preview 2016-17: Other top players to watch
- Preview 2016-17: Important dates
—————————————
Kezie Okpala, Esperanza
He was All-Orange County first team last season when he averaged 23 points and eight rebounds a game. His long arms and scoring skills make him one of the more difficult matchups for any defender. Okpala signed with Stanford.
Trey Smith, Saddleback Valley Christian
He was among Orange County’s scoring leaders last season with 26 points a game. Smith, a 6-3 senior, was San Joaquin League MVP in 2015-16. He is a pure scorer with limitless shooting range.
Justice Sueing, Mater Dei
He was All-Trinity League first team last season as a junior. The left-handed Sueing (6-6, 205) can slash to the basket with the best of them, and can pull up and sink a jumper when that is the superior option. He would have a higher points-per-game average if he was on a team that did not have as many offensive options as they have at Mater Dei.
Contact the writer: sfryer@scng.com
