OCVarsity’s top 5 players to watch for the 2015-16 season:
MJ CAGE
Mater Dei
Cage was All-Orange County first team and All-CIF Southern Section/Open Division last year. The 6-foot-10 senior center, a three-year starter at Mater Dei, signed with Oregon. Cage averaged 13 points and 12 rebounds a game.
SPENCER FREEDMAN
Mater Dei
He transferred from Santa Monica where he started as a freshman last season. Freedman, 6-foot-1, is often labeled as the best sophomore in Southern California. His shooting, passing and ball-handling skills make him a formidable matchup for any opponent.
KADEN RASHEED
Santa Margarita
He was All-CIF in Division 1AA last year as a sophomore. Rasheed averaged 16 points a game and shot 42 percent on 3-pointers. The 6-foot guard is being recruited by Pepperdine, Santa Clara and USC.
EYASSU WORKU
Los Alamitos
He is coming off of a spectacular junior year. He was a Sunset League player of the year and All-CIF in Division 1AA. He averaged 17 points, five rebounds and five assists a game while leading Los Alamitos to the 1AA semifinals. Worku signed with UC Irvine.
KAVAUGHN SCOTT
Orange Lutheran
Lancers coach Chris Nordstrom expects Scott to be one of the more-improved players in the county. The 6-7 senior forward averaged five points a game last year as the Lancers advanced to the Open Division semifinals. He is being recruited by Ivy League schools.
Boys basketball preview: Other top players to watch
More in the boys basketball preview for 2015-16:
Boys basketball preview: O.C. top 10
Mater Dei’s depth could be its biggest strength
Boys basketball preview: Important dates
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
