Who are the Top 5 players in Northern California high school boys basketball?
Editor’s note: This is the latest in a weekly series of stories from 49ers Cal-Hi Sports that will highlight high school student-athletes across Northern California.
With the 2021 California high school basketball season on the horizon we're taking a look at the top players in the state.
Here are the Top 5 boys basketball players in Northern California. (Feature photo by Sam Stringer)
TOP 5 PLAYERS IN NORCAL
No. 5: DeMarshay Johnson, Salesian College Prep
➡️ HEIGHT: 6-9
➡️ WEIGHT: 210
➡️ POSITION: C
➡️ CLASS: 2021
➡️ OFFERS: SAN DIEGO STATE (COMMITTED)
Many coaches ask how they can stop Demarshay Johnson. Unfortunately, there is no answer; you can only contain him. There are few players able to contain Johnson at 6-foot-9 and 210 pounds. There are even fewer players able to move as athletically as Johnson with his stature. A walking highlight reel, Johnson can score from almost anywhere on the floor, but best excels in the post.
His recruiting prospects were hurt by the pandemic, but he committed to San Diego State in early November. It's likely he would have received multiple Power 5 offers if he had been able to play a full club season over the summer.
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No. 4: Mike Mitchell, Archbishop Mitty
➡️ HEIGHT: 6-2
➡️ WEIGHT: 175
➡️ POSITION: PG
➡️ CLASS: 2021
➡️ OFFERS: PEPPERDINE (COMMITTED)
The unquestioned leader on a historically outstanding Mitty team, Mike Mitchell appears to be in for a big senior season. Often heralded for his court awareness, shot selection, and game management, the offense runs through Mitchell. He can control the game at times with his stifling defense and sharp shooting from anywhere on the court.
Mitchell will head to Pepperdine after his senior season at Mitty. The Monarchs will be one of the favorites in the very tough West Catholic League with Mitchell at the helm.
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No. 3: Marsalis Roberson, Bishop O'Dowd
➡️ HEIGHT: 6-5
➡️ WEIGHT: 180
➡️ POSITION: SG
➡️ CLASS: 2021
➡️ OFFERS: CAL BEARS (COMMITTED)
Roberson is a key part of a Bishop O'Dowd team that always seems to compete in one of the toughest divisions in the state. Standing at 6-foot-5, he has the tools to be a sharpshooter and get physical in the paint. If he can add weight in college, Roberson will be every coach’s nightmare.
Smooth and powerful, Roberson often thrills crowds with his high flying dunks. He will stay at home and play for Cal next season.
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No. 2: Isael Silva, Prolific Prep
➡️ HEIGHT: 6-3
➡️ WEIGHT: 185
➡️ POSITION: PG
➡️ CLASS: 2021
➡️ OFFERS: STANFORD (SIGNED)
Silva has great size for his position. His signature move is his change of pace and he has a variety of ball skills. Silva can hit threes off the catch and shoot, but also knocks down midrange jumpers and can finish with both hands. His passing ability is what separates him. He has tremendous vision.
Most importantly, Silva is often praised for his work ethic. Charismatic with outstanding leadership skills, he is also an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA which makes him a perfect fit for Stanford. He wants to go into business and work in the fashion industry once his playing days are done. (Here's our in-depth story on Silva.)
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No. 1: Nathan Bittle, Prolific Prep
➡️ HEIGHT: 6-11
➡️ WEIGHT: 200
➡️ POSITION: C
➡️ CLASS: 2021
➡️ OFFERS: OREGON (COMMITTED)
Bittle is a 5-star recruit who is one of the very best players in the nation. He can play almost every position on offense, can shoot the three and has polished skills in the paint. He’s thin right now, but is bulking up and is working hard in the weight room at Prolific Prep. Seeing him in person at a recent practice, his leadership ability shined through. Bittle and Silva will form arguably the best duo in the country this season. (See our story on Bittle " target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.)
-- 49ers Cal-Hi Sports
