Meet the Top 20 Small Forwards in California high school girls basketball

After releasing lists of the top 35 point guards and top 30 shooting guards in California high school girls basketball earlier in the week, SBLive is continuing its series with the top 20 small forwards in the state. California's current crop of SFs includes a handful of current and future national recruits, a McDonald's All-American, and quite possibly some future pros.

MORE: Meet the Top 35 Point Guards in California high school girls basketball | Meet the Top 30 Shooting Guards in California high school girls basketball

The primary criteria for our list were individual statistics and overall impact on team success in the 2021-2022 season, with strength of schedule factored in heavily. Non-statistical elements that impact winning, such as individual defense, were also primary determinants. Film review, the opinions of coaches around the state, and success in prior seasons were important criteria when applicable, and other individual honors, such as all-league/all-CIF awards and college interest, were considered as secondary factors.

Important note on position: In today’s position-less era of basketball, it is very rare that teams list one starter at all five positions, and many players are fully interchangeable across numerous positions. The positions we list players at are a combination of what their “natural” position is, what position they’re listed at by their team, what position they tend to guard or match up with, and their specific roles on both sides of the ball. If you believe one of the state's best small forwards is missing, there's a chance that they're on one of our guard lists, or will be on an upcoming list of top PFs or Cs.

Without further ado, here's a look at the top 20 small forwards in the state, plus honorable mentions for other players who received major consideration, and a watchlist including many other outstanding SFs across the state from freshmen to seniors.

Did we miss someone who belonged on the list? Let us know in the comments, on social media, or by emailing lance@scorebooklive.com with statistics/notes, and we will consider them in our future coverage.

TOP SMALL FORWARDS IN CALFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL:

The list is arranged by section but is not in any particular order.

NORTH COAST SECTION:

Trinity Zamora – Piedmont – JR.

A versatile 5-11 guard who slots in more as a forward for Piedmont, Zamora averaged a jaw-dropping (and likely unmatched) line of 23 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists per game last season. She's been just as dominant as a junior, and has the 20-4 Highlanders rapidly ascending the NCS, NorCal, and state ranks of elite teams.

Natalie Pasco – San Ramon Valley – SR.

After averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game as a sophomore to help lead SRV to a CIFNCS Division 1 title, Pasco broke out as one of the top perimeter scorers and overall players in the state as a junior. She led the Wolves to an 11-0 record in the shortened spring season averaging 28.3 points and 13 rebounds per game on a blistering 62% FG and 49% 3FG despite launching threes at a torrid pace. For that, she was named SBLive's North Coast Section Athlete of the Year. The Boise State commit is averaging similar numbers as a senior for one of the premier teams in NorCal, and has to be one of the first names brought up in any discussion of best shooters in the entire country.

Nevaeh Asiasi – Salesian College Prep – JR.

Asiasi averages 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on a particularly deep, egalitarian Salesian team that's one of the best in NorCal. She has plenty of experience at point guard, but her strong frame gives her the ability to bully guards off the dribble and match up with bigger forwards defensively, so she's largely utilized as a do-it-all point forward for the Pride who has some kind of matchup advantage over just about anyone who has to deal with her.

SOUTHERN SECTION:

Gabriela Jaquez – Camarillo – SR.

While many used to know Jaquez primarily as the sister of UCLA men's basketball star Jaime Jaquez Jr., they now know her more for being one of the most dominant high school players in the country if they've been paying attention. It's long been no secret that Jaquez was likely to follow in her brother's footsteps at UCLA, or be able to go practically anywhere else in the country that she wanted. She averaged just under a 15-point double-double as a freshman, and averaged 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game as a sophomore, and Camarillo was a high-level playoff both years. However, it was when basketball resumed in 2021 that she established herself as one of the best of the best, despite playing only nine games as a junior. She averaged 31.7 points, 14.8 boards, 2.4 assists, and 2.9 steals per game on 48% shooting, and finished the season with a 52-point/18-rebound masterclass in a one-point playoff loss against Torrance powerhouse Bishop Montgomery. To follow it up, Jaquez gained national recognition for leading Cal Stars to a Nike EYBL national championship over the summer, and gained her fifth star.

Now the McDonald's All-American is now averaging 33.5 PPG, 14.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 5.4 steals per game on 51% shooting for the 25-1 Scorpions, which are the first seed in the CIFSS Division 1 playoffs. At 6-0 with tremendous strength and athleticism, elite rim attacking ability, and a career-high mark of 35% shooting from downtown, Jaquez is the complete package and has boundless potential.

Juju Watkins – Sierra Canyon – JR.

Ranked by many as the top recruit in the Class of 2023, Watkins averaged 24.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game last season at Windward after leading the Wildcats to the CIFSS Open Division finals as a freshman. Now as a junior and as a senior, she has the opportunity to pursue a national title run at Sierra Canyon, which is currently 23-1 and widely considered a top-10 team in the country. At 6-1 with elite athleticism and ability to finish at the rim, and handles that would make many top-tier point guards jealous, it's not hard to see why Watkins is talked about as a generational prospect looking ahead to the next levels.

Jada Wynn – Troy – SR.

Playing her only year of California high school ball after moving in from Washington, the Colorado commit is averaging 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. She's shooting a blistering 42% from three with a quick, high release that's hard to disrupt. Wynn is highly fluid between 2-4 and can even play point guard, but tends to match up with wings. She was a nominee for the McDonald's All-American Games.

Madison Watts – Mary Star of the Sea – SO.

A long, versatile backcourt player with point guard skills and standout measurables, Watts is the rare underclassman who is already very accomplished while still just scratching the surface of her potential. She led the Stars to a CIFSS 4AA title as a freshman, and is averaging 24.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 3.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game on 57% shooting as a sophomore. Watts is 5-10, long, and very athletic, in terms of both explosiveness and overall agility, and she's highly fluid in space. Her ability to get to the rim and finish strong with either hand is already excellent for her age, she passes like a point guard, and her jumper is promising despite having a ways to go. As she refines her ball skills further, time will tell if she projects better as a point forward or as a full-blown PG, but either way, she's a unique and multidimensional prospect who's already proven herself as a winner.

Destiny Agubata – Etiwanda – SO.

One of the most versatile players in the Class of 2024, Agubata averages 16.8 points, a career-high 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game for the top team in the state. She has the slashing skill set and athleticism of a lead guard at the size of a high school center or D-1 forward. For a sophomore who's 6-0 with a very strong frame, Agubata's agility and fluidity are outstanding, making her a matchup nightmare, especially since she can consistently hit open jumpers. She also averages multiple assists a game and routinely impresses with her passing, showing major upside to further develop her distributing game over time. Her versatility shines on defense too. Agubata could be a full-blown national recruit long before her career at Etiwanda is up.

Lani White – Mater Dei – SR.

As a sophomore on the Open Division champ in 2019-20, White didn't get a ton of minutes playing in arguably the deepest backcourt in the country, but she usually made the most of them. She took a leap as a junior to become one of the state's top sixth men, averaging 8.2 points and 1.8 steals per game on over 50% shooting and over 40% 3FG off the bench, and most notably hitting the buzzer-beater that won Mater Dei its second straight CIFSS Open Division title. Known as a textbook 3-and-D prospect, taking another leap as a volume scorer wasn't a guarantee on paper, but White has once again improved substantially to average 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game, carrying a substantial scoring load while still needing very little time with the ball in her hands. At nearly six feet tall with long arms, very good athleticism, and excellent strength for a wiry wing, White is an absolute menace on defense, not only clamping guards and wings but also protecting the rim and guarding bigger forwards this season. If she keeps improving her offensive repertoire while maintaining her outstanding motor and general well-roundedness, she could develop into one of the better two-way wings in the college game as a future Utah Ute.

Soleil Montrose – Mater Dei – SR.

With a knack for hitting clutch shots and the ability to play 2-4 on both ends, Montrose was an important part of Mater Dei's back-to-back CIFSS Open Division titles as a sophomore and junior. As a senior, she's averaging 8.1 points, four rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game as a senior, and is now committed to UTEP.

Sophia Williams – Brea Olinda – SR.

While she goes a bit under the radar, Williams is one of the top wings in the Southern Section and does just about anything and everything for the 23-5 Ladycats. At 5-10, she tends to match up with forwards, but shooting guard is the Colorado-Mesa commit's probably position of the future, and she can even run the point when needed. She averaged 13.1 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game as a senior.

CENTRAL COAST SECTION:

Sophia Williams – Evergreen Valley – SR.

No it's not a typo – two of the top 20 SFs in the state are named Sophia Williams. The one at the CIFCCS upstart is second on the Cougars with 15.6 PPG and first on Evergreen Valley with 14 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.4 steals, and a block a game shooting over 50% from the field.

Valentina Saric – Priory – SR.

After scoring 14.8 points per game as a junior, the Morehead State commit is averaging career-highs of 21.4 points and 6.1 rebounds, and making over 2.5 threes per game at a 38% clip. At well upwards of six feet tall, she essentially plays 2-5 at the high school level, and could very well play the two, three, and four as a D-1 player.

Morgan Cheli – Archbishop Mitty – SO.

While not a ton of people outside of NorCal are aware of it yet, those who know Cheli's game know she's likely to be one of the bigger names in the 2024 class sooner than later. The 6-2 point forward/combo guard leads the CIFCCS juggernaut with 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.6 steals per game to go with 3.3 APG, and shoots 49% from the field, 53% from two, and 39% from three. While her best mold as a prospect is likely as a playmaking wing, she could be a legitimate point guard prospect at 6-2 at higher levels. Cheli already has at least one Power-5 offer coming from Cal.

Makayla Moore – Archbishop Mitty – SR.

Moore is committed to play D-1 ball at Seattle. She averages 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in under 15 MPG on one of the best teams in the state shooting 50% from the field and 56% from two.

CENTRAL SECTION:

Andrea Stajic – St. Joseph (Santa Maria) – SR.

After previously playing at Arroyo Grande, Stajic has been a major factor in St. Joseph's 22-3 start this season, averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 steals per game on 50% shooting (56% EFG). She will stay local to play D-1 ball at Cal Poly.

SAC-JOAQUIN SECTION:

Jordan Lee – St. Mary's (Stockton) – SO.

At upwards of six feet tall with point guard skills and a handful of offers from elite D-1 programs, Lee is one of top 2024 SFs in the country. The 4-star playmaking wing is ranked inside the top 20 in her class and top five at her position. She's averaging 17.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.

Madison Butcher – Del Oro – SR.

A Sacramento State commit, Butcher averages 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 2.3 assists per game on 50% FG, 43% 3FG, and 58% EFG for one of the top teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section. At 5-10 and very strong with a complete game, Butcher plays 1-4 for the Golden Eagles.

SAN DIEGO SECTION:

Taryn Johnson – Cathedral Catholic – SR.

As a junior, the Houston commit averaged career-highs of 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game to help lead Cathedral to a San Diego Section Open Division title. Johnson's scoring average has dropped to 12.3 PPG as a senior, but she's shooting a career-high 54% from the field including a lofty 62% from inside the arc. She's also blocking a career-high 1.1 shots per game.

Kennan Ka – Mission Hills – SR.

A Long Beach State commit, Ka averages 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game shooting 33% from three. Her box score numbers don't jump off the page, but she's a focal point for one of the better teams in the state, and makes a lot of "glue guy" impact. At 5-11 with both a very strong frame and above-average quickness, she's one of the more versatile defensive players in the state.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Emily Eadie – Sage Hill – SO.

Nicole Chuang – West (Torrance) – JR.

Niamey Guillory – Clayton Valley Charter – SR.

Yasmine Garrett – Mt. Diablo – SR.

Kiki Roberts – Vanden – SR.

WATCHLIST:

Morgan Ross – Head-Royce – FR.

Dulci Vail – Acalanes – FR.

Gloria Barrera – St. Paul – FR.

Aliya Latif – Northridge Academy – FR.

Beatriz Zazueta – San Ysidro – SO.

Amoree Ferrel – Xavier Prep – SO.

Amia Witt – Calabasas – SO.

Dee Dee Berry – Birmingham – SO.

Zawadi Ogot – Upland – SO.

Dresha Moore – Leuzinger – SO.

Krista Shaeffer – Sanger – SO.

Leyna Miyaki – North (Torrance) – SO.

Kimiko Kennedy – Lawndale – SO.

Mariah Blake – Westchester – SO.

Kat Righeimer – Sage Hill – SO.

Emily Eadie – Sage Hill – SO.

Nicole Chuang – West (Torrance) – JR.

Princess McCauley – San Jacinto Valley Academy – JR.

Brya Arroyo-Gillcrese – Orangewood Academy – JR.

Makena Ching – Vista Murrieta – JR.

Elise Arnold – Palisades – JR.

Michelle Ogasawara – Kennedy (La Palma) – JR.

Julia Lavigne – Esperanza – JR.

Ron'yae Jackson – Westchester – JR.

Melia Kamalani – Minarets – SR.

Tatum Tamashiro – Rolling Hills Prep – SR.

Rae'Lani Triniti-Frost – Dominguez – SR.

Niamey Guillory – Clayton Valley Charter – SR.

Yasmine Garrett – Mt. Diablo – SR.

Kiki Roberts – Vanden – SR.

Jess Oakland – Saint Francis (Mountain View) – SR.

Bryanna Graham – Bonita – SR.

Carla Hyatt – Shadow Hills – SR.