Ten players to watch at the CIF State Basketball Championships

Video: Top 10 players to watch at CIF championships
Jordan Brown, Kezie Okpala and Ethan Thompson among stars this weekend in Sacramento.

Reaching the CIF State Basketball Championships is thrilling enough. Coaches will tell you they would play the title games at a city park with peach baskets and it would still be a thrill.

But the 2017 California title games will be played at brand new Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings. The facility has been described as breathtaking, spectacular and magical. 

In alphabetical order, here are 10 players who will be starring in the 12-game, two-day event:

Jordan Brown, Woodcreek (Roseville)
Opponent: Bishop Montgomery (Torrance)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-foot-11, 220-pound post is ranked the No. 5 junior prospect in the country by 247Sports. He scored 31 points and added 17 rebounds in the regional final and averages 26.3 points, 15.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. He has a major impact on both ends of the court. "There's not much he can't do," his coach Paul Hayes said. Myles Franklin, Villa Park
Opponent: Mission (San Francisco)
When: 4 p.m. Friday
Why to watch: The Northeastern commit is a slender 6-4 point guard who is skilled, athletic and constantly making plays for himself and teammates. He's the consummate floor general and playmaker. Damari Milstead, Moreau Catholic (Hayward)
Opponent: Esperanza (Anaheim)
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: One of the most productive players in Northern California history, the 6-2 point guard averages 25.9 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game. He scored 43 in the regional final, including nine of Moreau's 10 in overtime to defeat St. Francis. He had Pac-12 Conference offers but decided on Grand Canyon. "I want to set my own path," he said. Matthew Mitchell, Roosevelt (Eastvale)
Opponent: James Logan (Union City)
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Why to watch: At 6-5, the senior guard is an absolute match-up problem for anyone who takes him on. The versatile all-around scorer averages 25.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He's headed to Fullerton. Mitchell and Cal-bound Jemarl Baker make up one of the more formidable duos in the state. Miles Norris, Helix (La Mesa)
Opponent: St. Patrick-St. Vincent (Vallejo)
When: Noon Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-9, 190-pound forward is one of the top juniors in the country. Oregon and Arizona are at the top of his recruiting list. Long, lean and athletic. Kezie Okpala, Esperanza
Opponent: Moreau Catholic
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-8 Stanford-bound guard averages 30.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. A rare athlete at his size to be able to handle the ball, get to the basket and score in a variety of ways. He's scored at least 40 points five times this season, including season-high 46 in regional semifinal 64-51 win over Crossroads. Jordan Schakel, Bishop Montgomery
Opponent: Woodcreek
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-6 senior forward was the team's leading scorer last year (19 points per game) and top rebounder this year. A knee injury messed with his rhythm and confidence most of the year, but the San Diego State-bound standout has hit his stride at precisely the right time. "What separates him is his court sense," Bishop Montgomery coach Doug Mitchell said. "He has a great feel for the game." David Singleton, Bishop Montgomery
Opponent: Woodcreek
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-4 junior guard was also injured to start the season. He broke his foot in the fall. A natural scorer, he's the No. 14-ranked shooting guard for his class in the country. "He can really shoot the ball," Mitchell said. "He can finish. He's a strong, physical kid." Ethan Thompson, Bishop Montgomery
Opponent: Woodcreek
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: The 6-4 combo guard is the best all-around player Mitchell said he's coached in his 28-year career. Inked to Oregon State, Thompson averages a team-best 22 points per game for nation's No. 4 team. "He really doesn't have a flaw," Mitchell said. "He's a point guard, but a very good rebounder. He can score for us and shut down opponents' best player. The best part about him he's such a humble kid. He always has time for people." Kyree Walker, Moreau Catholic
Opponent: Esperanza
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Why to watch: Depending who you talk to, Walker might be the best freshman in the country. The 6-6 point guard has moved to either off guard or small forward because Milstead runs the point. He ranks 11th in the nation in scoring among freshman (21.3) to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. "I have to pinch myself to remind me that he's only a freshman," Moreau coach Frank Knight said. "Sky is the limit for the kid."