Area players Gligorije Rakocevic, Balsa Dragovic and Kendall Laudersale have all been ranked among the top 100 seniors-to-be in California in the 2015 Cal-Hi Sports Hot 100.
Rakocevic and Dragovic are both 6-foot-9 post players from Cantwell-Sacred Heart. Each dealt with foot injuries at the beginning of the season but came on strong at the end, helping the Cardinals reach the CIF State Division 4 SoCal final. Rakocevic averaged 10.6 points and 8.6 rebounds and developed the ability to finish with either hand. Dragovic ended the season as a rebounding and shot-blocking force, and he can also step out and knock down a 3-pointer when called upon. Rakocevic is ranked No. 20 among the Class of 2015, Dragovic No. 44.
La Mirada’s Lauderdale, at 6-8 and 220 pounds, already possesses a Division I frame, but didn’t play to his size early in the season and had trouble finishing around the basket. After Christmas, however, he blossomed, topping 20 points 10 times. He finished the season averaging 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. He is ranked 60th.
All three players were Whittier Daily News All-Area first-team selections as juniors.